Has anyone heard from CMU pre-college yet?

College Majors Musical Theater Major
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<p>How CMU helped prepare me for college auditions-</p>

<p>1- Alot of our teachers were proffessors either at CMU or other near by programs such as point park. Most of them had spent alot of time judging college auditions, therefor could give us insights about what the process is like, what they're looking for, what some of the worst mistakes they've seen are, etc.
2-All the classes except for the two electives (plawriting and directing) are geared towards fine-tuning your MT skills- Acting and Singing 3 times a week, Dance five days a week (alternating between ballet and jazz). You even have the option of paying extra to have a private voice lesson once a week.
3- There is even one specific class that is completely devoted to how to Audition. In this class we read Michael Shurtleff's book (I'm willing to bet I misspelled that) and looked at tons of monologues trying to find the two best for us to use for an audition. Then we had one on one sessions with the Audition teacher where he coached us on our monologues of choice.
4- At the end of the six weeks you do a mock audition for the CMU staff. Actually its a real audition I guess- they do occasionally accept a student for the next year based on the audition, but this happens rarely, maybe one kid each year. And of course, even if you're not accepted based on that audition you're allowed to come back and reaudition in the regular auditioning season.</p>

<p>So it was all alot of work and very informative. But then it was also just an amazing experience all around. For me it was the first time I'd been away from home for more than a week. So to everyone going- expect to get some major homesickness. but hang in there. It gets better pretty quick.</p>

<p>hope this helped answer some questions, and again- I'm here for any other questions people might have about the program, the pre-college student life, or what some of my favorite places to visit in Pittsburgh were!</p>

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<p>Terrific summary. Thanks!!</p>

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<p>It's clear that it gets very hot in "The Burgh". What is the average high for the summer? Does it cool off at night? How hot can it get?</p>

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<p>I found on line an actually mini swamp cooler that goes in the rooms. You fill a little tank with water, it freezes and the fan blows off of that. If I can find the website, I will post it here! And how hot does it get?</p>

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<p>Speaking from my experience last summer, it can get unbearably hot. I'm not sure if this has been discussed on this thread yet, but one obstacle I ran into that I hope you can learn from regards shipping materials out before you arrive. I shipped my bedding and my fan back. I arrived on Saturday night (the night before), moved into my dorm but was surprised to find no package with my stuff there. It had arrived that day, but was kept in the university post office, which was closed by now. Also, I think you had to pick it up at the post office in person. So I had to sleep on a bed with no sheets or pillows as well as no fan. I made a decent padding with some of my clothing, but the heat was sweltering and allowed me about 4 hours of sleep. I was told that I wouldn't get my stuff until Monday, when the post office opened up again. I made arrangements to borrow sheets from some of the RAs for the next night. Luckily, special arrangements were made among the staff and my box was at my door that night. So, I'm not sure how it's going to work this year, but I would pack sheets with your luggage and expect a delay with your shipped package. The first week was ridiculously hot, but it did get better after that (either that or I just adapted). But, to be honest, I had my Vornado fan turned on 24/7....no exaggeration.</p>

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<p>carnivorousplant and BrendanN, thank you for sharing your experience at CMU. I am reading your comments about how hot the rooms are and I am wondering... is there any air conditioned in the rooms? or are the dorms facing the sun? Why are the rooms so hot?
Also, thank so much for your advice on shipping the things our kids will be using at the dorm. D will be taking bedding in her suitcase.</p>

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<p>The dorms do not have air conditioning and that is the sole reason why they are so hot. You can get air conditioning if you have a medical condition that requires it. Othwerwise, portable air conditioners are prohibited.</p>

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<p>BrendanN</p>

<p>It will be working the same this year. It states in the Pre-college material that we recently got that yes, you can ship items ahead, but the post office will not be open to receive them until Monday so plan for a couple of days without your things. This year we move in on Saturday....so that is 2 nights without whatever you ship directly to CMU. It does also state that the only airconditioners allowed are for medical need which has to have a doctor's note to be able to use. Then you have to make arrangments for the CMU staff to have it put in at your expense and then remove at your expense.</p>

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<p>I'm afraid it doesn't really get cooler at night. Maybe alittle, not much. I guess that's just summer in Pittsburgh. Some rooms face the sun, some don't.I know part of my problem was being on the 5th floor, the lower floors were probably slightly more bearable. I don't know what the average temp was. my (very) vague guess would be about 90. certainly hotter than I'm used to here. But you do adjust to it after a while as Brendan said. </p>

