# Help for Prospective 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 *when* and *what* you might play for us. - **STEP 4:** Audition! There are two ways — and **you do not need to wait for your UNLV admission decision** to audition: - Sign up for one of the posted **Scholarship Audition dates** (listed in [[2.1 Audition Requirements (all levels)|Audition Requirements]]) — this considers you for both entrance *and* scholarships. - Missed the posted dates? Email the [[1.3 Faculty and Staff|Percussion Area Coordinator]] to schedule an individual entrance audition — accepted up until just before the semester begins, but **entrance only, no scholarship consideration**. - **STEP 5:** Carefully read the Scholarships section below regarding financial aid. - **STEP 6:** Still have questions? Email [email protected] ![[2.4 Scholarships and Funding#Undergraduate Scholarships]] ## After Admission Once you're admitted to UNLV and have passed your entrance audition: - **STEP 1:** Sign up for [UNLV Orientation](https://www.unlv.edu/orientation) - **STEP 2:** Receive your [RebelCard](https://www.unlv.edu/rebelcard) at Orientation — you'll need it for studio access later. - **STEP 3:** Monitor your email and check the [[2026-2027 Orientation Page]] regularly before the semester starts. Then work through the [[2.0 Before You Arrive (Freshman Checklist)|Before You Arrive checklist]] — books, sticks and mallets, orientation, and PAS membership, all on one page. ## 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. ## 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...