Final Decisions; BACKGROUND, Class of 2016

College Majors Musical Theater Major
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<p>@singerchick -</p>

<p>Since it seems that you are female, and your list included only auditioned programs, I’d say you are fortunate to have even one acceptance! Every year we seem to know at least one very talented MT kid who decides not to heed the advice to include a couple great non-auditioned safeties and ends the audition season with no school at all!</p>

<p>Every year on cc we also hear from a few girls with multiple great acceptances, but please understand that they are major exceptions! Even girls we know who have gotten into top programs have also received stinging rejections, and these are girls who have it all – AMAZING talent, MANY years of top-notch training in all 3 areas, GORGEOUS appearance (perfect height, weight PLUS stunning features), resumes packed with impressive credits AND many influential professional contacts. </p>

<p>It’s probably good to do a brief scan of things you might learn from this experience (did you follow school instructions and informal advice about audition material, did you dress appropriately for auditions, did you seem overconfident, did you do your research about each program, etc.) but beyond that know that MANY people are ruled out of these small programs simply by type or other factors beyond your control. </p>

<p>It’s a tough business out there for female MT performers, so it’s great that you are dusting yourself off after a rough audition season and getting ready to give yourself completely to the great program you’re in. If you retain that attitude after every future rejection and commit yourself to continuing to learn and grow you will be successful in all areas of your life!</p>

<p>Congratulations on making it through the rite of passage that is MT audition season!!</p>

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<p>Singerchick, you could beat yourself up all day long about what you might have done differently, but in the end it doesn’t matter. Sure, as Momcares said, you probably “should” have included a couple of non-auditioned schools on your list and perhaps should have included a couple more of the schools that appeal to a more regional pool than a national pool. You included most of the “powerhouse” schools, at which entrance for even the most talented, as you seem to be, is almost by lottery.</p>

<p>But the fact is, you do have a school to attend next year that offers the training you want, and the best thing you can do right now is let yourself get very excited about the prospect. Don’t sap your energy and enthusiasm by worrying about what might have been. Look forward to having an amazing year of learning and growing and fulfilling all the potential you have.</p>

<p>Best wishes for a truly wonderful year, and congratulations on having a place to go!</p>

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<p>@MomCares-
Thank you so much!!! I know it really does suck being a girl in musical theater… the odds are never in your favor. Maybe I’ll try transferring next year, its just the whole process was so extremely stressful! Do you think that where you go to school truly increases your chances of getting work?
(sorry everyone that I am taking up space on this thread talking about this!)</p>

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<p>@Singerchick – Hahahaha… maybe you have hit upon the new MT female slogan “May the odds be Never in your favor” ;-D</p>

<p>When you look at Playbills, you will find successful performers coming from every background you can possibly imagine… you can do great things wherever you come from!!</p>

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<p>Hahaha why is it that Hunger Games can be related to everything?? Love those books!! Thank you so much to both of you, you really made me feel alot better!</p>

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<p>Applied: Penn State University, Elon University, CCM, Carnegie Mellon University, Florida State University, Syracuse University, Point Park University, Ithaca College, Montclair State University, Baldwin-Wallace College, Roosevelt University, Boston Conservatory, UCLA.</p>

<p>Accepted: Penn State University, Florida State University, Syracuse University, Point Park University, Ithaca College, Montclair State University, Boston Conservatory, UCLA</p>

<p>Rejected: CCM, Baldwin-Wallace College</p>

<p>Wait listed: Carnegie Mellon University, Roosevelt University, Elon University</p>

<p>Final Decision: Penn State University</p>

<p>In the end, despite my acceptances, the choice was quite clear to me. After my final audition in February, before I had heard from the majority of my schools, I felt that Penn State was where I am meant to be. The faculty is very distinguished, bringing in special guest artists from NYC for master classes and workshops very frequently, the students were the friendliest group of kids I had encountered throughout my auditions, it is a very small program, offering a great amount of personal attention and care, they have a great track record of working alumni in NYC on Broadway, national tours, TV etc., and most of all, it felt like home. I wanted a conservatory style training program within a large university that gave me the opportunity to explore my other interests. It is only three hours from home, in a beautiful setting, and overall a very special place. I am beyond excited for Fall 2012!</p>