<p>I remeber one of my roomate's friends had air conditioning for a medical excuse. Needless to say we spend alot of time visiting that friend . . .</p>

<p>A couple other notes- BRING SUNSCREEN! I saw so many of my friends get major sun burn. Also good to bring some sort of burn cream to treat it with.</p>

<p>People don't sleep much in the dorms. I think the average bed time there was about 2 or 3 in the morning. Not exactly the best idea health wise. I on the other hand always went to sleep much earlier- between 11 and 1. I was also the only girl on my entire floor who didn't get sick once over the summer. Just something to consider . . .</p>

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<p>90 degrees? Wow that's nice! Where I live, summers are an average of 100. It can get to 115 sometimes. Well, that is reassuring. </p>

<p>One point that carnivorousplant brought up was the bedtime. How much studying is done on your own? Do students study at all in the dorms at night? Is that why some sleep at 2 am? or is it because they just stay up talking with each other?</p>

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<p>My D did most of her studying during down time during the day and on weekends. I think the evenings were pretty busy with workshops and social activities. But then again her roommate use to go to bed at 10 pm. She was a voice student and their classes started earlier that theater.
Also, they had 2 box window fans and 1 table fan in their room with at least one box fan going all the time. She said the nights were sometimes pretty uncomfortable but it in no way dampened her enthusiasm for the program.
As far as wall decorations, she and some of the other girls decorated their walls with photoswhen they first moved in. It looked great and made a great conversation starter when first meeting someone. Just ask them about one of their pictures and pretty soon you knew a lot about them.</p>

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<p>We have not received our packet yet though we sent in our deposit. Just wondering howm many sheet sets to bring. Thanks</p>

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<p>We did quite a bit of early shopping last summer for CMU. I was a little panicked because the dorm stuff did not seem to be out in full force so early. But, I wish I didn't panic. We shipped two packages from Chicago, (we flew rather than drive because we found $29 flights! cheaper than gas!) and wanted his things to be there when he arrived. However, as others have noted, the postoffice was closed and it was rather awkward for my son to collect his boxes during his first day, and carry them to the dorm. We arrived early on Saturday and went to the local Target, 15 minutes from campus. The Target had several parent teen groups as Pitt started it's summer program at the same time. They had plenty of sheets, towels, lamps etc to choose from! Though remember I have a son, and he wasn't TOO picky ;) I wish we had waited to got these things when we got there, the stress level of preparing would have been less! </p>

<p>He did laundry on Mondays, because he said it was less crowded than on the weekends. He had two sets of sheets, two sets of towels, two fans, one for the window and and rotating one to point straight at him, a spray bottle for cooling also, toiletries, a hamper, cleaning supplies, -- hah! you say? well they were used, and they wanted more paper towels! I have the full list somewhere, if you need it i can post or pm it. The room was on the north west side, not too much sun, a corner so plenty of windows, third floor. The floors were carpeted, so you won't need a rug, the windows have Venetian blinds, so you don't really need curtains. He did bring posters, and photos. Bring extension cords, and power strips. (chargers for cell phones, i-pods, lamp, fans, computer if you bring one, alarm clock, etc.) </p>

<p>I'll dig out the list if you want... let me know. And know this, it will be a great summer!</p>

<p>Carole</p>

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<p>Carole, yes please do post your list of stuff needed for the summer program. You might want to cross post on the Summer Discussion thread too for everyone not going to CMU.</p>

<p>Thanks for digging it up.</p>

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<h2>This is the list I packed in boxes and emailed to my son last summer for CMU’s pre-college program. It contains also directions for my son to repack the box at the end of the six weeks.</h2>

<p>Break all boxes down by cutting tape, and store boxes for return, perhaps behind desk. Be sure to refill boxes the same way, use clothing to pad empty space, if things move in the boxes, they will break, and break the box open.</p>

<p>Large box – 36x12x12
Small ironing board (my son likes his shirts pressed, and DID use it!)
Iron, cool, dry, empty and in a plastic bag
Iron cleaner, in case you scorch something
Spray bottle for iron
Dust buster, with base and 3 attachments
Dust wipes, cleaner wipes
First aid kit
Bed risers – did not need, bed height was adjustable
Posters in tube
Poster putty
Sewing kit
3 dozen hangers (remember the ironed shirts!)
Rope lights for ambiance, clear
2 hand towels
1 bath towel</p>

