Right. CUKAS deadline was 1st of October, so even if I did submit a late application it mightnt even be accepted if they dont have audition space.. have I got that right? Royal Academy of Music deadline isnt until noon on Monday(12th) so there might still be time for that one if im right. I delayed it partly because of cost and partly because I was having trouble figuring out who I could get as a musical reference and didnt want to send on the application only to end up without references altogether. Im now half thinking of sending it on anyway(very last minute I know..) and *hopefully* sorting out references later. As far as musical reference goes, I could either ask one of a handfull of people ive met and played for about once or one of a few who Ive barely seen in six years. I have a licentiate in piano performance and have been working on a fellowship....based on that what chance does it sound like Id have of getting in? Im a little older than the average applicant too. 'Academically' I probably wont look promising to them, school didnt go too well .

Should I chance it? Not long left to decide!

If its what you really want to do - go for it.

You'll never know what could have happened unless you try.

Plus theres always Napier/Aberdeen/Glasgow that you can apply through UCAS yeah?

Word of warning: Don't send in an incomplete application form (ie without referees)

My friend is on the admissions panel of a very selective degree course (not music) and any small things like that are a reason to discard the application - so many people apply for some degrees.

Suggestion would be to phone the admissions people of the colleges you are considering applying to and ask their advice. This shows genuine interest and as a 'mature' you will be treated fairly.

It sounds like you have reached a high standard of performance and stand a good chance. Your school grades shouldn't matter so much, as your audition will probably be more important.

However, I agree that it might count against you if you haven't got your application properly sorted out and complete. To be honest it sounds like your application is going to be a bit rushed if you send it this year - you should have really aimed to ask someone to be your referee well in advance and people probably won't appreciate being asked to do this at the last minute. Also, I think you should ask someone like your piano teacher who knows you well and is in a position of authority. (I think you are actually required to provide two references, although I might be wrong) I hope that didn't sound mean, I just think that although your playing is of a high standard, you should make sure you are well prepared for the specific challenge of the application and audition process. I would take time to seek advice, go to open days, approach potential referees, write a kick-###### personal statement and apply next year.

x Bass Clef

its probably pushing it, they will get loads of applicants for piano.

Academically wise they ask for 2 E's at A level. However they normally require at least a C in Music (I know RCM definatly does). Having said that if you have an amazing audition they tend not to care.

Apparantly there was someone once who auditioned for guildhall but had no GCSE's or A levels, they said that if he could write a short story (to prove he wasn't completly stupid) they would offer him a place

Good luck anyhow, I'm applying for RCM, RNCM, Trinity and Birmingham

Thanks,
The issue with references was because I was in between teachers but I have just sorted that out I think. Next year it is I suppose..