<p>I hope this isn’t a stupid question because the information is right there on the school’s website, I know. BUT sometimes things aren’t exactly what they seem…</p>
<p>Does CCU require strict academic admission to the University before being considered for the BFA program? I’m asking because although otherwise my D (currently a Junior) appears to be a pretty decent match for this school (3.8 GPA unweighted, in core classes only, hasn’t taken SAT/ACT yet but based on her PSAT it’s looking like she’ll at least be in the ballpark (1150 range?)) she probably won’t meet the 4 years of math and 3 years of lab science requirement. Math is a huge weakness for her and she struggles BIG TIME, although has managed to pull at least a “B” in Alg 1, Alg 2 & Geometry. I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t fare so well in a higher level math. She very much enjoys science and COULD take a 3rd science but her time is going to be so limited next year that she hadn’t planned on it. </p>
<p>From the beginning, she had planned only to apply to schools that only required 3 years of math and 2 years of lab science and she has those done. So, while she could take the “extra” year of each of those as a senior, she is already planning on taking Honors level World Lit, World History and theology (required) in a very intense program next year and quite honestly I was hoping for a less stressful course load while she’s dealing with all of the auditions/application, etc.</p>
<p>Anyone know the answer to this? CCU sounds like it could be a great place for her (assuming she gets into the BFA program, of course!) but we may have to cross it off her list if she doesn’t want to deal with one more stressful year of math.</p>
<p>I’m not a CCU rep, but your kid looks like a pretty strong candidate for admission. A 3.8 GPA and over 1080 on the SAT would put her in the top quartile of admitted students at CCU. Plus, if she has already taken Alg I,II, and Geometry, I would think that might put her in good stead. The third science class may be an issue.</p>
<p>I would suggest you contact someone with CCU’s admission office. They have been very helpful with any questions we have had. Better to know now so you can plan her senior year accordingly.</p>
<p>Based on the information you give, she would be a good academic fit. The university deals with core class GPA and standardized test scores. For scholarship consideration to the program we look at overall GPA and test scores as well as the audition/interview. For admission to the program itself, you must be accepted to the university prior to receiving an invitation to enter the BFA programs. </p>
<p>Hope this helps. Please, post any other questions you may have regarding the program.</p>
<p>Tracy - I would second arrdad’s advice to go ahead and contact admissions. (The admissions counselors are assigned by territory so just email the one for your state.) When my D was admitted she did not have a 4th year of math and it wasn’t an issue but things could have changed. We found both financial aid and admissions to be very helpful and easy to work with. I also found that they were flexible based on special circumstances. With your D’s stats she would be eligible for some academic scholarship money. If she can get the SAT score up she could get even more.</p>
<p>It’s way in the future, but it’s also a plus that to graduate with a BFA you’re only required to take one Math class. It’s 4 credits (4 days a week- ugh!) but that’s not bad if you’re not a math whiz. I’m certainly not! If you have any other questions besides academic ones (Ken’s got that) feel free to PM me!</p>
<p>Thanks to all for your thoughtful replies. I did call Admissions and spoke with the most delightful and helpful counselor.</p>
<p>She said that “unfortunately” yes, the 4th year of math is a brand new requirement for this year. She said that if my D had been applying THIS year there would have been some leeway (especially for an out-of-state candidate) because it’s new, but for next year and going forward she expects it to be a more stringent requirement. The explanation is that all SC high schools have moved to a 4-year math requirement, so it made sense for the University to require it also.</p>
<p>But she did offer some suggestions for some classes that might work for her such as Statistics, Discrete Math and the like that aren’t Calculus and Trigonometry. (I didn’t think to ask if Consumer Math would work but I’m thinking maybe yes. ) Another option might be to TRY to take something at the community college in the summer, although between rehearsing for shows, teaching dance and directing/choreographing for camps that’s going to be tough!</p>
<p>The counselor’s final word of encouragement was that even if she doesn’t decide to take that 4th year of math, she should still apply because really, no one knows exactly how it’s going to play out and you never know if they might decide to make an exception for a very strong candidate.</p>
<p>I cannot tell you how impressed I’ve been with everyone we’ve talked to at or about this school! Something tells me we’re going to be having to schedule a trip across country next Fall!</p>
<p>Thank you again for the warm welcome and the kind replies!</p>
<p>Tracy - Good to know now so she can think about her options. Can she take a math class online this summer? I know our community college offers several distance learning options for math. Just a thought!</p>
It’s 4 credits (4 days a week- ugh!) but that’s not bad if you’re not a math whiz. I’m certainly not! If you have any other questions besides academic ones (Ken’s got that) feel free to PM me!</p>