<p>Hi! My d was just accepted to Tisch ED, but was not informed of the studio. She did say she wanted CAP or nothing; does this mean she automatically gets in? We don't want to send in the deposit if she doesn't! Also, I heard only 60 people get into CAP21 per year, and we already know of about 10! Does this seem reasonable? Also, we haven't gotten a financial aid package yet, but I hear NYU doesn't give out a heckuva lot of $. Anyone have any info on this? Thx! Jill</p>
<p>Janimom said:
"I do want to address the comments about the 3 vocal teachers. If your child is going into this field, you and the child had better get used to this sort of thing or there will be alot of resentment about. This field is filled with kids with all sorts of opportunities, contacts, and training. I met several stage kids who are pro already. There are families who sink EVERYTHING into this endeavor. And that is their perogative."</p>
<p>Yeah, but then one can't simply "believe in yourself and your talent" as if the field IS level and all it takes to succeed is a strong belief in your talent. I'm learning it takes strong beliefs and a lot of other stuff as well. Strong beliefs + great training might get you there, strong beliefs without the great training most likely won't.</p>
<p>Another congratulations to Jamimom and son. So glad to see all the hard work paid off.</p>
<p>Jamimom,</p>
<p>So happy to hear that S was accepted to Yale. Sounds like an EA acceptance as opposed to ED. That is why he can still audition for CMU and Julliard, yes? I hope he feels good about this achievement.</p>
<p>It sounds to me as if you are experiencing some level of disappointment related to this outcome. I know you have been posting on this site for quite some time and I thought your S was committed to MT. However, whatever your ambivalence, I hope you can rethink your position about the lack of a level playing field for MT auditions. It is just patently false that everyone who "gets in" has some unfair competitive advantage, some of those examples you cited being professional experience, "contacts" or connections of one sort or another, rich parents who spare no expense to train their children to compete at some imagined "other level." Are some kids "better prepared" to audition? Sure. That and a dollar will get them a cup of coffee. Are there people in this profession who have gotten parts or even just their foot in the door because of who they know? You bet. Name me a profession in this world that doesn't have its share, as you put it, of "unfairness, nepotism, relationships and payoffs." So sad but too true. That doesn't mean that truly talented, hard working and deserving kids don't also succeed. It has been said, and I am a great believer in this, that all success is a result of the convergence of preparation, opportunity and plain good luck. In fact, it is my belief that as many college MT hopefuls are rejected for being OVER-trained as being undertrained. I'd be interested in Doctorjohn's thoughts on this, but I believe that while most of these student have had some training, they also need to appear TRAINABLE. Faculty don't want to have to spend several years untraining bad habits or dealing with a student who really thinks of themself as "finished" but just in need of some fine tuning.</p>
<p>With regard to UMich, I think what has been said IS true. It appears, from what you said, that they may have waitlisted your S while awaiting the material they need to make a final academic judgement but they obviously thought from what they had seen so far it looked promising enough not to deny him an audition slot. If he got into Yale, you have to believe that he would pass academic muster at Michigan once all the information was received.</p>
<p>You haven't said how your S feels about the prospect of giving up the study of MT in college. If he made the choice to apply EA at Yale, there had to have been a reason. And if he did apply EA to Yale, why did that preclude him applying ED to Tisch? I obviously don't know alot about this, but I thought you could apply elsewhere, you just had to withdraw your other apps if accepted ED somewhere.</p>
<p>And last but not least, if you think he is definitely going to Yale, why is it any less "unconscionable" to keep his apps in and audition at CMU and Julliard? Sorry if this sounds harsh, but I think you have some thinking to do. I don't believe that "this activity is one that is bought" There are lots of kids without tremendous financial resources who find ways to get what they need. I have so much respect for them. Holding on to their dream makes it possible. And you know what? The "kid who has just done well in the school musicals and plays, has a nice voice and some interest" CAN make it. And they do.</p>
<p>yay for theatermom!</p>
<p>My son was waitlisted at Baldwin-Wallace and waiting along with others of you for information from OCU. Anyone else out there waitlisted or accepted into BW MT?</p>
