<p>I'm a senior this year and am looking to attend a conservatory/BFA acting program. I've done a lot of research of the top acting schools, but since each program only accepts a handful of actors, my list is quite long. I also have a few BA options as well. Below is my list (in a somewhat particular order):</p>
<p>Carnegie Mellon
Juilliard
Boston University
University of Southern California
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Rutgers Mason Gross
University of Michigan or Minnesota
Ithaca
Northwestern
UCLA
Cornell </p>
<p>This is my list narrowed down, haha. I already eliminated DePaul, Montclair, University of Washington, Vassar, NYU, Muhlenberg, University of Evansville (even though I was already accepted), and a few others. Do you guys think the ones I crossed off was wise? Is my list too large? Do you agree with the ones I have based on their programs?</p>
<p>I'm not applying to this many schools because I don't think I'll get in. I actually think I have a pretty good chance of getting into a top acting school; I'm a good student (95-96 GPA with lots of honors and APs) and have a very strong theatrical background. I just have no idea what these colleges are looking for, so it's better to apply and audition to a bunch, no?</p>
<p>I'm seeking advice/words of wisdom since this acting path for college is quite crazy (stressful) and very different from the average student. Thanks to anyone who read this whole thing and is willing to help! </p>
<p>I’m concerned that you believe you have a good chance of getting into a top acting school when the competition is so incredibly high. Be aware that even the most talented people don’t get accepted to a BFA program. Good to hear that you have non auditioned BA options too. Love your safety is my motto…</p>
<p>You may want to read the Final Decision/Background threads found on this forum and the Musical Theatre forum to get an idea of the unpredictable nature of acceptances and rejections.</p>
<p>No I understand completely that getting into a top acting school is very competitive! That’s why my list is quite large and with BA options as well. I had just stated that I think my chances might be good based on what I know about myself and what I’ve been told and that it might have helpful for others to understand what kind of candidate I am. But thank you! I will also check out those threads, but my questions are more about the programs on my list and if I should add some schools back on or if my list is good the way is it. </p>
<p>A great BA program and school that gives amazing merit aid is Drew University just outside of NYC. Small liberal arts college with great training…</p>
<p>@katiehopshigh - Your list is actually not very large in terms of numbers that will be accepted. Have you looked at those numbers in your research? I am not familiar with counts for every school on your list (though you can check freshman class size thread) but most are under 20, half of whom will generally be guys. So most schools on your list are looking for 10 girls. Boston is the largest freshman class on your list- I think they accept around 60 to yield a class of 40ish (that may not be exact info) Every BFA program you list is an extreme reach- for anyone. Now for the BA programs (Northwestern, UCLA and Cornell) I only know anything specific about NU - as it was on my D’s list last year too. The accept a good sized group (certainly compared to BFAs) and your academic stats seem a fit… but not a safety. I know a NMF who was turned down for NU last year…</p>
<p>All this is NOT meant to be the voice of doom and gloom, or to discourage you from following your dreams to your dream school. CMU may have only take 6 six girls last year (again, check the freshman class thread for #s) out of thousands who auditioned, but they did take 6- and why shouldn’t one be you? But go in with your eyes open, and think about other places, LA schools, BFAs that are a little more “regional” rather than “national” or take larger #s. Best advice of all- prepare for these applications and auditions like you were going to war- b/c you may soon feel like you are fighting one. Best of luck to you</p>
<p>Yes I agree with toowonderful. Your list is not too long, and the BA’s you have are very competitive. Even the best students can get turned down academically. I think you need to add a safety. A school where you know you will be accepted academically, and where you like the theatrical training.
My D is at UNCSA so if you have any questions about UNCSA feel free to ask. As a reference, UNCSA auditioned 600 students and the class has 10 girls and 14 boys.
Good Luck!</p>
<p>Have you been accepted to Evansville by audition, or just academically? If they have already accepted you based on an audition, I would hold on to that acceptance. Many terrific young actors come out of this process with only one auditioned acceptance. And, as everyone else has suggested, I’d find at least one non-auditioned program where you are in the top 20% by grades and scores. (Northwestern and Cornell are both lottery schools even for those with wonderful grades.) If you’d be happy at Rutgers in the BA program, that could be your safety. The other option is to recognize that you’re taking a risk and start thinking about what you’d do during a gap year. You may well get into your very top school and I hope you do! But be sure you have something solid in the mix-- a gap year plan or safety (better yet, two safeties) that you’re comfortable with. </p>
<p>If what you really want is conservatory training, I’d suggest looking at adding one or two more. Hartt is one I’d suggest you might want to look at. The people running it came from UNCSA and its modelled very similarly based on discussions I’ve had with posters who have kids there. </p>
<p>I agree with adding UNSCA, maybe DePaul or Roosevelt. Be sure to add a couple of safety BA’s…maybe Muhlenberg, UC San Diego. Several schools on your list accept less than 5 percent of applicants and base most of their decision on the audition, not academics…UCLA, CMU, Julliard, etc. If the school requires an audition it cannot be considered a safety for anyone. Northwestern is very difficult to get into…my son had top notch academics, very high ACT and tons of AP classes…got rejected early decision. If you would be happy with a BA at USC instead of a BFA, you would have a good chance of getting in there with high academics. P.S. He is a freshman at Michigan and loves the program.</p>
<p>Agree that Fordham is worth considering given your academic credentials and the other schools on your list. Its a BA prorgram but its similar to Northwestern in that its closer to a BFA than most BA programs. </p>