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<p>Applied to: NYU/Tisch, CMU, BoCo, Point Park, Baldwin-Wallace, Webster, Syracuse, and Marymount Manhattan
Accepted to: Webster BFA MT, Marymount Manhattan BA Theatre arts w/ MT minor
Rejected from: NYU, CMU, BoCO, B-W
Waitlisted at:Point Park
Final Decision: Webster University BFA Musical Theatre</p>

<p>Although I am still waiting to hear from Syracuse, I figured it would be wise to go ahead and choose a school. I am absolutely in love with Webster. The curriculum actually reminds me of Carnegie Mellon a lot and that is ultimately what I was looking for; Which was a small program great acting/movement/speech classes, along with a great MT specific classes. </p>

<p>I am a transfer student and I must admit that this process has been a very stressful one. Some of these schools don’t really know how to properly handle transfer students. Baldwin Wallace was a very horrifying experience. They required a lot of extra admission material and prolonged my admissions decision because they misplaced one of my documents! </p>

<p>Syracuse did warn me that I may find out later because I am a transfer applicant which is fine, but Webster totally sold me with their offer, and I definitely know that I will be happy there.</p>

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<p>NCCPdad Twin S #2
Applied: Alabama, Point Park, CCM, Florida State, BOCO, Elon, Oklahoma, Michigan
Accepted: Alabama (MT and dance), Point Park MT, BOCO MT, and FSU MT
Rejected: CCM, Michigan, Elon, Oklahoma
Decision: Florida State BFA MT</p>

<p>S #2 auditioned on campus for each school (made it through screens at OK and Mich). Would echo many of the same comments from mttwinsinca, particularly the comments about early auditions. For S#2 it came down to BOCO and FSU, and he preferred the smaller program. He is a much stronger dancer than his brother and the dance studio down there is amazing. He predicted 7 of 8 MT auditions correctly regarding acceptances/rejections. Kids know what feels right and what is the right fit in their hearts. Although I never thought “in a million” that they would end up in the same program, they are excited to be together. </p>

<p>From earlier:</p>

<p>Twin son #1
Applied: Ithaca, Point Park, CCM, Florida State, BOCO, Michigan, Baldwin-Wallace, CMU, Oklahoma City University, Indiana Jacobs (voice), Northwestern (voice)
Accepted: Florida State BM MT, Oklahoma City BM MT and BM voice, Northwestern BM voice, Indiana University Jacobs voice
Rejected: Ithaca, Point Park, CCM, BOCO, BW, CMU, Michigan
Decision: Florida State BM MT</p>

<p>He selected FSU because it a more intimate program which offers conservatory style training within a larger University. FSU has an excellent track record for producing graduates who are working professionals. Classical vocal training, coupled with exceptional acting and dance training; can’t go wrong! Added plus, he received a great scholarship offer! The head of the department could not have been more supportive.</p>

<p>NCCPdad Twin S #2
Applied: Alabama, Point Park, CCM, FSU, BOCO, Elon, Oklahoma, Michigan
Accepted: Alabama (MT and dance), Point Park MT, BOCO MT, and FSU MT</p>

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<p>Congrats to your S#1 & S#2, Nccpdad. And congrats to you for surviving this “long and winding road” with twins, too!</p>

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<p>Honestly, you MT-twins-people are my new heroes. ;-D</p>

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<p>^^What she said!!</p>

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<p>Agreed! </p>

<p>(PS, tracy, when I saw you were the most recent post on this thread…I opened it up thinking your D finally decided, but NOPE! :D)</p>

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<p>I keep looking for the “like” button! MomCares, tracyvp, soozievt… “like”</p>

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<p>soozie – I had a similar post when tracy cleaned up another thread a few days ago. If this 2012 cc class gathered in the Town Square, tracyvp would be the Den Mother, serving ice tea (perhaps something stronger this week) and making sure everything ran on time. Her insights, passion, humor and work on the thread have been so appreciated (as are yours).</p>

<p>May the Goddess of Waitlists smile on her daughter – SOON!</p>

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<p>Lovin’ all the tracyvp love. She really is our den mother!</p>

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<p>Applied: Point Park, CCM, FSU, Elon, Oklahoma City, Wagner, Ball State, IU, USC, Pace, Coastal Carolina, TCU, Western Michigan, and Penn State</p>

