I think I have pretty much narrowed down a list of schools where I think I would like to go, and I was wondering if I could get some opinions? I wanted to know if I had a good mix of reaches and safeties, and if any of you have any additions or contradictions. I live in northern Virginia and am not looking to go more then 8 hours away.I’m studying straight acting and interested in a BA or BFA not sure yet, and I was looking for a school that has a program with a bit of flexibility for a double major. If not possible, i’d be ok with a minor. I was also wondering when it comes to admissions, how important is the talent part and academic part when making the final decision?
My Schools are:
Boston University
Emerson
JMU
Marymount Manhatten College
Montclair
NYU
Pace
Syracuse
Temple
VCU
Muhlenburg
Also if you have any non audition options that’d be amazing, thank you!
I would that you have more reaches then safeties (especially in that there is no such thing as an “auditioned” safety) But they are excellent schools. Of the BFAs you have listed (and that I have direct knowledge of) NYU and Boston will care most about your grades and admission will balance between academic and artistic- you need to pass both. Syracuse does take grades into consideration - but it seems less important. (though they offered my D some nice merit $$) At Muhlenberg - the audition is scholarship only- so grades really will be key.
If you are looking for schools with high quality, non auditioned, theater programs - we found LACs (like Muhlenberg) to be strong contenders. Whether or not those are true safeties depends on your stats. Some you might want to check out: Kenyon (OH) Bennington (VT) Skidmore (NY)
At JMU admission to the university is separate from admission to the program. The department will recommend to academic admissions students we would like in the program, so talent can help with academic admissions. If a student is well below the JMU admissions standards academic admissions will tell us no.
For admission to the program the audition and interview are the deciding factors.
A student can be admitted to JMU academically and not to the program.
If you are looking to add non-audition schools in Virginia you may want to look at CNU and Mary Washington.