Fully paid schooling to anywhere in the country...help?

College Majors Musical Theater Major
1

<p>So I just received the biggest blessing of my entire life - a scholarship that covers all college expenses at any school in the country. Before receiving this, I thought I had everything planned - go to the big university up the road, try out their MT program (while small, it is growing and the college of music there is phenomenal), and stay close to home where I can still attend the church I love and see my family, and audition for theatre in the Denver/Metro area.</p>

<p>But. now. I got this scholarship. That I could use at ANY school in the nation (that I've been accepted to). And people are telling me that I need to go somewhere more exotic, more exciting than just "the big university that everyone goes to." (I personally think it's a great school and I'd be happy to go there, but there's still that pressure of 'I got this amazing scholarship; I need to go far away from home and use it well' if that makes sense)</p>

<p>So here's the list of schools I was accepted to ACADEMICALLY:
CU Boulder
Colorado Mesa University
East Carolina University
Elmhurst College
James Madison University
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Millikin University
University of Northern Colorado
University of Oklahoma
Pace University
University of South Dakota
Texas State</p>

<p>And here's the list of schools I was accepted to ARTISTICALLY:
CU Boulder
Colorado Mesa
Metro
Millikin
University of South Dakota</p>

<p>I'm not so keen on these choices: Colorado Mesa, Metro, University of South Dakota, Northern Colorado, and Elmhurst.</p>

<p>These are at the top of my list: Millikin, CU Boulder, JMU, Pace, OU</p>

<p>I guess what I'm seeking advice on is should I choose a school that I got accepted to artistically, or could I take a chance and attend a school I wasn't accepted to/didn't audition for their MT program but that I could potentially reaudition for or just take classes/lessons and major in something else (In addition to performing, I'm interested in directing, writing, makeup artistry, photography, English, and communications)? Or should I just go with my original plan and attend CU Boulder that is 25 minutes away?</p>

<p>I think the pressure of everyone around me saying "you need to go far away and use this scholarship well!" is getting to me :/</p>

<p>The other thing is, I am just starting to realize that yes I do want to try MT at least for a little bit but I also have so many other interests as well. My ideal career would be starting a non-profit or some kind of organization that helps kids in Uganda and somehow ties in performing/music with that, along with teaching acting classes at a university. But I don't know. Ach! Now I'm just rambling, but does anyone have any advice for me on what I should do? Should I 'give up' on MT because I have so many other pursuits and goals besides the life of a starving artist? Can I pursue all of my interests? If so, at which schools do you think I would have the best chance of doing that?</p>

<p>Thanks in advance for any advice!!</p>

2

<p>I would definitely give strong consideration to JMU–they have great programs in some of your interests (photography, music, English are all good) and you can re-audition for performance in your freshman year, I think. It’s a wonderful school community with lots of opportunities, and you’d be in a very different but beautiful environment. Good proximity to D.C. and just an all around very friendly, interesting school. KatMT, who posts on here, is their MT coordinator and can tell you more, so you may want to get in touch with her if you have questions. Whatever you decide, congratulations on the scholarship and good luck! :)</p>

3

<p>Huge caution over the idea of going to a school you did not get in to artistically, thinking you will re-audition. Some schools allow for that but MANY do not. Be sure to call each one and check before you decide. I know that Pace will not fill that bill - we asked. Congrats on the big scholarship.</p>

4

<p>You should check out the P&P BFA at Tx State - it would allow you to do everything you have stated here including getting a teaching certificate. P&P stands for Performance and Production - has a lot of flexibility so you can focus on your individual interests.
Good luck with whatever you decide and a HUGE congrats on your scholarship!!!</p>

5

<p>Thank you all!</p>

<p>do-what-u-love, I learned a lot about the P&P major while at my on campus callback for Texas State! While it’s definitely a great option and a good opportunity to possibly reaudition for the MT or Acting programs, I decided to take it off my list for the most part because as a P&P student, I couldn’t take private voice lessons and the upper level acting classes which is what I’d really like. It does have more of the freedom to take a variety of classes though…so that’s a plus.</p>

