I’m an incoming senior, and I have 8 schools that are currently on my list. They’re all BFA programs that require me to do an audition, but 3 of the schools also have BA options that I’m going to use as my “safeties”. Do you think this is enough? I really love all of the schools on my list. Should I look for more options?
Are the BA’s really safeties for acceptance and affordability?
That sounds low, but it depends on the schools.
If you do not get in to the BFA programs at the schools where you have the BA as your “saftey” would you be happy attending even without the BFA? Do BA students get opportunities for training and performance at those schools?
Need to see a list of schools. If they’re all top tier no. And a BA will not always happen if you don’t get into the BFA. Sometimes you have to reapply to a different program.
I think it would be helpful for us to see your list. Not all schools are the same in what they offer BFA vs BA.
The people I personally know who have applied to 8 or fewer schools in the past couple years have regretted it even if things turned out fine (or mostly fine) in the end. But, yes, it’d be helpful to know which schools are on the list and if you truly would be happy going into the BA programs (if that is even possible).
Agreed, I think the number is too low as well. Another thing to keep in mind, and this totally depends on if this matters to you or not, but there were a few schools on my D’s list that she was really excited about and after the audition said that they were immediately off the list because of the tone/attitude of the staff in the audition. With that being said, there were a few that she liked the program, but weren’t super high on the list, and afterwards loved even more because of the staff.
I agree with the posters above. Perhaps look at adding a few additional safety BA programs. Also, watch that the schools offering both BFA and a BA - the BA is truly a safety (you get into the program if you have the stats). I made that assumption for SUNY Purchase and my daughter was rejected from the BA program (before Unifieds - ouch!) but accepted into the BFA Program. She had the stats for the BA I did ask the BFA program director about it. She said BFA kids don’t always thrive in the BA program (less training focused; more breadth in the academics). It was apparent from my D’s application package that she was zeroed in on a training program. It was an interesting process.
It depends on the schools, but also you know yourself the best. I auditioned for 14 schools, but I really only would’ve been happy at like 5 of them (I realized this after the audition process). I have friends who only auditioned for Rutgers, Purchase, Carnegie Mellon, and Juilliard, and they all ended up getting into at least of two of them. Obviously that isn’t something I would count on or recommend, but point being, they personally would have preferred to take a gap year than go to their top pick. So it’s totally up to you. The benefit of auditioning for less schools is that you’re less likely to get burnt out (like I was by the end of my auditions).
While I know the OP has 8 schools on list, I will say for other readers that based on my experience I do not recommend only auditioning for the tippy top 4 or so schools. Well it did end up ok for a student we know who did that, there was a lot of panic as only rejections came in. Luckily one came through in the end, but not a good strategy. There are kids that apply several years in a row and even make it to callbacks at places but don’t get in. Juilliard is a good example- we know a few kids who have made it to final callbacks two years in a row (final 40) and didn’t get in. Obviously very talented to make it that far. The note above about “everyone making it into at least two” of the top schools is not common. That is an exception. Most kids don’t get into any of the top schools but may be admitted to others just below that tippy top level and still find success
Most of the “lower tier” schools still only accept 5-10% of auditioners. Juilliard takes less than 1%.
Don’t put all your eggs into one basket is my suggestion. There are many schools - so a well rounded list that you can see yourself at is a good bet. 7-10 is not too many but should give you some options. Many kids apply to 15 or more.
Good luck
I will add that this process is WAY more competitive than we thought and the talent out there is amazing! Admissions is obviously based on talent for part of it, but there is the “something else” that is undefinable and probably different depending on program that schools look for. There are many very talented kids that get rejections - may be due to type or fit or something unrelated to talent. If a school picks only 10-30 kids - they have to narrow it down somehow out of a large talent pool.
My D’s current list is 18 schools! 16 auditioned BFAs and 2 back-ups, in case of all rejections; or in case she decides she doesn’t want to do MT or acting anymore halfway through Senior year.
Wow, good luck to her.