This one takes some unique features of each program into consideration. A few of the “usual suspects” did not make the list and some that are rarely discussed here did. Hmm. . .
http://www.onstageblog.com/columns/2016/8/23/the-top-10-bfa-acting-programs-for-2016-17
So they’ve swapped out CMU for what, U Conn?
Lol, I’ve decided this is the definitive list because Otterbein is on it 
^^ I figured there were one or two of you out there @entertainersmom. I like this list, too (my S does not go to any of these programs, but we know a few students who do).
Interesting list. They are all so different (these lists I mean). Guess as long as a student gets what he/she needs or wants from a program than it is a good program for them. I always agree with some of the schools listed and scratch my head at others (sometimes it is the big names I don’t agree with!). Ah well - as was posted in another thread about such lists - “maybe we should make the list!” Then it would be perfect, right?
What I don’t like is that there are so many great programs and these lists just seem random and subjective a lot of the time. Not a true representation. Unfortunate and misleading for kids using such lists as a guide.
And where r several of the “usual suspects” on this list? I love seeing and learning about new schools, but others have a reputation for a reason: SUNY, CMU, Guthrie, Cal Arts, UNCSA, Rutgers,etc. The fact that most of these top schools are left off makes me question this list right away. That may be just me. It is kind of like statistics–if you look hard enough you can find data to back you up most of the time. I guess if you look at enough lists, one can find the school they are looking for on at least one them! And I am not putting down any program listed. I know they all have merit. But a school like CMU should be listed and above many others. (I have NO ties to CMU…just saying).
^^^ Yes. Agree 100%.
These lists make me crazy. People proudly posting them on FB makes me crazy. It’s all I can do to bite my tongue and scroll on, but I do…
My S’s school is NEVER on these lists, so IDK, how can you take them personally? Sure it would be better to be at Julliard, but did we ever have that choice? We did not. Hardly anyone does. (And they mostly go to Julliard.)
Here is the MT version: http://www.onstageblog.com/columns/2016/8/24/the-top-10-bfa-musical-theatre-programs-in-the-country-for-2016-17
I noticed one “interesting” detail. The stats about UMich say 22-24 students are admitted out of 700 who apply, but down in the reader comments it says that 1800 applied this year. . .
@mom4bwayboy - do you think that could be 1800 prescreen apps - 700 live auditions? Just speculating.
Argh! I hate when these lists come out…no lie since that musical theatre one was posted yesterday literally ten people have tagged me in it on FB! So annoying … Like YES of course we all know these schools are good… Duh… My non mt friends don’t know how difficult it is to be admitted to most of these schools! Not to mention the cost of some . They just keep telling me to make sure D applies to them!
Try to ignore it @theaterwork. My S goes to a school on the list and I still find them annoying to a degree. My line I used was: “Due to low acceptance rate, we will consider an acceptance to one school a blessing.” I would make some reference to acceptance rate similar to Ivy’s. That is something people can actually understand and they usually gave me space after that. We also chose to not publicly discuss our list with anyone, so that made it a lot easier as well. I could say some are on there, some aren’t. Being evasive is best during this process.
You will also hear a lot of, she/he is very talented and will get in everywhere. Don’t try to refute it. Go with a quick brush off… “I’ll let you know if you are right, but that is not our expectation.” Then, change subject QUICKLY!
@kategrizz - both references were to “numbers applied”. The way I read it is that the “usual” number of applications was 700, but this year it was 1800. When your D and my S went through this three years ago, H and I speculated that 100 - 150 made it through prescreens based on the number at S’s UM audition day. I can’t imagine that they now audition 700. But who am I to say?. . .
I agree with @IfYouOnlyKnew - these lists should be taken with a whole shaker of salt. Just because some entity came up with a list, doesn’t mean that ANY of the programs on it would be good fit for every kid and their particular desires/needs/circumstances. And ONE acceptance from a program of choice can be a “perfect” outcome. Although, I must say, I’m tickled that @VoiceTeacher’s program is in this particular list. . .
I just hate that they number the lists and “rank” them, which is entirely subjective and does not really help anyone looking at a school know if it is a good fit. I wish there were more blogs or articles out there that looked at various schools in more depth and with more of an angle to help people see the pros and cons of the program and the school so people would be able to make better decisions. This type of ranking usually isn’t all that helpful.
The lists are insulting. You have wonderful teachers around the world, and this push to make schools ranked is awful, the world is not relegated to only a few key voices. Think of all the voices in the world, all the wonderful bright creative voices from all over the world.The world is millions upon millions of voices and thought and words and ideas.
Do you (all of you, not one person) find these list more insulting than the top 50 university lists? Just wondering, does average person look at those list and assume you are not well educated, smart, etc, if you don’t attend those schools? I definitely don’t think these lists say these are only school with talented students who can book. I think the intent is well meaning, but as someone upthread said, it won’t predict fit. However, same argument can be said for all college lists.
As I stated earlier, I find them a bit annoying, but I think they can help those with no idea what they are doing. They can start a conversation and hopefully lead to exploration beyond the list. For example, I was asked yesterday about a school on the list. It gave me an opportunity to share other schools that would be similar to school on list. Had that list not been seen, its likely this family would not know of several other schools. I find that beneficial. I originally didn’t share list on FB, but after talking to that family I will now share it.
I hope no one will let these two lists upset them, change their college list, or question their decisions. Sadly we live in a world where people like rankings, so this won’t go away and there will never be a list everyone agrees on.
@IfYouOnlyKnew great points above! Thanks
As I read your post I thought about all the other lists. A college prep consultant we know told us that many schools now just try to up the number of applications as that will make the school look more selective and some rankings use that as a guide. She said that while it is nice to get unsolicited mailings from top schools it in no way means you will be admitted. It is the game admissions plays to get Applicants and up those numbers. We have all seen them (35,000 applications for 3,000 freshman spots). It was an interesting perspective from someone who works with college admissions fairly closely. This was for general admissions not BFA or theater based programs. Still interesting though.
@bfahopeful I’ve heard the same about how the schools game the ratings. It’s actually discussed on main forum and it doesn’t sound much different than the MT forum discussion.
This entire process (from summer program through graduating and booking) is much too crazy to let a couple lists be a point of contention. Having said that… My S is a week into school, when does summer stock auditions start? mostly kidding
Where is your son? D just finished her first week too. It feels good right? They worked hard to get here
Did anyone see the thread that got “re awakened” a day or two ago about CMU, CCM etc? A new person had posted in - and I responded and said moderators don’t like us to re open. The thread was from 2007 I think - and the auction numbers being discussed were REALLY different from the ones we have all talked about the last couple of years - Less than 1000 in the largest groups etc. I would link it here- but am bad at that on my phone (plus I am riding a train in London) but I found it interesting.