Final Decisions; BACKGROUND, Class of 2016

College Majors Musical Theater Major
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<p>Auditioned: Roosevelt, Syracuse, Penn State, Emerson, CMU, Point Park, Ithaca, NYU, UMich (passed screening)
Accepted: U of New Hampshire (no audition), Fairleigh Dickinson (video audition)
Waitlisted: Point Park (BA MT)
Final Decision: Gap Year</p>

<p>I thought it might be interesting to share my story.
As you can tell, my result was not as successful as most of the other students here. The main reason is probably the lack of preparation. I feel like maybe I didn’t choose the best songs/monologues and I remember my mother and I being completely surprised by the energy and talent of the other auditionee. It was beyond what we had imagined. So I sort of did expect this result, to be honest. I received very nice scholarships from the two colleges I was accepted to. But after a long discussion with my parents, I decided to take a gap year and audition again next year.
At the same time I was making my final decision, my mother got promoted and will now be moving to Singapore, which is where I used to live, next month. Since I think Singapore will give me more opportunities because it is and English speaking country, I as well as the rest of my family decided to join her. I was also introduced to an audition coaching group.<br>
Somewhere inside of me, I feel that this was all supposed to happen. Yes, I was initially very disappointed with my audition results, but now I am incredibly excited for my gap year and my new life over in Singapore.</p>

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<p>It is so great to hear all of these stories, and I think every one of them will be interesting to folks in future years!</p>

<p>Are there any folks who revised your thinking after a late acceptance off a waitlist, or any other background stories (from this year OR previous years) to share before this admissions year winds down?</p>

83

<p>Auditioned MT: U. Arts, Ithaca, Syracuse, Indiana, NYU, Pace, BOCO, CMU
Accepted MT: U. Arts, NYU (NSB), Indiana, Pace
Waitlisted: BOCO</p>

<p>Auditioned VP: Ithaca, Syracuse, CMU
Accepted: All</p>

<p>Decision: Pace, MT</p>

<p>I recall a poster some time ago discussing the value of participating in an extended audition process—that what is learned over the course of planning, performing, and processing multiple presentations is critical to ultimately understanding “fit” with specific programs. My D was a perfect example of this. She ended up finishing her search in a much different place than where she began, and made a choice which was quite rational to her given her own set of priorities.</p>

<p>D graduated from a very small public HS (just 48 in her class) that is located near a large city. While we are thrilled with the general education she received (and I have become a huge supporter of small HS as a result) school opportunities in the PA were limited. To gain performance experience, she participated in regional theatre, as well as in all of the school shows, took voice and dance lessons, and attended summer programs (OCU and Rutgers Summer Acting Conservatory). Though she always seemed to compare well with her peers in these situations, we were never quite sure if it she represented a “big fish in a small pond,” or if she was, indeed, competitive for admission to these hyper-competitive programs in MT. Given that her strength is her voice, and with the encouragement of her classical voice teacher, she decided to hedge her bets a little by applying to both MT and VP programs. </p>

<p>In the end, her experiences led her to a decision that she really wanted to stay with MT, and that Pace would provide the experiences she felt she needed in a context in which she would feel connected. </p>

<p>Her final choices from which she made her decision were CMU (VP); and Indiana, NYU, and Pace (MT). </p>

<p>CMU. Admittedly, Dad’s favorite. Perhaps more than any other university that we visited, CMU is a school for the 21st century. Not many places combine such excellence in the sciences with the performing and fine arts, and even fewer match their genuine commitment to interdisciplinary study. Great student body representing a huge array of interests and talents coupled with the opportunity to develop as a Steeler fan. D liked the school a lot and was thrilled with her VP acceptance. Small program (12 freshmen), excellent FA package, requirements and opportunities in acting and dance, an interest in maintaining a relevant curriculum, and communication with her indicating that they really wanted her there were huge drawing points. Negatives: Had been rejected by MT and was afraid that she would always want to be across the yard in the Theatre building. Also, by this time she had decided that she really wanted MT.</p>

<p>Indiana. Probably the best audition system of all. D felt as though she had been genuinely “looked at” in a comprehensive way. Program director was articulate and very clear with program direction and personally called her with admission offer the day after the audition. Relationships with the music school were positive. Had extensive opportunities to talk with current students and was impressed with their level of satisfaction with their program. Small program, young, but with drive. Very attractive in many ways, but also very expensive for OSS (would have actually been more expensive than NYU after financial aid was considered). </p>