<p>I definitely like JMU a lot from what I’ve researched and I’d be able to audition for the MT program right away in October to hopefully start the major in the spring if the result is a good one. The problem is I haven’t visited in person and won’t be able to before making my final decision and everyone has told me not to choose a school I haven’t seen. But I’ve heard nothing but positive and wonderful things about JMU and the town of Harrisonburg and I’m pretty adventurous that it wouldn’t scare me to pick a school I haven’t seen; it would make me excited. Thoughts? Do I have the wrong idea? Should I stick with my original plan with CU Boulder?</p>

6

<p>I would highly recommend JMU, especially since you can audition later. We visited it 2 years ago and talked with KatMT, the head of the department. She was very friendly and knowledgeable. As far as friendliness of the student body, it was at the top of all the 14 universities we visited. Such a congenial atmosphere and seemed so supportive of everyone. The university is large, but it does not feel that way due to the way it is laid out. The theatre and department are brand new and impressive. The vocal music department is large. There are 2 ways of getting into MT, through music or through acting, which might mean greater chances for you. Grounds are lovely and dorms were just fine. There are a LOT of different kinds of activities. My daughter, who is quite picky, loved the campus and department. Unfortunately, it was her first audition, and she was not accepted artistically. I think you would get a well rounded education there and there would be lots of opportunities for you to follow all your interests, even if you didn’t make it into the MT program.</p>

7

<p>I agree. JMU is best of the bunch. Congrats!</p>

8

<p>I notice that you keep asking us if you should stick to your plan of going to CU Boulder. Don’t let the pressure of others change your mind if you have your heart set on CU Boulder (and I thought your list of reasons - family, church, good MT program, community theatre, etc. - was thoughtful).</p>

<p>You should be proud of that scholarship and if you can use it to pay for your education at CU Boulder, you will be “using it well”, that is for sure!</p>

<p>Best of luck to you!</p>

9

<p>Right now, if you want to definitely do MT, you have to choose between the schools where you were accepted to do MT.</p>

<p>The question you have to ask yourself right now is, based on these recommendations about JMU, how do I feel about going to JMU if I DONT get into the MT program. Because, right now, you are not. You might not be. Do you want to go to JMU more than you want to go to Boulder where you are in MT? (It’s an excellent program, by the way)</p>

<p>So, JMU, as a regular student vs. Boulder MT</p>

<p>Not JMU as an MT student, which you cannot count on.</p>

<p>I’m not saying not to go to JMU, just make sure you understand what you are deciding right now.</p>

10

<p>Congratulations on the scholarship! If you are interested in JMU, please feel free to email me at <a href=“mailto:arecchkm@jmu.edu”>arecchkm@jmu.edu</a>. I can talk to you about the opportunities for students in other majors to be involved in the arts, and about the process of auditioning for the programs. It is possible for current JMU freshmen to audition for Theatre in the October, but generally the auditions for current JMU freshmen for Musical Theatre are in March. However, if admitted to Theatre there is much cross over in course work between Theatre and Musical Theatre, and students who start the Musical Theatre program specific course work in their sophomore year (if admitted at the end of their freshman year) are still able to graduate on time. There are also some dance and music classes that are available to students who are not in the Musical Theatre program. All students at JMU are eligible to be involved in most productions.</p>

<p>I can also talk with you about the BM Music Theatre program that Christie2 mentions above. As well as about other programs at JMU based on the interests that you mentioned. </p>

<p>I would also be happy to put you in contact with current JMU students so you can get a better sense of the school. </p>

<p>CU Boulder is a terrific school, as are the other options on your list. In the end, go with what your gut and your heart is telling you. Poetgrl’s advice is great… weigh your options as they stand right now and how you feel about those options. There is the possibility audition as a current student at JMU (and likely at other schools on your list)… but, what I council students is that those not already admitted to the program need to come to JMU because of what JMU has to offer as a whole, not just the arts programs. That way you are setting yourself up to feel positive about the experience over all rather than feeling like whether or not you are admitted will make or break your experience. </p>

<p>Congratulations again, and please do feel free to email me. :)</p>

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<p>Congrats on the scholarship!!! As I’m looking at the cost of the schools on my D’s list I’m really wishing we had something like that scholarship!! Can I ask what kind of scholarship it is ie. where is it from? I have a younger D who will be doing the college search soon too and any leads on large scholarships would be much appreciated! :)</p>

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<p>Sorry for the typos in my previous post! I think the information is still clear. :slight_smile: </p>

