Fwiw - northwestern did it that way for YEARS (only added a supplement in the last year or so) and they have a pretty darn impressive track record for success with their graduates
on the other hand…perhaps this program is in line with the non-audition BA programs at other universities but because UCLA is so hard to get into academically they ask those that don’t have near perfect stats to audition. I would like to know…I don’t know much about the program. I emailed our coach to see what he knows. He told us last night he has three students in the program right now.
Right, @toowonderful, but no one gets an audition there. Here, at least some kids are getting an audition based on something, and I’m just curious to know what that something is.
Message from the horse’s mouth, but not sure if this clears anything up:
Thank you for your interest in the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. There is no basis or determining factor on whether or not you receive an interview/audition. It is up to the admissions review board.
Best,
-TFT Student Services
UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television
310-206-8441
http://www.tft.ucla.edu/programs/
ev
@harvester The rest of the UC’s only look at grades and test scores. It’s a BA, not a BFA. Just a guess based on the other programs in the Cal system. But I don’t know for sure.
@harvester And this is the first year they are doing it this way so no historical evidence for us to point to.
Well that really answers nothing! No basis? there has to be some basis! Very bizarre!
Agree! That is basically just saying “we aren’t going to tell you”.
@foulandpestilent - traditionally they did not. It’s a new thing, and actually directed at potential MTs rather than straight drama
https://www.communication.northwestern.edu/programs/certificate_music_theatre/supplement
Well, my DD got her Chapman decision…denied! Honestly, we are a bit surprised she didn’t even make it to the audition stage…this summer she had supporting roles in two feature films opposite name actors! Oh well, luckily Chapman isn’t the only fish in the sea. She has auditions at UCLA and Pace, and acceptance to LMU theater. Also applied to USC BA which is non audition. Good luck to you all!
@TS0104 sorry to hear that. My D passed Chapman but did not pass Miami or Ithaca. Who the hell knows what they’re looking for! Our coach said it could just be that they already have someone of her type and to just scratch it off the list and move on.
I think the first “no” is the hardest. 4 years later the memory of my D’s 1st still stings. BUT- I also think the 1st yes is the sweetest- and hopefully that time is coming soon!!!
It’s a very weird, unpredictable process, @TS0104, but LMU has a great reputation especially for film, so you’re already in a pretty good spot.
Thank you all for your kind words! I have read lots of stories of getting auditions from xxx but not from yyy with seemingly no reason. It may have to do with type, like you say @marg928. She is a super common type (female and white!)
I have to say it helps SO MUCH to already have one “in the bag”, and a few other auditions as well. We don’t know too much about LMU so thanks @Jkellynh17 that’s good to hear. We’ll be visiting there in Jan.
@TS0104 my D is a blond, blue-eyed white girl. I had no idea going into this process that it would be harder for her but apparently it is. You can only have so many blond ingenue types…I get it…but it doesn’t make me feel any better about it!
@marg928 haha, maybe your D took my daughter’s spot! ;0 Just kidding. Good luck to her. This actually brings up nice discussions about diversity and affirmative action for us (not saying that’s a factor here, just in general it’s come up with the college app process). Also, the sting of Chapman seems to be over, after just a few short days, and really only 24 hours of sadness!
My daughter is a 6" redhead who got into Chapman off the waitlist… she ended up choosing her safety (if you can believe that) and is having the time of her life. Several leading roles in MainStage productions and couldn’t be happier. They will end up in a wonderful place that’s just right for them. Hang in there 
thanks @bisouu ! Where is she going do you mind sharing? I totally agree that there are many “great” options and that its not all about that one dream school. I see some advantages to DDs “safeties” or lower profile schools. And where you decide to go is just one factor in the whole college experience.
She decided she wanted to be closer to NYC and has made amazing connections because of that. She is attending Drew University in Madison NJ not far from NYC. She was given amazing merit aid and loves being able to work and travel into the city with ease. She will be doing a semester in NYC during her senior year and is spending this winter break as stage manager for a new musical her professors are debuting. So she will be living and working for two weeks in NYC for the first time. She is slowly getting her feet wet, which makes this nervous mama happy.