<p>NYU. D applied only to NSB and was very excited when admitted. Financial aid package was not great, so attending would have been a struggle. In spite of this, she was committed to the program initially as it has a great reputation, deep resources (especially in terms of alums working in so many MT-related areas), challenging academics and attracted talented students. Negatives were financial aid and the more complex feeling of it just not being the right “fit “ for her that emerged after attending an accepted student presentation. </p>

<p>Pace. Enjoyed audition. Liked the follow-up feedback that she got from the director and was also attracted to the program size. Was able to come to the school, sit in on classes, talk with faculty, and students, and have a detailed conversation with the director in regard to what the program entails over all four years. Like Indiana, a fairly young program, but one with a lot of energy behind it and with clear direction. Financial aid package was very good and, of course, it was in NY. Downsides included being less well-known that other institutions and (from her perspective, anyway) a bit too much encouragement to accept professional performance opportunities as a student.</p>

<p>In the end, of course, she chose Pace. In the words of a frequent poster whose advice I greatly respect, every program has “glitches; none are perfect.” You just have to decide what “glitches” you can tolerate.</p>

<p>The whole process is long, hectic, stressful, and sometimes disappointing. But it is also one great big gigantic exquisite learning moment. Only after going through it do you understand where you are.</p>

84

<p>Auditioned MT: Plymouth State University (BA MT), Montclair State University (BFA MT)
Accepted MT: PSU, MSU</p>

<p>I originally was a student studying Musical Theatre at the University of New Hampshire, and I found myself quite disappointed with the program. I decided that a transfer was necessary, so I auditioned for Montclair State, and PSU as a back-up. I ended up getting accepted to both, and chose Montclair because of the wonderful reviews I’ve heard about the program. Also, when I visited, everyone in the department was incredibly friendly and helpful. Their curriculum also interests me, because it requires you to focus on all aspects of musical theatre, music theory and dance interesting me the most.</p>

<p>My specific reasons for transfer:
UNH, while being a good school for the sciences (Chemistry, Engineering, etc.) is not known for the Arts, meaning that the facilities are mediocre, and some of the staff are unwilling and unhelpful. Also, the music and theatre departments were at ends with each other, and I feel to achieve a successful musical theatre education, it is necessary that music and theatre coincide easily.</p>

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<p>Thanks for sharing. I believe you are the first one to post on this thread whose D applied to both MT and VP programs. It helps to see how that worked out for her. Our D is a rising senior considering doing that same thing. Out of curiosity, and for comparison purposes, is there anyone else out there who applied to both that would like to share the outcome of their experience on here? Thank you!</p>

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<p>@ATLAST, there was another poster on the board(not this thread) who shared that when their D applied to BOTH MT and VP at the same school, she was rejected for MT and accepted for VP. This poster was asking if this had happened to others as well…I can’t remember if anyone answered, but that post may be of interest to you. I’ll try to find it.</p>

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<p>Found it! I don’t know how to link to another thread, but it is post #1 in “MT and vocal performance choices.”</p>

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<p>My D was only interested in pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre and did not have a plan B (other than a gap year). She applied to 19 schools and auditioned for 23 including so-called top-tier, mid-tier and low-tier schools (sorry not to list them all but we included the regular cast of characters!!). She was accepted to 9 programs (BoCo, Syracuse, Hartt, U.Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Point Park, UArts, ONU, Utah, Rockford) and was waitlisted on 2 others (Viterbo, Roosevelt). All of her success came at Unifieds: we attended Unifieds both in Chicago and LA. I think that auditioning at Unifieds became more like a job for her, heading from one audition to the next, and if she didn’t feel good about one audition, there was another one in an hour where she could redeem herself. </p>

<p>She narrowed her selection to BoCo and Syracuse based on their reputations of producing working actors and she felt that both programs would provide her the training she needed to reach her full potential as a triple threat performer. We toured both, made extensive pros and cons lists, and my D contacted students she knew at both institutions. She loved both programs so much that there was not a clear cut winner as we would have thought considering that the programs and institutions are so different. Both programs offered her scholarships and they each offered more when we asked.</p>

<p>In the end, she selected Syracuse because of (1) lower class sizes (20 vs 55), (2) $10,000/yr cheaper, and (3) the Tepper Semester (not necessarily in that order!). She would have done anything to be able to attend both institutions!! </p>

<p>It is so amazing to be on this side of the college auditioning journey!!</p>

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<p>Thanks, I did read that other thread. It confirms for me that it may not be a good idea to audition for BOTH MT and VP at the same school, which is one concern D and I had previously discussed. She is looking at completely different schools for VP! Sorry for wandering slightly away from the original topic of this thread!</p>

