I gave a recount of S’s great experience at UNCSA in an earlier thread, but I can chime in regarding these 3 ^, all done at Unifieds…
Texas State - great experience, faculty was kind and engaging, they will ask a few interview type questions
CMU - good experience, as well! Make sure to have 3-4 monologues (my son was asked for 3, in 3 different rooms) and don’t be shocked if asked to shift rooms several times to be seen by multiple faculty. My kid had to sing acapella in 3 rooms, so be ready for that request. Also be prepped to have adjustments, and to sing an additional short cut per request by Gary.
Penn St - my S (actor/singer much before being a dancer) found the dance call to be difficult, and recounted that several boys seemed to struggle w it in his group. The audition portion (for him) went exactly as anticipated and he was in and out in short order.
We were told that the auditors know that many kids are battling germs, and that they can “hear” talent despite sickness. So I hope that alleviates a little stress for any kids who aren’t at their best. On that note, we found Elderberry syrup to be a great addition to Tamiflu and antibiotics!
He’s doing Coastal and FSU on-campus, and I’m happy to provide feedback after those conclude.
Early auditions resulted in 2 acceptances, 1 from a “top” program (first ever audition experience, and his particular audition solidified the need to BE YOURSELF in the room); the 2nd yes was a surprise, as he felt very “meh” about his performance in the room. Once again, a nod to the notion of DON"T READ TOO MUCH INTO YOUR AUDITION. 
Wishing all of your beautiful and amazing kiddos success. Remember, it only takes ONE yes, and many people have success a second time around if needed. Break a leg all!
@beachymom S has done over 20 auditions with one to go (Elon on Friday). One of the ones he enjoyed most if not the most was Texas State, which he did in NYC. I know they are known for being engaging and friendly, and they did not disappoint.
CMU sounds promising! I know the big talk is always about being passed to another room. No one knows if it is a myth or reality, but I always figure the more face time, the better. So good for your S! It’s a lottery but you have to play to win! (My S did not apply to CMU.)
I do wonder how much dance is weighted for boys. My S said most of them seem to struggle with it. And he is a mover not a dancer himself. Of the ones he has done, he found Texas St. and Michigan the most challenging. And a lot of it has to do not so much with the moves themselves but the tempo is quick and time to practice is limited. He can do the dance with time and practice, but those are two ingredients in short supply at auditions.
@DramaMan - we didn’t do Michigan, but I’m not surprised. My S can pick up choreography and hold his own, given ample time to practice.We would agree 100% that the pace and need to pick it up so quickly have been a huge hamper for him. Any chance we met you in Dallas in Nov?
Thought of another bit about Texas State - they do a vocal evaluation to match pitch. Hope this is helpful!
@DramaMan - surely you don’t mean that. Why would dance be weighted less for boys?
@librarygirl8 I only stated that I wonder how schools weight the dance for males. I know some schools obviously focus on it more than others (for both male and female). I mainly was mentioning that my S felt he held his own and he went in expecting to see more highly trained dancers. Could simply be a case of him worrying too much.
I think @DramaMan has a solid point. Since the ratio of boys to girls is much lower to start with and it is probably less likely as many boys have potentially spent the years training in dance as many girls do it would make sense that programs are a little less demanding for boys in terms of dance. Given that the boy has the looks, voice and acting chops they are seeking - they can train him to dance. Girls on the other hand face such an incredibly competitive environment that being a good dancer can possibly be that one thing that gives them a potential edge. Now I will say that if you are a talented boy and a really good dancer you can probably write your own ticket and will be very attractive to those tippy top schools. If there is one piece of advice I would give any kid heading in this direction it would be to take as much dance training as possible. It can only help!
I read that for every 1 boy auditioning for MT, there are 4 girls, and while the competition is fierce for both, there are more girls vying for spots. My son is a developing mover, but he’s a pretty solid vocalist/actor. I’m sure the bar is reset constantly while adjudicators evaluate auditionees, based on gender, looks, presentation, skill set, attitude, casting needs etc.