<p>Ive been accepted to one MT program and waitlisted at two. Although Im crossing my fingers for the waitlists to work out, I know that nothing is guaranteed. I love the school to which Im accepted, though, and would be absolutely honored and overjoyed to attend. Theres only one problem: I cant afford it. </p>
<p>The school provided me with a very generous financial aid package, and when I e-mailed them, they assured me that it was the absolute best assistance they could offer me. Still, my parents say that, with the money we have saved, I could only realistically attend the school for one year. What can I do? Do I attend the school for a year and then re-audition for schools as a sophomore, hoping to be accepted into a less-expensive program, or to one that will offer me more scholarship money? Should I attend as a BA theatre major a less-expensive school from which I was rejected theatre major, and re-audition for the BFA when the opportunity becomes available?</p>
<p>These have just been very frustrating results. Thank you so much for any advice or guidance that you can offer!</p>
<p>This is a hard time of year, when all things have to be decided! I don’t have any real answers for you, but was wondering if you’ve looked at outside scholarships? Some arts-related fraternities award scholarships, as well as those quirky ones you could apply for through FastWeb, etc. (Like the duct tape scholarship…). Did you check w/your h.s. guidance counsellor? Our local women’s society gives a small scholarship to a couple h.s. grads. Sometimes Rotary Clubs and others give awards. Search the college’s website like crazy – my d ended up applying for some academic scholarships through the honors college, not theatre and dance. Also, some schools (like the one she is strongly considering) offer scholarships to upperclassmen in the BFA program, knowing that costs tend to go up, and some awards kids bring to school are one-year onlys… It’s a lot of work (trust me!) to try to cobble together scholarships from different sources (and check w/your school to see if they allow them to stack, or if winning a scholarship actually reduces the aid they’d give you!!) but maybe with some research, you can find some more money. I’m so sorry you’re in that stressful a position!</p>
<p>It’s so hard when the school is there and the money isn’t! If you were my D I would be hesitant to encourage you to attend a school for a year if I knew there was no way we could afford it after that. I can only imagine how hard it would be leave a school/program you love due to finances. I know it happens but still…</p>
<p>Only you can decide if you would be happy attending one of the other schools and re-auditioning for the BFA. Before selecting that option I would talk to the head of the program and see what your chances are to get into the BFA. Are there areas you can work on over the summer that would give you a better chance once you arrive at the school? At least have that piece of the puzzle before making your decision. </p>
<p>You could ask your BFA school to give you a one year deferral and use that gap year to work and save money towards tuition. It would also give your parents an extra year to put aside funds to help you as well. Not knowing how big of a gap you are talking about makes it hard to know if that is reasonable or not but it may be an option for you. </p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>You are in a really tough spot, no doubt. I would also hesitate to recommend attending for one year and then reauditioning. Not only would you be using most of the money your parents have saved and then be w/o funds for other future program, but if you reaudition for other schools, it is most likely that your classes won’t transfer over and you will have to start over anyway. Have you been keeping in touch with the 2 schools at which you are waitlisted? If not, I would be calling them once a week to see if they can give you any new info about where you stand. Also, if you were to be accepted to one of them, is the financial picture going to be better than where you are already accepted? Make a list of your options in a table form - it might be easier to evaluate. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thank you so much for the quick responses! (: These are all great suggestions and I’m talking over all of them with my parents. I’m going after all sorts of outside scholarships, and while I think I’ve already been offered all the academics/honors scholarships they’re willing to give me, I’ll scour the website for more! As for a gap year, I honestly don’t think it would help much–my dad is being forced into retirement at the end of this year (which is a large part of this whole problem) and I’m not sure if the funds we could save in a year would make much of a difference. </p>
<p>I’ve been keeping in touch with my waitlist schools, and both of them are in our price range. (My mom keeps daydreaming that we’ll go on a cruise if I get into one of them, actually! haha) One of the schools asked me to inform them of any other offers I’ve had–would it help to mention that I’ll probably be unable to attend my only offer, or is that a “sob story” that wouldn’t help my cause?</p>
<p>It is very encouraging that the two wait-list schools are within you price range! I would definitely keep them informed but probably wouldn’t tell them you will not attend your one offer, as at this point that is not a given (at least until the point at which you inform school no.1 that you are turning down their offer). I would also contact the MT depts. at your 2 wait-lists on a regular basis to let them know you are still very interested and to check your status. The more you bug them, the more they know you are still out there! </p>
<p>I don’t know if it makes a difference, but is there a chance you would be eligible for more need-based scholarships next year when your dad retires? At that point, your FAFSA will change, so you could be considered for more aid. </p>
<p>I’m really hoping that one of the wait-lists comes thru. Be sure to post what happens-I’m really crossing my fingers for you!</p>
<p>Miss Javert,
I wanted to respond to this thread as I know how difficult these type of financial situations can be for students. Unfortunately, many schools are now faced with decreasing scholarships and increased pressure to provide students with as much financial aid as possible. Students and parents are also faced with soaring school prices and a very frightening economic reality at home. With that being said, I think you should be as honest with the school that offered you a spot andwith the two wait list schools. We all are aware of how tough it is to afford school. In some cases (as it is at my school), scholarships are often available to upperclass students after they have studied at a school for a year. Have you asked about this? I would also reiterate what takitallin said about the wait list schools…keep in contact with them and let them know where you stand…if you have been waitlisted, it is obvious that the school is potentially interested and knowing your status may move you up the waiting “list” and could make the difference.</p>
<p>Stay positive and Good Luck to you!</p>
<p>Does keeping in touch with a wait list MT school matter if the list goes by type? If a ginger belter declines, they will go to the next ginger belter on the list, not necessarily the squeeky wheel. Or am I all wrong on this?</p>
<p>I would definitely say that keeping in touch with the waitlist school to let them know of your interest and your plans to attend if you get off the waitlist is important.</p>
<p>I agree- I think that once they go to the waitlist, type probably is not as important. I mean I think they are going to replace a boy with a boy / girl with a girl; but in general I think it really pays to be the squeaky wheel. I would be contacting them routinely to remind them of my existence if on a wait-list.</p>
<p>I can’t thank you all enough for the advice! I do have some good news, though, as I just found out that I’ve been accepted to another MT program, and it’s definitely in my price range! (: I’m also still waiting on my wait lists, haha, but I already feel as if a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. There must have been good vibes coming from you wonderful people!! Thank you again!</p>
<p>CONGRATS missjavert! Love to see the good news come in!</p>
<p>so happy for you m. javert!!! Congratulations!</p>
<p>I’m so sorry to bump an old thread… But I just found out that that school made a mistake, and that I’m really not accepted for MT. 
I’m accepted for BFA Acting, though, but it’s still very disappointing, after thinking I’ve been an MT for the past week. Oh, well… Back to the drawing board!</p>
<p>MissJ- Is the BFA/Acting adaptable for an MT girl? Are there dance classes nearby or voice lessons available? If the $$$ is good, it might be worth it to make your own custom program, depending on what else happens.</p>