Adult Returning to College for theater arts - Any place to find help?

<p>I'm an adult who attended college for three years, and would like to return to start a new major. I have most of the gen eds that were required, but for the majors I'd like to apply for, I need to follow a full three - four year track. </p>

<p>Are there any services out there that can help me with organizing my college search/application process - much like a high school counselor would? I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and need some help setting my options and steps to be taken in order.</p>

<p>Thanks!'</p>

<p>PS. I am specifically looking at acting/theatre arts, so if there are any organizations out there that specialize in helping prospective students with that, I'd love to know!</p>

<p>Is cost an issue? If so, what is your budget? How much can you pay each year?</p>

<p>If so, then you should probably look at the colleges that are in your area.</p>

<p>Right now I’m not looking at cost. I already have several colleges I’m considering, so it’s not so much the choice I need help with - but guidance in organizing what information I need to submit, the order I should follow with the admission process, etc. </p>

<p>Since I’ve been out of college for seven years (high school for 11), I don’t know what information is still relevant to my application. I also have so many questions, I feel having face-to-face (or at least, via phone) interaction would be better than going through all of them on a message board. Basically I’m looking for any services that can help me get started with the application/financial aid process. Show me my options. Possibly someone who can look at my entire situation (regarding past grades, previous employment, finances, etc) and help me create a realistic set of expectations and goals.</p>

<p>Get in touch with soozievt, who is a college counsellor with expertise in admissions for theatre. She is also a member here and parent whose daughter graduated last year with a BFA. You are unlikely to find anyone with more experience and knowledge when it comes to the admissions process for studying theatre in college. Here’s a link to a thread where she posted:</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/theater-drama-majors/806741-anyone-classical-studio-nyu.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/theater-drama-majors/806741-anyone-classical-studio-nyu.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Click on her username and in the dropdown menu, send her an email and she can tell you what the process is to hire her.</p>

<p>Many colleges and universities have offices for non-traditional students. Once you have identified schools to which you would like to apply the resources in the school offices will be invaluable.</p>

<p>Are you hoping to pursue a BA or a BFA training program? What are your goals after obtaining your undergraduate degree? Are you interested in graduate school? If so, you may want to find an undergraduate program that would allow you to complete the major course work in the shortest period of time and help prepare you for graduate school auditions/ interviews. </p>

<p>Depending on the school policies some to all of your general education requirements should transfer. However, if a school has more “rigid” distribution requirements (and holds non-traditional students to those same requirements as traditional students) you may still need a few general education classes at some schools.</p>

<p>As you mentioned, depending on the school it may take anywhere from 2 (some BA programs, perhaps) to 4 (conservatory style BFA programs) years to complete the major requirements.</p>

<p>I had a classmate during undergrad who had been dancing professionally until he was 27, and had only completed 1 year of college prior to attending Syracuse Drama. I cannot remember how many of the general education courses he needed to complete, but I believe it took him 3 years to complete the program.</p>

<p>I went to grauate school with someone who did not attend college until he was 27. He spent 4 years in undergrad before graduating and attending graduate school. I think he may have even lived in the dorms for a year or two!</p>