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<p>So. I am finally going to post on the background thread. It has been a crazy year.
I didn’t decide to pursue musical theatre until June of 2011. I had never been in a musical until my junior year, but I had done acting and performances. With no dance training, I knew it would be hard. I proceeded to work with one of the best vocal coaches, and met my mentor for the year. Got the opportunity to work with a broadway casting agent and producer which was immensely helpful. BTW Im a male.</p>

<p>I started my initial list of colleges with a lot of lower tier schools such as Wright State. By the end of the year I had a nice mix of higher and middle and a few lower for fallbacks.</p>

<p>Auditioned at: TX State- San Marcos, UW-Stevens Point, Roosevelt, Point Park, TCU, OU, Oklahoma City University, U of Miami, Indiana, Ohio Northern, Webster. (ALL MT)
Did the prescreen for both IU, OU, and TX State. Got a callback for both.</p>

<p>Accepted: Roosevelt, Point Park, TCU, Oklahoma City, Miami, Ohio Northern.
Waitlisted: Indiana (very shocked, had a horrid audition), UW-Stevens Point.</p>

<p>The most heartbreaking thing was Texas State. I received the email two days after Chicago that I was in the top 25. I was almost certain I was going to get in for reasons I prefer not to explain on the public forum. Found out some interesting info. PM for Info!
Don’t get me wrong, still LOVE the program.</p>

<p>Rejected: OU, TX State, Webster (Not a surprise, last minute walk-in at 8a.m. Needless to say I was not prepared to belt the high notes, haha.)</p>

<p>Final Decision: OCU (BM MT, and hopefully double majoring in January in VP)</p>

<p>In the end I really wish I had added more schools to my list. I feel like I sold myself a little short. I am happy with OCU, the program is amazing. I am planning on re-auditioning as a freshman at TX State next year. I just feel that Kaitlin has so much to offer, and the program is absolutely amazing. I also plan to re-audition for the big schools next year. I.e. CMU, CCM, FSU (great program in my opinion), and Michigan.
The process was stressful, especially because I have not been doing this very long. OCU had a great audition process, and the new music building is amazing.
Ohio Northern is a a program on a steady rise. They offered 30k a year, but in the end the town was way too small. Miami has one of the most fun dance calls I have ever done. It was absolutely amazing.</p>

<p>The most frustrating thing about the whole process, is if you were reject it was not always because you were not good enough. What I found out the most was that most schools look to cast their shows, and fill spots they want. I.e. you are a short 5’2 boy who would only play character. You might have a better chance at a school looking for a character actor. A lot of it is chance. A school can reject/accept you for some of the smallest reasons sometimes. But you have to remember, getting accepted anywhere is a BLESSING. Any audition school is a great school. Sometimes you are auditioning against over a thousand people, and they want a class of 8-25. Your odds are obviously not in your favor.
Be prepared and be professional! Its the best years of your life.</p>

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<p>@Atlast</p>

<p>One of my twins applied to both voice and MT programs. Below is a copy of earlier post. If no paranthetical is listed, it was MT only. Of the three programs that he applied for both, he was only admitted artistically to OCU. CCM and Michigan did not accept him artistically for either program. He applied for VP only at NU and IU and was accepted into those programs. </p>

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

<p>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>

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<p>Thank you for the useful information. FSU was on D’s long list, but it didn’t look like a promising option for her (OOS costwise). If they do offer good artistic scholarships (you could PM me w/info on that if you’d like), it may still be a viable option, esp. for the dance training. Also good to know OCU did offer your S both MT and VP options.</p>

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<p>@Nccpdad - Also worth mentioning that, IIRC, Florida State was coincidentally the one place that BOTH of your twins could attend, true? I thought that was cool!</p>

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<p>@MomCares</p>

<p>Correct. One BFA MT and one BM MT! Not rooming together though! Convenient for the parents!</p>

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<p>Did you use a coach and what advice would you give someone for next year applying to those schools. Congratulations!</p>

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<p>ElphabaC: this thread is just for final decisions but you’ll find lots of advice in other areas of this forum. Break a leg!</p>

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<p>I don’t think I posted my D’s final decision. She was accepted at Mullenberg, Mlliken, Elon (rejected Mt), Penn ST (rejected MT), James Madison University, BoCo, </p>

<p>Rejected, CCM, and Itacha, Emerson</p>

<p>Waiting list Wagner,</p>

<p>Final decision BoCo.</p>

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<p>For completeness, here’s the original years’ MT “Background” thread as well. </p>

<p>Sending good thoughts to everyone in the waiting phase!</p>