<p>When I got home this afternoon, my D had just received a packet from Emerson. She was accepted to the school but NOT accepted to the MT program. This was her second rejection letter (other was Elon) and she was very discouraged. We went through all the emotions and questions of "maybe I am not good enough" and "maybe I am not supposed to do MT" and "I don't want to audition anymore." I am sure those of you who have already been through this can relate. Anyway, I tried to reassure her...there are so few spots, you can be extremely talented and still not get accepted, you will end up where you are meant to be, etc. etc. (didn't help much though!)</p>
<p>Long story short, about an hour later, her admissions counselor from OCU called her to congratulate her on her acceptance to the MT program at their School of Music! I thought all along that OCU was a good fit for her since it is a BM degree and her strength is vocal performance. She is soooo excited! And we are all so relieved that she got an acceptance. It makes her realize that she does have talent after all!</p>
<p>For those of you still waiting to hear, best of luck to you! And for thsoe of you who haven't got good news yet...don't worry...it only takes one!</p>
<p>Happy Holidays to all CC posters! ( I know our holiday is going to be a lot nicer!)</p>
<p>Brava to your D, Lexasmomkbj! (what does that stand for anyway?)
And also to you for your great support of her. What's that old saying?: it's always darkest just before the dawn.</p>
<p>Now relax and enjoy your holiday. Hurray!!!!</p>
<p>mtpop--</p>
<p>What would you like to know? I have refrained from posting anything as there is so much to tell that I'd rather answer specific questions than detail my entire semester, as fun as that would be to relive the experience! :-) But I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have!</p>
<p>Shauna</p>
<p>Edited to add: congrats jamimom! <em>happy newly-learned ballet dance of acceptance joy</em></p>
<p>Thank you theatermom...
...for the congratulatory remarks! As for my sn, it stands for my daughter's name (Alexa) and my intials are added on the end. I used to post as just lexasmom on the old forum, but when they changed it, I was unable to access it without reregistering so I added my initials on the end (first thing I could think of!)</p>
<p>Sorry I sounded less than enthused--entirely wrong impression. We are over the moon for S. Have other issues with other child and med school admission that are not going well, to put it mildly, and that has had me agitated. Was not as concerned about S as he has a lot of alternatives since he has applied to a number of schools, some not so selective, some not MT, some non audition. Also he is a mixed bag on what he wants to do next year, so I really did not have my worry cap on for him. But I am thrilled. </p>
<p>I did not want to go into much detail about why he should pull some apps and not others but it is regarding his feelings about why he wants to keep them in. Simple curiousity about whether he can get in or not does not seem to me to be a good enough reason. Really a question of ethics and where some of us draw the line is different for others. We are having a number of this type of discussion here. What I think he will do and go may differ from what he thinks he may do, and he does have some rights in this matter but there are also some areas where there are issues to discuss. Others may feel differently. Right now we are not doing anything about this, just discussing it.</p>
<p>Yale is single choice early action. So he could not apply early action or binding early decision anywhere else. I meticulously read every application's instructions to make sure he was not violating any rules that the schools have. Though he auditioned early to a large number of schools, he did not apply to any early program. I believe Harrt and Michigan are two schools that are not EA but just rolling and are permissable. </p>
<p>As for the advantages that two kids of equal ability and motivation would have, if one could afford multiple tutors and coaching from people who know the process vs one who is going into this without anything but some school production experience, well, all I can say is that I truly believe that it can make a difference, all other things being equal. Just as test prep, tutors, a nurturing school and other things can make the difference. I do believe that anyone going into the field of MT needs to understand that the playing field could be notoriously unbalanced. My son is one who has had a lot of advantages of advice and help from those in the field and we have been repeatedly told this. So it is in many walks of life but this can be particularly blatant here. If you disagree with this, so be it. </p>
