It’s never too early to start visiting colleges, (yes, 8th and 9th graders this is for you too) and I completely recognize how daunting beginning that search is. Here’s the advice I give all my families: Make it easy, start local. Start by visiting schools near you that represent a variety of characteristics.

If you have decided to pursue performing arts in college, you likely have the added stress of perfecting your repertoire and preparing for possible prescreens and impending auditions.