<p>Smaller box – 24x12x12
1 bath towel
Clip on light for the bed, white
Desk light, clear halogen (some school don’t allow halogen at all) actually, as an actor, he barley used his desk
Egg crate cushion
Mattress pad
Two sets sheets, (2 each of fitted, top and pillow case)
Lightweight Quilt
2 extension cords
Power strip - should have two, the chargers are big and take up extra space
Shoe organizer to hang in closet, silver, gives extra compartments for storage</p>

<h2>Collapsible hamper</h2>

<p>Purchased at Target near campus: two fans, cases of water, forgotten toiletries, snack food (fruit/granola/power bars, dried fruit, nuts, etc) for the room -- the cafeteria closes at 7, and the kids are used to snacking, general office supplies, paper clips, stapler, pens, notebooks - these are available at the bookstore, but the price is steep. </p>

<p>In his suitcase he brought his alarm clock, toiletries and clothing, (too many jeans! It’s still a joke here), one dress outfit, for interviews, dinner and other outings - a girl would bring more! Don’t forget dress shoes, belt and sox! His carryon had plays, books, piano music, etc. Don’t forget assorted chargers. He did not bring a computer, he relied on the computer station in the dorm, and it was fine. He asked for us to send an assortment of DVDs as the kids watched movies most nights. He also ‘needed’ money added to his card during parent’s weekend. We had heard that no refunds were given, but we did receive a check a few months later refunding our extra monies.</p>

<p>If you find Post 131 on page 9 of this thread, you can read “live” reports from parents of last summer’s student’s experiences. If you need more info, ask away!
Carole</p>

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<p>Carole,
Thank you so much for your list. I love It! Is the egg crate helpful? How are the mattresses in general? I am thinking about talking my D into an air conditioner for medical reasons. I'm concerned about her allergies and her voice if it is another hot, hot summer. Any thoughts?
Thanks again,
Harriet</p>

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<p>Carole: An Iron, never! (ha ha). Did her actually use it? I am impressed. </p>

<p>Harriet: As far as the AC (this may have been mentioned), you have to clear it with the school. It will certainly make your daughter popular!</p>

<p>My daughter found the mattresses to be fine. The dorm apart from being hot was very nice... private or semi private bathrooms for the most part. And very convenient to the places where classes are. </p>

<p>I am not sure I (or anyone else mentioned this) but we were able to move my daughter's things in the Saturday before the official Sunday opening. This was very very helpful. Someone said Saturday is opening this year, so I am not sure if a Friday will work as well for people this year.</p>

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<p>bring as many fans as you can!!! it is soooo hot! the dorm is right across from the theater building, which is really nice.</p>

<p>but on a seperate note, the theater building is super super air-conditioned, so don't forget to throw in a couple of sweatshirts and jeans!</p>

<p>i don't know if someone covered this, but it really depends for each person if the studying is done alone. For example, you have to read a play a week for your dramatic literature class. My two best friends on my floor were also MT majors and the three of us would always read them outloud. We'd do it in the laundry room while we were waiting for our laundry to be done, so I think a lot of people were kinda freaked out....especially when we were reading Lysistrata out loud hahaha.</p>

<p>A lot of your work will HAVE to group stuff....working on a scene with a partner, group directing assignments. The individual stuff would mostly consist of reading the plays (if you did that by yourself), reading the audition book (again, if you did it by yourself), and practicing monologues and songs.</p>

<p>you'll have a great time. pre-college at cmu is pretty awesome.</p>

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<p>evasmom, my S did not have a problem with the mattresses, but he liked the eggshell anyway. We still laugh about the orientation though. Applications, acceptances, flights, hotels, shopping, vacations rearranged, many teens on their own for the first time....The head of the programs were impressive, the head of security was reassuring, the admissions councelor optimistic, the parents and students questions thoughtful and respectful, until one student raised his hand and said "Yeah, um, I have a question? My mattress? It's really hard? What can you do?" Well, it was so funny that these head of departments, security and admission were struck silent. Someone suggested he speak to maintenance, and we wondered if some of these kids were ready for this amazing experience, or even for college! We did not hear of anyone else having a problem with them.</p>

<p>My s has asthma, and did not have any breathing issues, but the windows open over the bed, the fans blowing on him, and the city grit, created problems with his complexion!</p>

<p>NYTheatermom, he says he did use the iron! He does his own ironing at home, so it's possible. lol</p>

<p>Carole</p>

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<p>Anone know what time the 'drop off' day is over?</p>