<p>As for going into MT, that was something he felt he wanted to do when he did started participating in such productions and his resume for a while was one MT performance after another. It was a natural application of his music background which foreshadowed his theatre. But lately he has been putting more time into classical theatre. What does he really want to do? I don't think he always knows and it changes by the moment and mood. He is not one of these kids who are absolutely sold on MT all of the time. As for how I personally feel about MT, it has really been only about a year since I really became aware of it as a field of study in itself mainly from this site. This site is what brought me to CC, and when I found it, I read every post, poring over it for hours. Don't think there is as much out there in the way of info on MT as on this site. But I am ambivalent as to whether he should have commited to this field. I am very open to what my kids want to study in college, as I feel the primary purpose of college is to provide that bubble for them to grow up a little bit. But I can tell you I feel better about Yale than an MT program ,personally, as does my H. Just our personal feelings. But had he gone the MT route, (of course he would have to get in which is not something I am so sure about seeing some of the talent and looking at the statistics), I would have said , "Go for it". After all we have invested a lot of time, money and resources in training him in the triple venues needed for MT. Mine is not a child who just decided to go MT one day. He has been heavily coached and trained in a variety of excellent programs by a number of wonderful, knowledgeable teachers. </p>
<p>MT is not the only field by far where the training can make a difference. I have seen families pour the resources in athletics, academics, art. Does it always pan out? NO. But in my experience, if the kid has something on the ball in that area, all of that training if it of the right quality and direction can make a big difference in the outcome. </p>
<p>But we are happy for our son; this is truly an unexpected windfall for him and us. It does take pressure of us, no denying it. This has been a new experience for us and the people we have met are certainly some of the most dedicated in the pursuit of excellence in this field or really any field. I truly wish everyone the best of luck.</p>
<p>Lexasmom...That is absolutely wonderful news! I think your D's story is one worth telling over and over again to those trying for admittance to BFA programs. It only does take one. Just because it did not work at one school does not reflect on your talent or if you will get into another. You have to believe in yourself and keep going. I am very happy for your D, not only on her acceptance but that it came on the same day that a less positive letter came! Having had a child go through college admissions, I can tell you that April admissions is a nicer experience than the early round because in the early round you only hear from one school and if it is not positive news, then you sit and wait for months to hear anything. But in April, usually even if you get some rejections, there are acceptances to balance it out. So, those who went for an early school need to hang in there because later in the year, there should be some good news. And for YOUR D it came now...what a great thing and I hope she enjoys the moment. I shared her story with my daughter to show how someone can take a rejection from a BFA program and start questionning if they are good enough and so forth, and yet get into another school. </p>
<p>Enjoy the moment!
Susan</p>
<p>Anxiety</p>
<p>Wow, the anxiety level has definitely picked up over the last few days. I was so tied up with work that I missed the posts, but I'm sharing that anxt. A call from the OCU admissions person? Uh Oh - we didn't get one of those. Anxiety increases. Thank goodness my D got two recent letters inviting her to audition at other schools. </p>
<p>The OCU Christmas card story was great. We had quite a scene at our house too. Dad made the mistake of telling D over the phone that something arrived from OCU. She rushed home, barely able to keep tears from spilling. When she tore open the corner and realized it was a card, the tears exploded. I just now told her about the dog story, and she got a great laugh. I guess we all need to keep this thing in perspective.</p>
<p>Congratulations to everyone for the acceptances and positive deferrals. And for those of us who are still waiting, I agree with poster who said a good match will be found (unless the waiting until spring kills us first!).</p>
<p>Hoofermom, </p>
<p>I know all about the anxiety! Please don't fret about not receiving a call from an OCU counselor...my D had established quite a rapport with this particular counselor during the whole application process. I know it's hard not to read anything into absolutely everything that is posted...I know we have! I can also relate to the story about the Christmas card! Imagine...a Christmaas card causing such a commotion (it did the same at our house). But I can tell you, after that rejection from Emerson...if we hadn't heard from OCU, my D was in one of those moods where she was just about to give up! Oh what a stressful year!!!! Hang in there. Like I told my D, it only takes one yes, and I am sure there will be one for your D too ( and it will be the right school for her.) Continued good luck and Happy Holidays!</p>
