Just out of curiosity- - do most schools let you know about academic acceptance when other majors find out decisions or do MT kids not hear about general academic acceptances until after auditions when artistic acceptances start going out. (or does it vary greatly by school?). For a couple schools she did already get an academic acceptance (ex: Montclair/ Wright State ) but she hasn’t auditioned there yet. Other schools she has friends (non audition majors) getting acceptances recently but she hasn’t gotten anything even though she applied early - so I am wondering if she won’t until Feb/ March etc (i.e.: Temple/ Shenandoah/ BW)
Based on my daughter’s experience last year it varies. It seemed like most schools sent academic acceptances separately before artistic decisions or even auditions. She had a whole stack of folders with acceptances and terrific merit money offers which it was hard not to celebrate prematurely. Schools that don’t redirect, such as conservatory programs, seem to hold off notification until final artistic decisions are complete - programs like BoCo, Shenendoah, Hartt, Manhattan School of Music, UArts, UNSCA, and CalArts. Other schools that seemed to fall into that all or nothing category last year included Ithaca, UMich, Emerson and CMU. I’m sure there are some others too, just thinking of the ones on her list.
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One more question- on some of the artisitc applications they ask for “what other schools you are applying to”. I was wondering if you leave that blank, or fill in some schools- is there a benefit or a disadvantage to answering this? We have left it blank but now I am second guessing that one?
OH how I hate that question. My kids did answer it and were asked about it in some cases. The reality is, the programs at each school take very few applicants and, in order to increase your chances at an acceptance, the kids really need to apply to multiple schools. The tricky part, I think, is explaining the wide variety of programs (some are conservatory-style and some BA). Again, it is not uncommon for BFA candidates to cast a very wide net. I was afraid if they did NOT answer the question, it would seem disingenuous but I understand people go both ways on this question.
Maybe just put the schools on your list that are similar to the one you’re applying to? i.e. if you’re applying to an intense BFA conservatory, and they want to know where else you’re applying, put down the other intense BFA conservatory programs but leave off the BAs? And then if you’re applying to a BA program with a lot of liberal arts, and they want to know where else you’re applying, put the other BAs but not the BFAs?
I’m thinking that that way, they’ll think “Okay, clearly this student has a very clear idea of the type of program he/she wants, and our program fits that.”
(Maybe I’m overthinking it, it’s just an idea!)
Trust me when I say they know you are applying to other schools. And there isn’t one reputable BFA program that wouldn’t absolutely encourage a student to do that given the realities of the selection process. So, don’t hesitate to answer that question, but realize you don’t have to list every single program. But use it as an opportunity to show you have done your homework and know what you want and aren’t just throwing arrows at only the tippy top programs. List programs that reflect range but also show your focus. Are you looking at conservatorys, colleges, big or small, BFA, BA, BM? It might help them understand more about you and how well you have researched these programs to understand your priorities. I was very glad we approached this question thoughtfully and D was prepared because it actually came up several times during her audition process and she could tell the auditors appreciated her candor and well informed reply.
Greetings fellow MT parents! I just stumbled across this site while surfing the internets and googles with my son. He has applied to 14 schools and we are gearing up for auditions at both Unifieds (Chicago) along with those schools that require on-campus auditions.
I have been creeping on this site for awhile and I have learned some invaluable things. For example, I was extremely confused about the process by which schools accept MT students. I now understand (thanks to your expertise) that an admission to the school does not translate into acceptance into the MT program.
I started getting excited when my son received word that he made it past the pre-screen for several of his top choices. He burst my bubble to inform me that doesn’t mean much. So I’ll just let the process play out.
Best of luck to all of you!
I’ll be thinking of you today from chilly PA, @owensfolks - my girl is looking forward to seeing yours. Sending her wishes for broken legs!
Bless you, @FourFoxes ! Your message comes at the perfect time…just pulled up to the Fine Arts building.