<p>Accepted: Ball State and Elon (BFA MT); USC and OK City (BFA Acting); Wagner and Point Park (BA MT, performance)</p>

<p>Rejected: Everywhere she wasn’t accepted : ) No waitlists</p>

<p>Decision: Ball State BFA MT</p>

<p>This process began for us well over a year ago. A summer researching all the schools on the “Big List” (among others), narrowing down that list to include all college opportunities my D determined she wanted…then there were campus visits, school information sessions, scholarship investigations, detailed discussion with CC friends sharing information (thanks : ) you know who you are!), the list goes on and on.</p>

<p>Simply put: D felt like one of the family at Ball State. She was especially drawn in by the enthusiasm of both the MT faculty and students for their craft…she called me from a visit to say, “They are ON FIRE for MT, mom!!” We visited many other schools where this was not the case.</p>

<p>The curriculum offered the specific classes D was looking for and knowing the BFA plays nicely with the Honors College was another deciding factor.</p>

<p>One of the KEY differences I noticed between Ball State’s and other school’s approach to this process was the personalized attention they displayed.</p>

<p>At audition D’s strengths were complimented and she was given time to chat so they could KNOW her beyond a song and monologue.</p>

<p>The invitation to the program was via phone call from the Department Chair, Bill Jenkins…not simply an impersonal email or form letter.</p>

<p>D visited campus twice and even with short notice class schedules were made for her and tickets to the show were reserved. The second time she visited, the kids who took her around on the prior visit greeted her by name despite two months having passed.</p>

<p>When D emailed her acceptance to the program she received response emails from both Bill and Andrea Sadler, recruitment coordinator, expressing their excitement at having her in the program.</p>

<p>At every turn D has been made to feel special and unique and as a parent this has convinced me D has made a great decision. To us, getting into a program is so much more than simply getting in.</p>

<p>D displayed so much growth and maturity during this process, realizing that what she may have thought she wanted in a college at 15 and 16 was actually quite different than at 17. I enjoyed watching her discover this and look forward to her continued growth both as a person and as a performer!</p>

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<p>You guys are just WAY too kind!! I love CC and the community here. It has been such a blessing for the past year and a half. I don’t know what I would have done without all of you!</p>

<p>Okay, after LOTS of wonderful encouragement from many dear folks here (you know who you are!!) I am finally ready to share D’s “final” decision. The problem has been that I was hung up on that word, “Final!” We are not really 100% sure that IF she comes off one of her wait lists, she won’t switch to a different school, so I feel kind of weird saying this decision is final. </p>

<p>But just this morning, I realized that it’s the same for anyone else! Others might have a change in health, or financial circumstances or simply a change of heart. Things might change for any number of students who have made a “final” decision. But the fact remains that given the information we have at the present moment, we make the best decision we can!</p>

<p>So, without further ado:</p>

<p>Applied to: Otterbein, Texas State, Pace, Point Park, University of the Arts , Baldwin Wallace, Coastal Carolina, Montclair State, Penn State, CCM, Northern Colorado, Western Carolina, Rider, Muhlenberg, Ball State, Texas Christian, Elon (later withdrew application)</p>

<p>Safety: Wichita State (later implemented an audition requirement, so we had to find a new one), North Central. Both accepted academically. (That’s why they were Safeties!)</p>

<p>Auditioned: Otterbein, Texas State, Pace, Point Park, University of the Arts , Baldwin-Wallace, Coastal Carolina, Montclair State, Penn State, CCM, Northern Colorado, Western Carolina, Rider, Muhlenberg, Ball State, Texas Christian, Santa Fe, Hartt</p>

<p>Application withdrawn: Elon, Hartt, Santa Fe (Decided not to complete applications after auditions at both of these last 2.)</p>

<p>Accepted to: Pace, Point Park, UArts, Western Carolina, Rider, Muhlenberg</p>

<p>Rejected from: Baldwin-Wallace, Coastal Carolina, Penn State, CCM, Northern Colorado</p>

<p>Waitlisted at: Texas State, Otterbein, Ball State, Montclair State</p>

<p>Final Decision: May I have a drumroll please?..
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PACE UNIVERSITY!!! Woo Hoo!!! (And for those who remember, this is THE BIG FISH!!)</p>

<p>As I detailed in another thread, we never started out planning for her to apply and/or audition for 21 schools! It just grew throughout the process for a variety of reasons.</p>

