<p>hi, mintchip. You are wise to work on this right now. I suggest reading ALL the CC threads you can find on flute and auditions. Also network with as many people as you can. You will gain tons of information and insight.
Any way you can fly in for NFA annual convention in Anaheim in a couple of weeks? If there is a way to do that, I would. It is informative and there is a presentation by flute professors each yr. Check out NFA website for details.
Any way you can visit some prospective teachers/schools? - They may give you direct answers about sending a CD instead of a live audition (though some places require live and some permit international applicants to send, but the question is, is this in your best interest?)
Aside from the actual audition, a lot of flute apps at university music schools and conservatories are pre-screened; this is the time to work on rep so you can do a strong recording this fall and mail it off to wherever you apply. Your final list of schools/apps may change, but you should try to get a handle on this quite soon and look at their rep.</p>