Your September Pre-Screen & College Audition Checklist

September is a pivotal time in the college audition and pre-screen process. Most schools open their pre-screening portals right at the start of the month, and the difference between a calm fall and a chaotic one often comes down to your preparation and submitting your materials early.

Here's the truth: nothing about this process is fully in your control. Pre-screen passes, faculty preferences, what a program is looking for that particular year — none of that is up to you. But your prep? That's 100% yours. So let's make September count.

Our advice: aim to have your pre-screens and applications submitted by the end of this month. Not because you have to (the final pre-screen deadline for many schools falls in November or December), but because every piece you check off now is one less thing following you into the rest of senior year.

Here's your checklist:

1. Set Up Your Acceptd Profile

If you haven't already, create your profile on [Acceptd] — most programs use it as the portal for submitting your artistic materials (pre-screens).

2. Quadruple-Check Your Requirements

Cut lengths, framing, file labeling, and more — the details matter. Build a system (checklist, spreadsheet, folder, whatever sticks) so nothing slips through.

Labeling is its own category. Many schools have details for how videos should be titled and uploaded. Keep a running log per school so you're never guessing at 11 pm the night before a deadline.

3. Schedule & Film Your Pre-Screens

• Do a test run if you haven't yet

• Lock in a filming day and a backup day

• Review your takes before you select the final ones!

• And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to a trusted teacher, mentor, or coach for support and feedback!

Need a refresher? Check out our recent blog on How to Film Your College Pre-Screen for tips and reminders.

4. Film & Edit Your Wildcard Video

If it's not done yet, now is the time. Remember: Your wildcard isn't about production value or flashy skills — it's about showing who you are. Personal beats polished, every time.

5. Finalize Essays & Supplements

Confirm every prompt you need — from artistic supplements to personal statements, on top of whatever your Common App or university app requires. Get those drafts done, then edit, edit, edit until it's submission-ready.

6. Polish Your Headshot & Resume

Your resume should be clean, current, and easy to scan — no need to pad it with your elementary school production of The Three Little Pigs. Programs understand that training and experience look different for every student. Plus, you are going to school to LEARN!

Got new headshots or took some photos with a friend? Pick your final shot so you have that all set and ready to roll!

7. Complete & Submit Your Applications

Many schools require that your application be submitted before or at the same time as your pre-screen for it to be reviewed. If you can submit early, do it. There are a few schools that may allow you to submit your pre-screens and THEN your application, but again - if that application is completed and ready to go, don’t delay. And if a school doesn't require a pre-screen, submit the application early anyway so you can start locking in audition dates!

8. Submit Those Pre-Screens

This is the moment. Double-check everything, then submit through Acceptd or the program's portal.

One Last Thing

Once your pre-screens are in, trust your prep and the work you've put in. You may pass some and not others — there's rarely a clean pattern to why and it’s not worth it to go down the rabbit hole of trying to figure it out. Remember this throughout the whole process: acceptances, rejections, and the waitlist are not reflections of your talent or your worth. Lean on your support system, and don’t forget to celebrate every small win along the way. You've earned it!

How Aspire Can Help

At Aspire, we’re dedicated to providing a comprehensive, all-inclusive approach to college audition prep. Our live coaching sessions, personalized repertoire selection, and one-on-one support mean that you never have to navigate this process alone.

From the moment you sign up until your child receives their acceptance—and beyond—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.If you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply want expert advice tailored to your family’s needs, consider joining Aspire.

Our unique support system has helped countless families turn audition stress into a confident, streamlined journey.

Ready to lighten your load and to have less stress during college audition season?

📢 Learn more about Aspire and book a FREE 30-minute consult today!

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. With the right team by your side, even the toughest process becomes manageable—and, dare we say, enjoyable. 💛