<p>Sent from my DROID RAZR using CC</p>

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<p>sent you a PM.</p>

14

<p>Thank you all for your replies! I read all of them, and as someone who takes others’ suggestions very seriously, I take all of these points into consideration.</p>

<p>Momarmarino, to answer your question, I was a recipient of the Daniels Fund. This is a scholarship for low-income, high achieving students from the states of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming and can be used at any accredited college in the United States. It is not considered a full ride; rather, it covers everything not already covered by Expected Family Contribution and other scholarships. So it essentially makes college “free” besides that small EFC. I’m not sure how the rules of CC work with outside links, but I’m sure if you Google “Daniels Fund” you will find the website. While this scholarship is only for students from the four states I mentioned, I’m sure there are others similar to this for people from other states!</p>

<p>Thank you again for all of your replies, I do appreciate hearing from so many different perspectives.
Right now, it seems that my decision is between JMU and CU Boulder. Unfortunately, not being able to see JMU makes it hard for my parents for me to choose it. And, like some of you said, I’m not accepted into any theatre program right now, and I’m not guaranteed to be accepted later on. That’s definitely something to remember in this process.
CU Boulder, while being close to home, has excellent opportunities to study abroad and take all different kinds of classes, and it’s close to Denver for bigger auditions. Right now, if I went there, my plan would be to double major in musical theatre and linguistics, and apply for the “BA to MA in 5 years” in linguistics my junior year. I don’t know if this will fully work out, but it sounds like a good plan to pursue. Of course, I still go back and forth from CU to JMU to my other couple options. I need to make a decision quickly though! :-)</p>

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<p>steamedartichoke, I think I speak for many of us parents here on CC. I really want to know how everything turns out for you. You are such a great example of determination and hard work. I’m sorry I can’t offer the advice of others who know more than I do, but whatever your decision is, I know you will make the most of it. The very best of luck to you!!!</p>

16

<p>steamedartichoke, my D is graduating from college in a little over a month. The first time she saw her college campus was the day she moved in her freshman year. She’s nearly 2000 miles from home and it wasn’t possible for us to visit ahead of time. But with internet research, videos, reputation, etc she had a pretty good idea of what she was getting herself into. We asked her at one point if she still would have selected her school if she had been able to visit ahead of time. She said absolutely.</p>

<p>I’m not saying you need to go to JMU vs CU, but I’m saying there are students who decide to attend a school when they haven’t been able to visit ahead of time, and it can work out well.</p>

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<p>college_query, that is so fantastic! What a great story to share, thank you. I’m so glad your daughter has had a great college experience, and it’s really nice to hear that sometimes making a choice that seems a bit risky can definitely pay off.</p>

<p>Here’s a little update on my situation: thanks to Kate and the wonderful faculty at JMU, my video audition was re-evaluated and I was placed on the wait list 2 days ago. Today I was informed that I’ve been accepted to the musical theatre program at JMU! It is so exciting and at the same time makes my decision more difficult. My family definitely seemed torn; while they are happy that I’ve been given another opportunity, I know they want me to go to CU and stay in Colorado. And part of me wants that too…but the other part of me is ready for an adventure and I don’t want to miss this amazing opportunity. I’m feeling incredibly conflicted tonight, and my decision has to be made by the end of tomorrow! I’m praying that the answers become clear and that I can make a decision based on logic, practicality and also passion. I will most likely be posting on the final decisions thread in the next day or two. Thank you all again for joining me on this conversation and giving me lots of insight!</p>

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<p>Congrats on that wonderful news! </p>

<p>My advice is to do what YOU want to do and not what your parents want for you. It is your life and in this case, it is not even as if your parents are paying for it. The education will be free. If I recall, initially you were concerned that your family wanted you to take advantage of a scholarship to not confine yourself to CO and now you say they prefer for you to be in CO. Try to put that influence aside and figure out which program best fits the selection criteria you have for your college experience. While gut feelings are important, look objectively at the differences between your options but also at how each one matches up what you are seeking in a college. I am sure your parents will back you eventually when they see you are happy at school.</p>

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<p>I couldn’t help but post a huge congrats to you Steamed on the “final decision” thread. I know I shouldn’t have - its’ not the place for it - but I was so overjoyed for you! Congrats and go for it! Now that you’ve made the decision, just put that steam into your journey instead of your artichoke!!!</p>

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<p>Congrats, steamedartichoke!</p>