<p>I'm officially applying to four BFA programs (Syracuse, NYU/Tisch, Ithaca, and University of Michigan). Are there any thoughts on whether the number of schools is too little? Should I apply for more schools? I know that boys have it somewhat easier than girls, but maybe I should apply to more schools, especially since the ones I'm applying to are so selective.</p>
<p>While it's a good list, I would suggest probably having at least one safety BA program in there as well. However if you feel that you wouldn't mind attending any one of the schools regardless of whether you get into the program or not, then I'd say your fine. It's hard because you want to apply to so many schools, plus you have your heart set on certain schools. But a lot of us just don't have the financial means to apply to more than a few schools. Also another thing you should add to this assessment, if you only get accepted to the Acting program would you still attend? I know a few of them will have you check if you would still attend if you got into the Acting program but not the Musical Theater program. So just another factor to consider. Good luck! :)</p>
<p>Without knowing your academic profile it is hard to say. All of those schools are also somewhat competitive academically. If you are certain you want to go to college next year no matter what, it is a good idea to have a combination of schools on your list... because the BFA musical theatre degree is so competitive, it can be a good include a few non-auditioned schools where you are certain you can get in academically, and think you might be happy and grow as an artist. Less competitive auditioned BA or BFA programs are never a back-up. Each school is looking for something a little different, so you can not count any program that has an audition as a back-up program. </p>
<p>I do not know about the other schools on your list, but at Syracuse if you have not been admitted to the drama program and gone through the 1st year core acting classes you are not able to audition for drama school productions. Also, the acting classes for majors are completley separate from the acting class for non-majors. So, if you get into Syracuse academically and not the drama department it is very difficult to take advantage of any of the resources of the drama department. Other schools on your list may be the same, so look carefully.</p>
<p>Think about what you want in the short and long run... if those are truly the only schools you feel you would be happy attending, you are only interested in working towards a BFA musical theatre degree, and you would rather take a year off from school than attend another school if you do not get into one of those programs than it would be fine to only have those schools on your list. When I was working professionally as an actor and was offered a job that I wasn't sure about I would imagine how I would feel if I turned down the job and no other job offers materialized. I would imagine myself waiting tables or temping when I could have been performing. If I realized that I would rather be in the city auditioning and waiting tables than performing in that particular show I would turn it down. It is similar with college decisions... I have read posts here on CC from students who went to a back-up BA school or went to a school where they had been rejected from the drama school but accepted into the college. Some of them have been unhappy with the decision and were now leaving school while they re-auditioned for BFA programs. Others discovered that they were happier at the back-up school than they had ever imagined they could have been. Everyone is different and it is important to assess what you want out of your education and where ultimately you will be happy. </p>
<p>I am a big fan or pro and con lists. A lot of times it helps to separate the emotional from the practical. Good luck! :)</p>
<p>Well, I'm not worried academically...I go to a school that is well known for it's rigorous academics. I also concurrently attend a performing arts school half-day (from 1-3:45). I also have a high GPA and I'm a National Achievement Semi-finalist. I'm just worried about auditions and stuff because, well, they're not so clear cut. Northwestern is the BA program that I'm applying to...Northwestern is a competitive school academically, but I think I'm in pretty good shape. If I decide to go to Northwestern if accepted, I would major in Dance before auditioning for the MT certificate at the end of freshman year (which is, another worrisome prospect, since that audition is competitive as well). I really do like the qualities of each of the schools that I'm applying for and hopefully I'll make it into at least one of the five.</p>
<p>It sounds as if you are approaching the process with a solid academic background and a good head on your shoulders. </p>
<p>As a side note... There are some very exciting things going on with Musical Theatre at Northwestern!</p>
<p>;)</p>
<p>Oh I've heard so many wonderful things about Northwestern's musical theatre which is why it seems just as rigorous as a conservatory BFA program. I would be so thrilled to get an acceptance from there, just as from any other schools I'm applying to because I still have the chance to get strong training from Northwestern. And it's in Chicago. Yes.</p>
<p>Hi NOCCA Junior,</p>
<pre><code>Most admissions counselors at MT schools advise their applicants to apply to at least 8 programs if MT is their goal. (one said 12!) Unless you have financial concerns, I would definately agree with this advice. My D is also strong academically, and she's applying to ten schools. Have you looked at CMU, Penn State, Elon, CCM, or Boston Conservatory?
