I know number of schools is a hot button topic- and people should feel free to do what they feel works for THEM. But, I worry that people feel they HAVE to apply to really large numbers of schools. I know things have been evolving (my D did 7 BFA schools) but I worry that people feel pressured they have to apply EVERYWHERE. A very wise friend once said to me… a smart list does not necessarily mean a long list…
@toowonderful thank you. A perfectly timed comment for me at this moment. I think it’s probably pretty normal to second guess yourself at some point in this process. I’m grateful to learn your D had 7 and her school match was made.
@followurheart - happy to help. And if you only second guess yourself ONCE in the process- you will be WAY ahead of the curve !!
I think more important than the number is selecting a range of schools and at least one non audition safety school that your child would be happy attending. Most of the folks who say they wish they had applied to more schools I think when you look at their lists they tended to be top heavy, with too many of the usual suspects at the head of everyone’s lists.
Exactly, @CRDramaMom. Balance is the key. Not total numbers. I agree with you
D’s original list was 16 BFA MT programs and 2 in state schools that she would go to if she decides not to go to school for MT; or if she doesn’t get any satisfactory acceptances (the $$ piece has to fall in place as well.) In September she decided to strike 3 schools, because she has gained some clarity on what kind of program she sees herself at. I really am of two minds when it comes to big list vs. smaller list: I get it, I do-we want to increase her odds of getting into a program of 12-16 kids somewhere. BUT to be honest, there are a few schools on her list that she’s “meh” about. If she only gets into one or more of them, I wonder if she will decide not to do MT; or maybe audition again next year (gap year or transfer.) And if that’s the case, I may feel like she should have had a smaller list in the first place. She has had moments of wanting to cut the list; and other moments of considering walk-ins. As have I. I guess we’ll make an informed decision next May, as to whether 15 was too much, too little, or just right!
Ok- if we’re going to show our hands. I’m all-in. My D has applied to 23 schools. While not ALL audition- the vast majority are. My D is talented but would be easy to pass over in the college audition process. She’s blonde, blue eyed & a soprano. Having read here for several years I am determined to allow her to try and meet her goal of a BFA program. Yes it’s a lot, yes it’s expensive but I’m trying to help her find a place that she will love and hope that they’ll love her back. I’m thinking there will be some attrition after prescreens. Her list is heavy on the 2nd tier schools (not suggesting they’re easy by any means- but just a little more attainable).
Good for you @MTMHopeful I agree, my d has wanted nothing else since she was 6 years old. I get it. I wish you are your d lot’s of luck! Cannot wait to see where all the kids will end up. It is exciting and super scary at the same time.
We were crazy, we had 25 schools (maybe more it’s been a year and I have blocked it out haah). In hindsight it was a bit too many but I think 15-20 is not too many. The competition is crazy – most end up getting into 2 or 3 audition programs.
We have the light list it seems… D has applied to 9 schools and 8 are audition, one non audition program which she is already accepted to. She seems ok with this and we are doing all on campus auditions so that’s all that can be worked in really. She has one more school she may add for a late audition. Always tempting to try to squeeze one more in but she has a good mix of competitive and less competitive programs and her safety in her back pocket so hoping for a few acceptances and that the finances will work out.
Is anyone else finding the application process never ending?? So many little questions and bits… I keep telling my daughter almost you’re done now, just work on your auditions, and then will be 5 more essays/questions. more essays to write ., She has 10 in and but is still working on the last six or 8. It leaves very little time to work on the prescreens.
Want the app part over!!! Swimming in essays!!
@musicmama123 YES! Never ever ever ending! She’s completed 24 & it seems every school requires an extra essay, a headshot, another portal to check the missing docs and on and on. Even with the Common app schools there’s lots of little extra steps that fall through the cracks. Scheduled an audition & got an email reminder that a thousand word essay is part of audition requirement. They have 3 of her essays already & she’s driving 8 hours to be there. Is an essay stating interest really needed???
D completed the last of her 16 applications, 4 prescreens and 2 video auditions this past weekend-feeling a slight sense of relief 
I’m sure it won’t last long…lol.
@mtmhope
Wow. 24? How many non bfa’s? I thought 16 was a lot. Maybe if we get these under control we will do more. My daughter is so swamped with her a cappella group, the play she is in, seven classes at high school, I am almost scared to say I have more writing for you. I’m looking through the essays thinking can I cut and paste? Can I take a paragraph from this essay and put it in this 200 word one over here? I think she has written over 13. Some seem way better than others, but the questions are different so what are you gonna do?
@Jjrmom8
Wow! Impressive! Did you hire a pianist for your prescreens? Or did you just use a recording? My husband says he can shoot the prescreens, but between his schedule and her schedule I don’t see a time that will be effective. I am thinking maybe she will have to miss a couple of hours of school.
@musicmama123 D’s best friend’s dad, who lives a few blocks from us, was kind enough to record most of her music on his piano and her chorus teacher recorded one for her as well. Then she just used the tracks as needed.
She applied to 23 (not 24). Not sure how I messed that up.
I know I’ve mentioned this in other posts, but you can always adjust lists a bit as you go. My daughter started with 15 or 16 schools originally, passed prescreens, but only auditioned/completed the process with 10 schools. You learn so much along the way, and if you get some early good news, it can change the game. Burn-out can happen too, and as a parent you’ll know when to encourage your kids to press on and stick to the plan, and when/if to cancel an audition and take a break. Listen to your kids and trust your instincts
@musicmama123 I feel the same way. I feel bad for these kids…I wouldn’t want to have to answer all these questions. I’ve done everything for her except the writing parts and she hasn’t filmed her pre-screen yet. She has an early dismissal today and she better get her butt home ASAP and work on this! She’s applying to about 20 schools.
Both my S (MT) and D (Acting) applied to 10 or less schools (including BAs). My D did a few additional walk-ins at Unifieds but both had good lists (well mixed with reaches, fits and safeties). I admit I really did fret - mainly once I discovered CC - that they should have applied to more schools (many of their friends had 12-15 on their lists) but it was not necessary for them. My S did start with 1 or 2 more on his initial list but dropped them once he had an early acceptance. I agree with @deelight - you can adjust as you go!