Getting Into OCHSA ~ One Step at a Time

One step at a time….

It’s the time of year that lots of people find this site because they are looking for information about how to get into OCHSA. Preview Sessions are underway and applications are now being accepted. If you’ve been waiting to apply, or thinking about it, now is the time! You have to get off the fence. You’ve got to get organized. No more procrastination — it’s time for action!

You probably know that and I image there is a good chance that’s how you found me. Most likely, you are looking for insight or some useful tips that might help you gain an advantage or give you some direction. Good move! I have always been a big believer in the idea that knowledge is power so I am with you. I wish I could you give the intimate details about each conservatory and help you understand what each director is looking for, specifically. Unfortunately, even as an OCHSAmama and an ‘insider’, there is a lot going on and my experience is limited. My OCHSA kid has auditioned for, and been accepted into, just 2 of the 12 available conservatories; and my OCHSA hopeful has his eye on but one.

But let me steer you in the right direction and tell you how you can find out. Attend a Preview Day. This is the first step to getting accepted. It’s simple. Sign up and go to one. You will have a chance to get the scoop from someone who does know and you can ask any and every question that is buzzing around your OCHSA-minded brain. You may even get answers to some questions you didn’t even know you had since others are there asking questions too. It’s a good thing and you should go. It will really help clear some things up and will also hopefully get you focused so you can move onto the next step: Applying.

You want to be concise, relevant, and professional. Going to a Preview Day will give you the tools you need to accomplish this.

Here is the catch: The second Preview Day was held today (Nov. 19th). There will only be three in all. The third and final session will be held on Saturday, January 7th. So if you haven’t attended one yet, you still have one last chance. RSVP and go.

How many steps does it take to succeed? We may never know.

We went to the first one on October 15 and I heard that day that about 1,000 people had RSVP’d. That’s a lot of people and I image that today’s second Preview Day had that many or more. The third event in January is likely to be equally well attended. Make sure to review the audition requirements for the conservatory or conservatories for which you’d like to audition (you can audition for up to two) and plan to attend the appropriate session and ask appropriate question. From this point, you will have about 30 days to complete and turn in your application. Ideally it should be submitted a.s.a.p., as the on-line audition scheduling will be underway by that point. Those who don’t have their applications in by mid February will not be guaranteed an audition.

Okay, and sorry to do this to you. I don’t really want to end on a negative note. But there is something I feel as though I should tell you. OCHSA has said that the school is not planning on expanding much next year, so admission will be more competitive. This is important. This means you must be prepared and you must be ready, willing and able to impress!

To get through the hardest journey we need take only one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping. ~ Chinese Proverb

That guy must have gone to OCHSA.