College
Candidate
Program
Class of 2027
Welcome to the most robust College Prep
program for dancers, in the world!
Meet Your Team
Professional artists. College experts. Personal mentorship, start to finish.
Preston Miller, Director
Ailey/Fordham '10
Jacqueline Miller, Mentor
Ailey/Fordham '11
Morgan Clune, Mentor
Juilliard '22
Heath Gustafson, Coach
University of Chicago '14
Applying to college for dance isn’t just auditions.
It’s deadlines, prescreens, essays, travel, decision pressure, and money conversations happening all at once.
Most families don’t struggle because the dancer “isn’t good enough.”
They struggle because they’re trying to navigate a complicated world without clarity, timelines, or insider guidance.
That's where we come in.
Our team of coaches knows everything about the industry that you dream of, and we're here to help you discover your journey to greatness. The College Candidate Program is a complete senior-year system that gives dancers and parents a real team, clear strategy, and weekly support through every phase, so you land in the right-fit school and your home stays steady in the process.
How it Works
This is how we customize your Senior Year journey.
Throughout the school year, College Candidates participate in live virtual College Prep Classes designed to guide them step by step through the entire college application process.
These interactive sessions offer practical tools, expert insight, and personalized guidance on key topics, including:
- Crafting standout résumés
- Writing compelling Personal Statements and Dance Department essays
- Filming effective Pre-Screen videos
- Understanding application timelines and requirements
- Navigating scholarship opportunities and negotiations
College Prep Classes take place virtually on Friday evenings and are recorded for those who are unable to attend live.
Throughout the school year, each College Candidate is paired with one of our dedicated College Mentors and participates in personalized virtual Mentor Office Hours designed to support them at every stage of the college dance application process.
These one-on-one sessions provide individualized guidance, strategic planning, and ongoing accountability to help students stay organized, meet deadlines, and strengthen their application materials. Mentor Office Hours also offer a supportive space for students to ask questions, share progress, and receive tailored feedback from experienced professionals who understand the journey firsthand.
Mentor Office Hours take place virtually throughout the year, ensuring every College Candidate receives consistent, personalized support throughout their college preparation experience.
Our essay proofreading gives College Candidates expert guidance on both Common App and Dance Department essays. Each essay receives detailed, written feedback from our experienced team, helping students refine their writing to clearly communicate their story and meet application requirements.
This service is designed to polish essays and maximize their impact, giving students a stronger edge in the admissions process and enhancing opportunities for acceptance and scholarships.
College Candidates receive full access to all 12 Training Weekends at The Shed throughout the 2026–2027 school year. These immersive weekends are thoughtfully designed to accelerate technical growth, refine artistry, and prepare dancers for auditions and the college application process.
Led by our experienced Directors, dancers train intensively in Ballet, Jazz, Graham, and Horton, building the versatility and technical range colleges expect during Audition Season. Each day emphasizes athleticism, artistry, and the development of strong training habits in a focused, high-level environment.
With a maximum of only 20 dancers per weekend, every participant receives meaningful individualized attention and guidance.
FALL SEMESTER
- August 14-16: Kick-Off Weekend (MANDATORY)
- September 4-6
- September 18-20
- October 9-11
- October 23-25
- November 6-8
- November 20-22: Mock Audition Weekend
- December 4-6
SPRING SEMESTER
- February 19-21
- March 12-14
- April 9-11
- April 23-25: College Signing Day Weekend
- May 14-16
Sample In-Person Training Schedule
FRIDAY
7:30pm - 9pm
WELCOME CLASS
Scheduled to allow dancers time to travel
and settle with a class before the grind begins.
SATURDAY
11:00am - 4pm
ATHLETICISM DAY
Saturday has an intense 3 hour training session
followed by a choreography and performance
session designed to push stamina and reveal
habits.
SUNDAY
10am - 3pm
ARTISTRY DAY
Sunday is all about artistry as dancers train for
2 hours before performance study for the rest
of the day.
August 2026
Planning Season
Planning Season is where we set the strategy. We learn your dancer’s story, define the target, and map a clear, customized Application Plan that drives the entire year.
1. Build Your College List
2. Organize Your College Spreadsheet
3. Build Your Resume & Portfolio
January - March 2026
Audition Season
Audition Season is where you step into the room and deliver. Before we do, we make sure you're prepared:
1. Mock Auditions
2. Mock Interviews
3. Mid-Season One-on-Ones
September - December 2026
Application Season
Application Season is the heaviest academic lift of the year. We keep you moving daily so you submit polished, top-tier materials, well before the deadlines.
