<p>Allright, here is the big question. In getting accepted to the major MT programs, how much emphasis is placed on academics. My son is a good student, 3.8 gpa and all honors and AP classes, but he wants to do independent study for his junior year so that he can explore other theater options in adjoining districts and at the community college level. I am concerned that this will diminish his chances for acceptance at a major university. Does anyone know? Has this been an issue for anyone on this forum?</p>
<p>It really depends on the schools you're applying to. Places like University of Michigan and NYU have more of an emphasis on academics in the final decision than say BoCo, CCM and CMU. At a places like CMU and CCM, having good academics is a great thing, but the audition is really what they're looking at, academics are icing on the cake and maybe a deciding factor between two students. With BoCo audition is more like 90% of the decision, since there aren't really other classes except for acting, dancing, and singing.</p>
<p>UofM and NYU count heavily on audition, obviously, but they have very strong academics and expect their students to have strong academics as well so they're more well rounded in their education.</p>
<p>So it would depend on what schools your son wants to go to. I'm assuming that strong liberal arts in his MT program is important. But I don't think his chances will really be diminished with places like UofM or NYU. In the end it really does come down to the audition. The best thing you can do is contact the schools if you're still really concerned with the situation.</p>
<p>well actually, two girls from my school got into the musical theatre program at CMU, but were denied entrance into the school because of bad grades. I'm sure if they wanted the person badly enough, though, they would take them.</p>
<p>Something like that could stand out on a college application and actually improve his chances at impressing the adcom.
or not...i don't know. i guy i went to school with finished hs in 5 years cuz he spent one in argentina and i'm sure that helped him get into columbia.</p>