<p>Yes! We spent a week researching CA schools because when she told an adult she respected that she wanted to be an actress, he said, “Well, then of course you’ll be going to CA!” I almost bagged our trip to NY - which she had been wanting to do for a year - and switched to CA, but she told me just in time that it had been a whim. </p>
<p>We are visiting as many non-auditioned, flexible programs as possible because I am concerned that she’ll pick an auditioned acceptance precisely because she’d feel guilty turning it down, after the effort and expense. I do want her to remember the value in all programs. So many variables! Her sister is at one of the most expensive schools in the country, and this one worries that we expect her to cost us less money (we don’t qualify for aid, D1’s school has no merit $, etc.). We’ve assured her she’s entitled to equal opportunities. But honestly her school could cost $20 or even $30K less a year (if she stays in WI or MN). It’s hard not having an opinion about that! She also knows that saving money here could help her there, eg helping pay for a grad degree or with that crucial 1st year out of a theater program looking for work. So she does think about that, too. </p>
<p>I don’t know how people figure it all out! You just have to take a chance. Which is why we see kids having to change their minds sometimes! (Keep cycling back to the original post…such a fertile subject!)</p>