1. Complete Academic Requirements
2. Write & Edit Essays
3. Film & Submit Pre-Screens
April 2026
Acceptance Season
Acceptance Season is about getting the most dollars and cents before making your grand announcement.
1. Negotiate Scholarships
2. Finalize Financial Packages
3. Announce at Signing Day
Complete Support for Your Dancer's Senior Year.
"
We were blown away at the support of the entire team at TDA Prep leading up to Acceptance Season. Once it was time to negotiate our scholarships, their advice and patience saved us over 5-figures per year!
Michelle & Pauline Osanya - Fordham University Class of 2027
"
The team at TDA Prep has always supported my daughter in a holistic way, putting her first and foremost. They not only give her the confidence to pursue her dreams, but they give her the support and guidance to make them realistic. Thank you for being there when we needed you!
Eleni Keller - Parent of Indiana University student Class of 2027
Cost
The full cost of tuition includes
Weekly College Prep Classes
Monthly Office Hours
Unlimited Training Weekends
Full Scholarship Negotiation
Add-Ons Available:
Solo Choreography & Pre-Screens
$755 / mo
Tuition is paid from August-April
"
TDA Prep supported me along parts of the college journey that I didn't even know I needed. My dancing improved, I wasn't stressed, and I got into the college that has made my dreams a reality. Their guidance and mentorship has changed my life!
Carley Brooks - Fordham University Class of 2025
"
The College Candidate Program was exactly what I was hoping it would be for my daughter. They were with us every step of the way and met every difficulty with optimism. My daughter and I couldn't have done it without them!
Isabelle Burns - Parent of Point Park University student Class of 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
The College Candidate Program is designed for high school seniors who are actively preparing to apply and audition for college dance programs, as well as dancers who have already graduated from high school and are taking a gap year before heading to college.
The program supports dancers during this transition period by helping them prepare, apply, and confidently navigate the college audition process.
Yes. To be considered for the College Candidate Program applicants must attach a link to a 1-3 minute solo or improv sample when submitting their online application.
Yes, scholarships are available should you be accepted into the College Candidate Program. Scholarship information will be given upon acceptance.
Application decisions are sent on a rolling basis. Applicants can expect to receive their decision 4-5 days after application has been submitted.
College Prep Classes are held virtual via Zoom.
Every College Prep Class is recorded and uploaded to our College Candidate student portal, where students can access every College Prep Class for the year should students be unable to attend a class live.
Our training facility, The Shed, is located in the West Suburbs of Chicago, IL. Driving distance from both O'Hare and Midway Airports. The Shed is comfortably situated in a large hotel and corporate housing market making trips to The Shed easy and convenient.
The Shed
456 Randy Rd.
Carol Stream, IL 60188
College Candidates receive full access to all 12 Training Weekends throughout the 2026–2027 school year to encourage the audition prep that can only occur in the studio, however it is not required for a successful Senior Year.
The following Training Weekends are available for College Candidates to attend at no additional charge:
FALL SEMESTER
- August 14-16: Kick-Off Weekend (MANDATORY)
- September 4-6
- September 18-20
- October 9-11
- October 23-25
- November 6-8
- November 20-22: Mock Audition Weekend
- December 4-6
SPRING SEMESTER
- February 19-21
- March 12-14
- April 9-11
- April 23-25: College Signing Day Weekend
- May 14-16
Sample In-Person Training Weekend Schedule
FRIDAY
7:30pm - 9pm
WELCOME CLASS
Scheduled to allow dancers time to travel and settle with a class before the grind begins.
SATURDAY
11am - 4pm
ATHLETICISM DAY
Saturday has an intense 3 hour training session followed by a choreography and performance session designed to push stamina and reveal habits.
SUNDAY
10am - 3pm
ARTISTRY DAY
Sunday is all about artistry as dancers train for 2 hours before performance study for the rest of the day.
Yes. College audition solo choreography is available to members of the College Candidate Program at an additional cost. These solos are created specifically to support your college audition goals and check the boxes that colleges are looking for.
If you are interested in having a solo choreographed, please contact our Director of Family Engagement at heath@tdaprep.com for pricing and next steps.
Signing Day Weekend for the Class of 2027 is April 23-25.