</code></pre>
<p>Northwestern is amazing, by the way. I have family in the Chicago area and have been to the campus a couple of times. Good luck! My D is auditioning at Ithaca next Friday. When is your audition date?</p>
<p>Sarahsmom42</p>
<p>I'm auditioning at CMU too, I've decided this week (at first I wasn't going to because they're so specific, but I've decided oh well all the other ones are too I might as well...I also LOVED their pre-college program this year). I don't really have the financial means to apply anywhere else...I'm going to DC to audition for Syracuse in January and all of my other auditions (NYU, Michigan, Ithaca, and CMU) are going to be at Chicago Unifieds...all the seniors in my class are going. I wish I could audition for CCM and BOCO but I just can't. But hopefully 5 auditions are good enough. Thanks for your insight on Northwestern, and good luck to your daughter!!</p>
<p>I would strongly agree that you should apply to more than 5 schools. You could be an amazing performer, but not be what a certain school is looking for and at the same time you could be exactly what a different school wants. The problem is that you don't know which program is which. I would tell you to try and find a way to audition for boco and ccm and maybe U Miami, unless you have finanial constraints. When I was going through the audition process I auditioned for 13 schools and I got into 5. If I had only auditioned for 8, I may not have gotten in anywhere. And I was like you. I had a high GPA and I got into every school that I applied to academically. So my philosophy is to maximize your chances and try to apply to a few more places if you can.</p>
<p>My audition schedule includes: NYU, Syracuse, Penn State, Baldwin-Wallace, Elon, & Lees-McRae (which I've already auditioned and been accepted to). Kind of a small list, but after months (COUNTLESS hours) of research, I am completely satisfied with it, especially since I already got into one school (even though it was a "safety").</p>
<p><em>Nervous for Jan/Feb!</em></p>
<p>Other schools you may want to consider:</p>
<p>UCLA
OCU
Webster</p>
<p>NOCCA Jr.,</p>
<pre><code>I know how daunting the financial picture can seem, BUT.. it's all about ratios at this point. My D REALLY wants MT & has been told by some professionals that she has what the schools are looking for, but so do hundreds of other girls! 300-600 girls try out at any given school for 6-10 slots. Those are some pretty stiff odds. If you call the schools on the Unified Chicago audition list, you may be surprised how many would waive the ap. fee given your academic standings. There are also some good MT schools right in IL and if you are going to CMU to audition, check out Point Park and U of Arts. Even if a school looks too small or is not in an ideal location, if you really want MT, don't risk it! If you think the freshmen odds are scary, transfers are ever worse for most schools. Best of luck!
</code></pre>
<p>Sarahsmom42</p>
<p>CMU and Point Park are both in Pittsburgh, but University of the Arts in in Philadelphia.</p>
<p>Have you looked at Elon University? I've heard from more than one source that they have an outstanding musical theater program. (My daughter--a senior in high school--is a prospective theater major, but not "musical.") Might be a good safety/match for you. Also, I understand they give decent merit money.</p>
<p>Elon may be a great match but I would certainly say it is not a safety! They only look to take 16 (8 guys/8 girls) and have quite a few auditioning! You are right though in saying they have a great program....they definitely do. We have seen many performances there and have been impressed over and over again with the talent they have there! Audition there...definitely! Safety....definitely not!</p>
<p>Kaysmom--I admit to being somewhat ignorant in regard to Elon. Calling it a "safety" may have been off the mark, but I'm pleased that you have verified my impression of Elon as a quality school with a strong musical theater program!</p>
<p>Hindoo...it really is such a quality school with such a competitive program. I just can't say enough about it! From its beautiful location and truly friendly people to their amazing productions...good things are coming out of Elon for sure! Good luck to your daughter...I really hope she gets it. She would definitely not be disappointed!!!</p>
<p>What's the other one in Pittsburg? I can't remember! I totally agree with Kaysmom, Elon is wonderful & not a safety for anyone! NOCCA had mentioned that auditioning at additional schools was cost prohibitive or I would have suggested it as well. (I don't believe that they are participating in Chicago's Unifieds, but I could be wrong. The travel expenses can really bite you, and my husband is beginning to question the wisdom of auditioning at each individual school! Unifieds in NYC are not exactly cheap either with hotel rates over $225/night, but for someone who lives in the Chicago area, you could save a bundle on travel by auditioning at their Unifieds.
NOCCA, have you looked at Illinois Wellsleyn (sp?)
Kaysmom, is D auditioning at U Mich? </p>
<p>Sarahsmom42</p>
<p>The main problem that I'm having is not exactly the application fees or anything like that, but actually getting to the schools. I'm travelling with my senior class to Chicago Unifieds (we leave the Friday before, but we're only staying for Monday and Tuesday auditions, so I'm trying my hardest to fit 4 auditions in, NYU, Michigan, Ithaca, and CMU, even though I might not be able to audition for CMU...how many schools can one audition for at once in two days at Chicago Unifieds?). The only independent audition that I can afford is Syracuse, and I'm going to DC for that in January. I know that MT admissions are competitive, but I was hoping that my gender and ethnicity (I'm an African-American male) would help me out a bit...but MT is definitely highly competitive and that's why I'm very nervous that I'm not applying to as many schools as I should. But all I can really do is hope for the best, I guess.</p>
<p>NOCCA Junior - you should consider trying to fit in more schools at the Chicago unifieds. Some of the schools on your list will tell you to allow several hours for their audition, but other schools may allow for you to fit in a 30 minute audition in between your big ones. Contact each school individually for their specific requirements. I think Webster allows you to choose a specific time slot, for example.</p>
<p>Elon - I believe you must go to campus for these auditions, and I think they expect to audition several hundred this year for the limited number of spots. Even though they target 16 students in MT a year, I believe that the current freshman and sophomore classes have closer to 20 in them.</p>