<p>MT Mama, I forgot to mention, yes, do also plan a trip sometime to Elon. You might want to plan it around one of their musicals, using SW Airlines when they are running specials. Also, the school is not really that small, I think about 4800 students, very close to the size of CMU, bigger than PPU and BW, and not a whole lot smaller than Ithaca.</p>
<p>I'm not sure of the best place to post this, so here it is. I wanted to share how I did all our applications. I made a huge spreadsheet in excel. Gathered all the information that the applications generally call for. Look at several and jot down what they ask for. I put it all on a spreadsheet. Then, kept that by the computer and had it at hand to pull from as I filled out online apps. I included all phone numbers, test scores, addresses, coursework, extra curricular, recommendation names, anything the apps could want. It was very helpful. It's just easier to pull out all your documents and record it one time to have on hand. Also, put your credit card info so you can use that to pay the app fee.</p>
<p>I also did a spread sheet of all interested colleges. Put contact names, phone numbers, addresses, dates and deadlines, costs and expenses, audition times, degrees offered, etc. That was also very helpful. I also use lots of color coding on my spreadsheets.</p>
<p>Ericsmom - Thanks for the Elon info - didn't realize it was that big of a school. From what I know so far, I think it might be a good fit for my D. It is definitely on our "short" list (which keeps growing as we learn about more schools here on CC!) I grew up in Greensboro until I was 11 and loved it there - and remember hearing about Elon College (which it was called at the time). I can't wait to visit. </p>
<p>And razorback1, thanks for the spreadsheet tips. But darn - sounds like you need to be an organized mom (which I am not!) to help facilitate this audition process.....</p>
<p>MTMama, I'd love to visit with you by e-mail on all of this. Your e-mail is not activated, and my PMs are full. Please click on my name (drop-down menu) and send me an e-mail so I'll have your e-mail address. I think I could share some useful information as you work on that list!</p>
<p>I think one of the major advantage of the college visit is not so much to rule in a college as it is to rule it out. In February, we visited two colleges that my daughter had on her MT audition list. After visiting, she decided for several reasons not to apply to either and somewhat re-focused her list, adding two more Vocal Performance schools instead. I had a hard time convincing her that visiting was important because you can only get so much from the Internet and discussions with students. </p>
<p>She is still a junior, and now is thinking of 6-7 MT auditions, 2-3 VP auditions, and 2-3 BA theatres. That is a lot of schools and the list may be whittled down after more visits!</p>
<p>I'm a Junior, and I just finished Spring Break (read: preliminary college visits). I visited four schools, one of which I thought was my absolute first choice, and only two of the schools are still on my list. In fact, the school that I thought was my #1, based on the program-when I stepped on campus, I knew it wasn't the right place. On the other hand, I found a new #1--the campus is gorgeous, and the program is great. Go visit. Don't judge a school by their website. </p>
<p>~Bkstg_mt~</p>
<p>College visits are important for all the reasons mentioned above, but the reality is that they are cost prohibitive for many families. If you are unable to visit prior to your audition, try to take some extra time before or after your audition to speak with students and faculty and/or watch a class or two. Sometimes that may mean not scheduling auditions too tightly. Certain environments will speak to your soul and others won't - and it's hard to listen on audition day.</p>
<p>I always try to have visitors speak with a current student one-on-one because it's the best way to find out what it's like in the trenches (so to speak.) I look at our student population as a jigsaw puzzle and each new student that comes is a piece of the puzzle. We want students that feel like they would be a good fit and can see themselves as part of the picture. Visiting and talking to people is the best way to find that out. It doesn't need to be done during the junior year in high school, but it does need to be done sometime during the process.</p>
<p>bumping for question about college visits</p>
<p>Bumping again for new question about college visits!</p>
<p>Echoing the experiences of the previous posters. One of my D's top choices was scratched off the list after a visit and others she felt lukewarm about she fell in love with. I still recall the massive expense of college visits last year and have empathy. Unifieds are such an economical way to do auditions. I just have one caution to consider. Last year many acceptances came in around April 15th with a deadline to commit by May 1st. Sometimes you can be offered a spot after being waitlisted and have even less time to decide. So if you are really interested in a college and it is a top choice for you and can manage it I would campus visit all those you can.</p>
<p>College visits are most important when considering LACs (liberal arts colleges) because the campus culture tends to be more pronounced due to the smaller size of the campus community when compared to national universities. In short, the smaller the college enrollment, the more important it is to visit before committing. (I know nothing about MT programs).</p>