- It doesn't matter when you apply.
Every season, especially if you're on the Facebook group for your program season, rumors get started that there are certain times that are better than others to apply for the program. This is simply not true, as it has been disputed on multiple occasions by recruiters on the official Disney Internships and Programs blog. From the time that applications open until the time that they close, it makes absolutely no difference when you submit your application. If you're seeing posts on the Facebook groups about this, completely disregard them, it doesn't matter at all. You can apply on the first day or the last day that applications are out and it won't make any difference in your own application process.
2. Know the stages of the application process.
It's important to understand the different stages of the application process when you apply for the Disney College Program. The stages that tend to cause the most confusion are "in progress," and "in submission." An application that is "in submission" has been submitted but has not been denied, nor asked to move on with the process. "In progress," means that your application is on its way to moving forward. Each season (well, at least since the submission stage became a thing) rumors circulate (usually via Facebook) that the recruiters "randomly" select which applications will remain in submission instead of moving on with the process. Again, the official Disney Internships and Programs blog has disproved this theory, by stating that the program is simply very competitive, and while they can't go into detail about why each single applicant might not get through the submission stage, their applications are being looked at, and the decision to keep them in submission is deliberate. If you do end up in the submission stage for the entire application season (meaning that your application will eventually become "no longer in consideration," don't worry-- I know plenty of CPs who applied to the program multiple times before finally being accepted, don't give up hope.
3. Take your time filling out the application.
This one may sound like common sense, but it really is super important to make sure that you take your time filling out the initial application. Filling it out can be tedious, but you're better off taking your time to ensure that all of the information on the application really is correct.
4. Don't lie or exaggerate.
The biggest things you can lie about that will ruin your chances of being accepted into the DCP is your status as a college student (which Disney will check) and if you've submitted an application before. In both of these instances you can automatically be rejected, so it really isn't worth lying on the basic application.
5. Carefully consider your role selections.
When applying for the DCP, it is extremely important to consider all of the role selections very carefully when deciding which ones you would be interested in working during your program. If there are any roles you know you would absolutely hate, select "no interest" for them, that way if you're accepted you know you won't be stuck in a role you really didn't want. (I'll be posting a more detailed piece about each of the roles sometime next week!)
6. Don't compare you progress to anyone else's.
Comparing yourself to others while applying to the DCP really won't do you any good. It's easy to be jealous when others' applications seem to be moving along faster than yours, but it will be much better for you in the long run if you keep the jealousy to a minimum.
7. Be positive about the program season and location.
Once you're accepted for either the regular, quarter, or advantage program, or the Anaheim or Orlando program, you cannot change the dates or location. This is especially important when deciding if you'll be in Florida or California as the difference in the price of acceptance fees is drastically more expensive in California (and California's program is much more competitive and does not include transportation.)
8. Upload (or at least create/update) your resume.
The DCP does not require you to upload a resume while you're applying to the program, however it definitely doesn't hurt to have one ready to go. Even though you don't need it to apply, it's helpful to have all of your previous experience spelled out right in front of you, and you'll definitely need an updated resume during and after your program (especially if you attend resume workshops or apply for professional internships or other jobs at Disney.)
9. Have lots of patience.
The most difficult part of applying to the DCP is playing the waiting game. Unfortunately, the whole application process really takes some time, and the most stressful part is waiting to hear back about whether or not you've been accepted. Try to use other things as distractions, and know that you're not alone as every potential future-CP is playing the waiting game right along with you.
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My book, "Brittany Earns Her Ears," which documents my time on the Disney College Program as a merchandise cast member, is now available on Amazon! Click here to order your copy today!
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