<p>She fell absolutely in LOVE with Pace and with NYC in general from the second she first laid eyes on both, in August of last year. But she made a VALIANT effort to remain impartial and keep an open mind throughout the process.</p>

<p>When she was accepted to Pace in March, she withdrew her Elon application without auditioning and opted not to complete applications at a couple of the schools she auditioned for at Unifieds. She thought about withdrawing her application to Texas State, but for several reasons she decided to go ahead and audition. And she fell absolutely in love with Texas State as well. It was very tough because she felt, in her words, “like carving her heart out of the pavement in front of Pace University,” but there it was. She was hooked.</p>

<p>But it was not to be, and she was wait listed. Then the Financial package from Pace arrived and we were shocked by how much it was going to cost to send her there. (We knew how expensive it was, but we had been REALLY hoping some miracle might come through!) So, she visited a couple of her other acceptances that were significantly cheaper but she just didn’t feel the fit at any of them. Some of them she could see were fabulous programs, but they weren’t “home.” A final visit to Pace last week confirmed it. This was her school.</p>

<p>So we finally decided to bite the bullet and commit to what has been her favorite school all along. We are very blessed that because I have been a SAHM mom up to now, my return to work will cover the difference in tuition from what we had been prepared to pay and what it will cost. I’m still not completely settled with the idea of paying that much money for an undergraduate education, but I’m very thankful that we can make it happen! If something changes between now and September, we’ll deal with it if/when it happens. But we are not going to expect it, nor wait for it. We are now a Pace family!!</p>

<p>Fun Fact: Pace’s mascot is the Irish Setter. So it is with great pride that I can say, “Go Pace Setters!!!”</p>

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<p>Congrats tracyvp – having had a little glimpse into your decision process, I know how much thought and time and love you’ve put into it with your daughter. Look forward to getting to know you and her better as a fellow Pace family! <3</p>

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<p>Congratulations Tracy VP to you and your daughter!</p>

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<p>It’s been a long difficult path. With a daughter who dances amazingly (not my words) that everyone says they love to watch, a good actress and a voice with the right teacher, has now improved tremendously…I’m so glad we’re done.
Background- she’s danced since she was 3 at a studio (yes, in Kansas) that has at least 6 kids on Broadway at a time with more in traveling shows. She’s just done acting at school and done private voice since 7th grade. However, we just this year found a teacher that really helps her.
I’ve been on this site for two years trying to find the magic potion. There is no magic potion, no sure system to success. Unless, as we figured out, you’re an Asian male…
She did one summer program, last year. We had talked to an audition coach there and an audition coach by Skype. I told her we could do it but her voice teacher at that point said there were plenty of people who could work with her locally. In hindsight, those audition coaches know what the schools are looking at and all of those kids that used the coaches had multiple offers.
She was dealing with parameters we had agreed on- a school where she could double major or at least take a good number of academic classes, a sizeable Jewish population with an active Hillel or such, and integration in with the rest of the University in some way. She wanted an audition program and wouldn’t look at ones that weren’t. She threw in auditioning at CCM even though she knew there was no way.
Schools applied to for MT/theater- Elon, Oklahoma, Michigan, NYU, USC, Tulane (changed from audition to sophomore year audition), CCM, Penn State, Indiana, Syracuse and she walked in at Point Park at Unifieds.
Academically accepted to all- a good portion of them with merit money for grades
Artistically accepted to NYU- Tisch and USC
Biggest heartbreak when it happened- Indiana
Applied to five others for purely academic and accepted at 2, waitlisted 1, rejected 2
Decision was NYU- Tisch for acting at Atlantic studio. I think there was a momentary pause at the idea of not being in the MT studio. However, we have heard nothing but wonderful things about Atlantic. Someone told us that she can take voice at Steinhardt (or the voice teacher we use now is by Skype) and to take dance classes outside Tisch. She said the dance classes at Tisch aren’t leveled and there are papers to write and tests to take for the Tisch classes. There are studios close by to take dance at that are great and offer student discounts.
sorry, I haven’t figured out the bold type and the color type…
It’s a relief to be done, a relief that her dream can come true and the stress is now over. I do think it’s a good fit, although I always pictured her on a “typical” college campus but everyone seems to love NYU and hopefully she will too</p>