# Help for Incoming Freshmen Choosing whether to study music in college can be daunting. This page helps you take your first steps. ## First Steps - **STEP 1:** Fill out our [Interest Form](https://airtable.com/appV2UFEOZdQxBIMH/pagqI37v3buD3u4hS/form) so we know who you are. - **STEP 2:** [Apply to UNLV](https://www.unlv.edu/admissions/undergraduate/first-year) - **STEP 3:** Read our [[2.1 Audition Requirements (all levels)|Audition Requirements]] to plan what you might play for us. - **STEP 4:** Still have questions? Email [email protected] ## After Admission Once you're admitted to UNLV: - **STEP 1:** Email the [[1.3 Faculty and Staff|Percussion Area Coordinator]] to set up an Audition Time - **STEP 2:** Come to [[1.1 Program Information#Location|campus]] and audition - **STEP 3:** Obtain your [Rebel Card](https://www.unlv.edu/rebelcard) - **STEP 4:** Sign up for [UNLV Orientation](https://www.unlv.edu/orientation) - **STEP 5:** Monitor your email and check the [[2026-2027 Orientation Page]] regularly before the semester starts. ## What do I need to know before I get to college? Our [[2.1 Audition Requirements (all levels)|Audition Requirements]] covers the music side. Beyond that: - **Understand the cost — time and money.** Do your research. Ask people already in college. Ask faculty and advisors; that's what they're there for. - **Get your communication skills into shape.** ***Email is everything*** — clear, timely communication will make or break you as a student. Be respectful and use appropriate language (no "lol," "omg," or emoji). Learn your professors' titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Dr.); when in doubt, "Professor." - **Help yourself first before asking for help.** Immediately asking for help without trying yourself makes a fast negative impression. Everyone is managing their own problems — manage *yours first*, and if you hit a true dead end, *then* ask. - **Use this site to find answers.** Virtually every detail you need to thrive as a UNLV Percussion student is here. ## Scholarships The Percussion Area has no dedicated scholarship fund — a "full-ride percussion scholarship" or even a "percussion scholarship" at UNLV does not exist. However, the Percussion Area solicits *ample* internal funding sources to award scholarships to incoming students. There is no set amount or tiered system, but **money is available.** ### So how do I get scholarships? You audition! Reach out *early* and get on the Scholarship Audition schedule. Auditioning is the **only** way to be considered, first come, first served. In rare cases, UNLV faculty may see you perform publicly and contact you directly as a scholarship candidate. But no percussion faculty can or will ever offer you a scholarship directly. **If anyone claims to offer you a scholarship to our program, please email us immediately.** ## Additional FAQs and Links to Helpful Topics - What [[3.1.1 General Requirements and Materials#Sticks & Mallets|Sticks and Mallets]] do I need before getting to college? - more FAQs soon...