Ok all, looking for opinions. Is is good,bad or indifferent to be asked for additional monologues and/or songs? Some kids were asked for more and others weren’t at a recent audition and I’m just curious! Any thoughts?
I always assume that it’s good when they ask for more. However, as much as we want to read the tea leaves and believe me I always try- I think no one really knows a thing until they KNOW know. There are times when people receive verbal acceptances in the room and then they fall through (happened to a lovely friend last year). There are rare cases where people seem to get early offers. At least that’s what I’ve read here but I really don’t think one can guess or read the auditors.
@anotherBwaymom - there is no correlation between being asked to do more at an audition and getting an acceptance. It is very natural to try and analyze what happened in an audition room vis-a-vis the possible outcome, particularly for college auditions, but the process is so subjective that you simply can’t predict or discern anything from what happened in front of the panel. Each year, there are posts about acceptances when students thought they bombed in front of a seemingly disinterested panel and rejections from panels who were extremely complimentary and enthusiastic. It is especially tempting to try and speculate when a program is known to ask some students for additional material, but the fact is that it will in no way necessarily reflect on the outcome.
I also wonder if they ask for more, it could mean they are unsure, whereas if they do not need more, it could be good or bad. I understand it’s not cut and dry but I do wonder about people’s past experiences. Some of these schools seem to say thank you, no questions asked and others may or may not ask for more. Just looking for trends here.
Hello all! This is my first time checking in on CC this season. This site was invaluable to me when my D was going through this crazy process! Unexpectedly, I made many friends along the way! It’s so nice to have fellow MT parents to share with as my other friends don’t have much understanding of this world! My D is currently a junior at Ball Sate University. I am more than happy to answer any questions about their program! So feel free to reach out at any time! BAL to all of your kiddos this season! I still cherish the bonding time I had during her auditions!
@anotherBwaymom just echoing the wise words of @EmsDad - there is just no rhyme or reason that can be applied and you and your child will honestly make yourself crazy trying to dissect the meaning behind anything that happens in the audition room, good or bad. As he said, the past experience shared here year after year seems to support the idea that these kinds of variations in terms of what is asked or not asked, said or not said, friendly or professional, chatty or brief actually has very little predictability in term of actual outcomes. Last year there were a number of schools that D left feeling like they had really engaged, seemed extra friendly or interested, asked more questions, smiled more, etc. etc. etc. A few of those translated into acceptances, several did not. A few schools were all business, very little chitchat, one in particular where they seemed to be looking down and writing/typing during most of her audition and one where she felt one of the auditors was actually rude to her. Guess what - she got acceptances from these programs and is actually attending one of them now (not rude one though!) She literally analyzed every audition after the fact and in a couple of instances her instinct that it had gone really well and she felt that connection did end up being an acceptance. But for the other vast majority there was no pattern or trend that could have hinted at the outcome.
@sopranomtmom @EmsDad thanks so much your your thoughtful responses! It is nice to have experienced people to talk to during this process. As I keep telling her, just do your best! That’s all you can do! And i can worry and drink wine! Haha
@anotherBwaymom Oh yes - lots of wine! It will carry you through auditions, on to financial decisions and on beyond all that as you have to take them off to college and actually leave them there while you drive/fly away. I needed a bucket sized wine glass for that last one!
@sopranomtmom haha still in denial about actually sending her somewhere! Ahhh then I’ll really need a support group.
Can anyone give me any helpful info about Straw Hat auditions? This will be the first year I’m submitting and was curious what the experience of going and hearing back is like! Thanks 
Headed to BW this weekend for our first audition. (And a 15 hour drive. Yippeeeee!) For those who have gone before, can you give any insight into the parent experience? The schedule is pretty vague indicating there are opportunities to visit with students and/or do a campus tour. Are you with your student for most of the day or are you split up? Does the student need to carry their bag with them so they have their change for dance or do they get the opportunity to grab that before the dance call? I suppose there may be some variability depending on your individual audition time? Thanks! And BAL to everyone else auditioning this weekend!