<p>Emerson - We regret to inform you that academically you are just not up to snuff...ok, I may have added a little of my own wording in there. And last night she had a choir concert and shoved her thoughts to the back of her mind and I was very proud of her. We are now thinking that if she can't even get into Emerson academically (after they told us that SAT's don't matter) then she probably won't be able to get in anywhere academically. For those of you in the future...my daughter had a B average in not very challenging academic courses in high school (a performing arts high school) and bad SAT scores. She is totally consumed with voice, dance, etc. While she is a conscientious student, and certainly is not dumb by any stretch of the imagination, taking academically challenging classes in high school just was not important to her. She has always been a slow test taker and I think this will truly limit her options for college. Even tho Emerson told us on the phone a few months ago that SAT scores don't matter, I think that they do to a certain extent. </p>
<p>On the bright side, the owner of her dance studio, picked her up today to record a possible Carnival Cruise Line theme song (and is PAYING her!)...she has recorded for him in the past for dance CD's but not for pay. </p>
<p>She also said should I not even bother with the rest of my auditions, but I told her of course she should! She has nothing to lose. She will, if nothing else, get more audition practice. </p>
<p>Thank goodness we leave for Hawaii tomorrow for 10 glorious days with my husband and 2 daughters (1 is home from college)...a long awaited and needed vacation. </p>
<p>Congrats to all of you that have good news!</p>
<p>Catsmom - Don't despair. I'm sure the right program is out there for your D. Have you looked at UArts? We visited there and took away that SATs and HS grades aren't the top priority for admission to the school. (that's not a slight to their program...I just mean that they prioritize differently) Hang in there.</p>
<p>catsmom - Don't despair, please. There are conservatory programs (I believe and hope it's true) that really, really don't care about SAT's. Boston Conservatory doesn't even require them, if I remember correctly. We're in a similar boat here as far as SAT's are concerned. I do wonder if Emerson considered them a bit more than we expected if only for a deferred decision type reply. For instance, if they were on the fence talent-wise, I would assume Emerson would pick students with higher SAT's/grades over those with lower? Just thinking out loud. </p>
<p>Either way, enjoy Hawaii. DON'T THINK ABOUT COLLEGE WHILE YOU'RE ON THE BEACH, PLEASE!!! Happy Holidays and congrats to your daughter on the recording gig.</p>
<p>Catsmom--It really is only one school, but feels harsh because it's not what you were led to believe. What other schools is D auditioning for? You're from California, I think, so are you looking at any California schools? Weren't you looking at smaller schools or am I confusing names on here? We all need to remember that our kids will achieve in various ways in this business if they try hard enough and don't give up--and it might not even be through the routes we're planning today. </p>
<p>An 18 year old boy was in a horrible accident here yesterday. He might not live and was on fire while other drivers rushed to his aid with fire extinguishers and a scissors for the seatbelt (I am going to stock my car with a "toolkit," let me tell you). He was sitting in routine disgusting traffic, minding his own business, not doing anything wrong. We can be so grateful that these MT kids of ours are as healthy as they are and doing what they love--wherever they end up doing it. I hope that doesn't sound like I'm chastising you for being sad because I would feel the same way. It's just that this happened here yesterday and the horrendous traffic kept my D from her voice lesson and my first reaction was to be aggravated that she missed her lesson (until I heard what happened on the freeway).</p>
<p>Have fun in Hawaii and congratulations to your D on the cruise CD.</p>
<p>catsmom - Please tell your daughter not to give up hope. I know of one talented young lady with low SATs and average grades who got into two top notch MT programs. She is now a freshman and working very hard.<br>
What some other posters are saying about conservatory programs is also true. Another route is to go to a local college for a year, get good grades and transfer. I know of two kids who did just that. One started out in a pre-med program and now is going for fashion! The other kid is an extraordinary talent who didn't luck out the first time around. He is getting his bearings, doing local college shows and preparing for next year.</p>
