<p>Now that my one and only d is set in college (hooray!) my friend has decided that I'm an "expert" and is asking for advice on good college dance programs (classical ballet) that don't require super-high academic stats (mostly test scores; her GPA is good, but the transcript will not show much "rigor") for admission. Her daughter, a current h.s. senior, is interested in IU, U Oklahoma, Butler, CCM, Purchase, possibly NCSA... Any idea on the academic requirements (know it's often a two-pronged admission process..my d is pursuing a BFA in musical theatre) for these schools, and if the artistic admit can trump academic requirements?</p>
<p>My impression is that, at the top dance programs, artistic ability may not exactly trump academic requirements, but it can go a long way toward getting a less academically inclined student in. IMO, these schools are looking for students who can meet a basic academic standard, but the important thing is the audition.</p>
<p>I took a quick look at stats for some of the schools you mention. At Butler, the mid-50th SAT percentile for admitted students is 1560-1860; admit rate 73%; 59% of the student body was in the top 10% of their high school class. At Purchase (where my d has a friend who is thrilled with the high quality of the ballet program), those stats are: 1490-1800 SAT; admit rate 31%, probably because of the conservatory standards for performing arts students; 11% of admitted freshmen in their high schools’ top 10%.</p>
<p>At Indiana, the mid-50th for CR/Math (apparently they don’t consider writing?) is 1060-1280; admit rate 69%; 38% in top 10% in high school.</p>
<p>Would your friend’s d consider Mercyhurst? It doesn’t award a BFA, but my d has friends who are very pleased with the quality of ballet instruction. Academic stats there: SAT 1400-1710; admit rate 79%; 17% in top 10% in high school.</p>
<p>Your friend should have a look at U of U Ballet program.</p>