<p>I am wondering if PPU has mentioned in the information sessions any anticipated changes to its enter as a BA, audition later for BFA programing. I know that currently sophomores audition in the spring. Last year, however,there was talk of allowing freshman to audition as well. Recently, I heard they may begin admitting students as BFA’s and am hoping some of you may know if that is the case. Thanks!</p>
<p>I didn’t hear any change mention, maybe a CC member attending any upcoming audition can ask for us.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any more thoughts or color on the whole BA to BFA track? What happens if they do not get accepted to the BFA program when the do audition? Do they remain in the BA track, or what? Honestly, I’m not sure how I missed this fact when my S applied to PPU (that it starts out as a BA). I’m thinking because his vocal director recommended the program, I didn’t do a lot of “pre-digging”. Does this concern anyone else who may have applied/auditioned?</p>
<p>My son is a freshman at PPU. Everyone begins as BA (it is a highly selective BA as they accept about 7%) and then audition for BFA in sophomore year - or that is current policy as I understand it. It concerned us only at first, until we really looked at the program. There is no difference in curriculum except that those admitted to the BFA track actually have to take approximately 21 additional hours…my son says NO ONE there is caught up in the BA/BFA thing, as many students CHOOSE the BA track since it allows them to finish a little sooner. Also, their large numbers of working alumni seem to reflect this, many of whom hold the BA degree. I really don’t think it’s an issue at all. The BA is in the Conservatory, it is a Conservatory degree - taught by all the same faculty – and there is nothing except additional coursework that separates the two. It would not surprise me to find out they eventually just merge them, but apparently many students (realizing they are receiving the same training) opt to stay in the BA track since it allows them to finish about a semester sooner. There is a comparison curriculum on the COPA page on PPU website- you can see what I’m talking about. PPU offers truly outstanding training all-around. Son was accepted into 10 BFA programs and still chose Point Park.</p>
<p>And yes, if they audition for BFA and are not accepted, they simply remain in the same Conservatory program, same faculty, in the BA program. Those who do not make it the first time receive specific instruction and guidance and encouraged to audition again if they want to. </p>
<p>I am the parent of a sophomore who recently completed the BA to BFA audition process. This year, and I add that caveat, because who know what changes may or may not take place in the future, the students wishing to apply for the BFA program needed to get four recommendations, write a personal essay type letter to the head of COPA stating why they desired a BFA and prepare for an interview, two songs and one monologue. Grades were a huge determining factor as well. From my student’s point of view, if you had been doing your homework, so to speak, it was a relatively painless process. All students are further required, no matter the outcome, to have a ‘sit down’ with the auditors to discuss their audition. While most of the MT class auditioned, some did not as they are happy within COPA as BA students and as stated previously, BA, BFA, Acting, MT and sometimes Dance Majors, all audition for all productions. As a recent grad who performed in Big Fish said: At PPU you really hone audition skills. COPA’s net is incredibly large and extremely talented.</p>
<p>I think this has been discussed here before, but BA vs. BFA is a bigger thing outside PPU and COPA than it is inside. Great if you are accepted to go BFA, but the students don’t make a big deal about it. As mcpcwhite said, BA affords the opportunity to graduate earlier, and it also affords the opportunity for study abroad, which is difficult if not impossible if you are BFA. </p>
<p>Great question and enlightening answers - thanks!</p>