<p>Also to all those out there who might pooh-pooh their friendly neighborhood college theatre program-- I recently attended a musical at a local state college with my daughter not expecting much. We were invited to go by the director who we know from my Ds summer program. Well let me just say we were so impressed! It was a good, if not better than the productions we've seen this year at some big MT schools. I also know a theatre teacher at another small community college in MA. She could get a job anywhere, but life circumstances (married with kid) have not afforded her the opportunity to do so. This teacher is so wonderfully gifted and giving to her students. She is privately coaching one of her students to try get into a BFA (acting) program. This student is attending a community college because of some unfortunate life circumstances. Finding this teacher-mentor has been a godsend to her. I hope she can get in somewhere.</p>
<p>Keep all your options open. Good things can happen in the most unlikely places.</p>
<p>Catsmom, hugs to your daughter. While I have never seen her perform, she is a beautiful girl who I am sure is talented and this one did not go her way. You can't sum it up from one college audition. I mean I know kids in top programs who did not get into some other program, you cannot over analyze it or draw conclusions if you are "good enough". I know you know this and it is hard as your D is questioning herself. I also know someone who was told by Emerson last year that he was talented enough to get in but his grades did not cut it and kept him out. So, remind your D that in this case, it may have been her academic profile NOT her talent. And even in cases where kids did not get in via talent, you gotta realize that so far they only took a few kids, almost like a "rolling admissions" scenario, and some are on hold. I realize that is not your D's case but the whole EA thing at Emerson is not like a typical EA type admissions process. </p>
<p>Anyway, as others have said, SOME of the BFA programs do not weigh academics too heavily. In fact, it strikes me that a good many of them only have an academic "bar" that you must be over and then the rest of admissions rests on the audition. However, some schools very much weigh academics and in fact, the standards are pretty high...such as NYU and UMich and to a lesser degree but still somewhat selective academically, Emerson. But if you look at the admissions requirements at many of the other schools, you almost just have to be over a minimum "stats" level. So, aim for those programs. I cannot recall if NYU or UMich are on your D's list and those will be harder academically. But I my feeling is that she may be academically fine at places like CCM, Hartt, Penn State, Syracuse, Ithaca, Boston Conservatory and even Carnegie Mellon (though that is a selective college, they seem to not weigh academics too heavily for the BFA program, something like 10% of the decision is on academics). I just do not recall your D's list. Might Fordham be a possibility? UMiami? I feel badly she took this first decision hard, but look over the list and hang in there because it is just one school. There are many more to go. She only needs to get into ONE. </p>
<p>I know a very talented girl (Freelance knows her too) from CA who is going to UC Irvine for musical theater. She graduated high school early like my D, at age 16. You also could add a school or two as backup that might be a state school that offers a theater department that puts on musicals, even if it is not a BFA degree. But otherwise let your D know that some of the BFA programs have academic standards for admission that are not as high as Emerson's. She could retake the SAT in Jan. as well. One way to improve the score is to take the 10 REAL SATS (you can buy this book) which are real tests used in the past, not made by a different company, and to take these under timed conditions. This is known to help. I just offer that as another thing to add to her credentials as it cannot hurt to retake them one time. I do not think academics will keep her out of all MT programs, only a few that weigh it more significantly. I also do not know what you consider "low SATs" but I know some kids in these programs who did not have such high scores. </p>
<p>Have a great time in Hawaii and hopefully this will pass and just keep going for it. I do not know her list of schools...you likely told me but I forget....go over the requirements and feel it out and if you need to add a fallback safety option, look into that. I really do not think academics will keep her out of some of these programs though and for some, it could. A lot of the performing arts guidebooks go over the minimum requirements for these programs and I was rather stunned at how low they were academically in fact, at several schools. Show that to your D if you have such a resource. </p>
<p>I think your D's talent is going to count for more than her academics in this admissions process and so tell her we are behind her efforts to keep auditioning! </p>
<p>Susan</p>