Help Creating List of BA/BFA Acting programs we may not be thinking of if test scores may be low

<p>Sorry, but Muhlenberg is much more competitive academically. I would scratch that. </p>

<p>I would try to look at schools that will give D an edge if she auditions well. Muhlenberg will give scholarship based on talent, but since it is a non- audition school, she would need to meet academic requirements to be considered. Her test scores would have to go up dramatically, and they look at difficulty of classes, too </p>

<p>Low stats would not keep her out of Columbia College Chicago (no audition, fairly open admissions policy). I guess you could say the “campus” is Grant Park. If comedy is her thing, they have a comedy writing/performance degree with time at Second City.</p>

<p>Whittier College in CA sounds like a great opportunity to match a lot of her “wants.” Plus, LA. Seems like it might be accessible with her stats. </p>

<p>Coastal Carolina requires four years of Math.</p>

<p>I think you will find that a lot of colleges require 4 years of math and English. It is a HS grad requirement in my state- so I did not factor it into my earlier suggestions. Does she have at least 2 years of a foreign language? That is a common college requirement as well. I would check the requirements for the schools on your list. </p>

<p>What about BOCO? They are traditionally an MT option (and given you are posting on the theatre side I am assuming your D is focused on straight theatre) but they have the new degree in Contemporary theatre that looks quite interesting. As a true conservatory- their grades (as I understand it- was not on our list) are really flexible, admission is pretty much talent based. BUT- I know it is quite expensive, and have no idea how they do with scholarships. </p>

<p>I think you should consider more small private schools because you/your D can explain to them why your D does not have a typical high school course load. They want to understand your child and the challenges she has overcome to be where she is. I would look for schools with good acting programs that talk about viewing your child in a holistic manner in terms of admissions.Knox College and the previously mentioned Whittier are examples. Also take a look at the test optional schools and see which ones have good theater programs. </p>

<p>The test optional schools are a good suggestion - they generally have a more holistic approach (as evilqueen notes above)</p>

<p>Check out Chapman in California – small, beautiful campus with really good BFA and BA Theatre as well as a screen acting BFA, and one of the top 5 film schools in the US as well, good for actors! </p>

<p>Chapman is very competitive academically. Not sure its a good fit for the OP.</p>

<p>is boco boston college. if so, that is competitive academically </p>

<p>I think it’s Boston Conservatory…</p>

<p>Boston Conservatory is notorious for costing $70,000 a year and not giving much aid.</p>

<p>CalArts seems like a fit. They don’t care about grades at all, the climate is really warm, school is very famous with industry people, showcase, classes are small, school is small and friendly and there is lots of opportunity for academic activities.</p>

<p>Money-wise they give a LOT of aid to some people and very little to others, I guess it depends on need/talent.</p>

<p>I meant Boston conservatory</p>

<p>thank you.</p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

<p>I will check out your suggestions! </p>

<p>Just FYI, I do know someone who got a $40K/year scholarship from BoCo.</p>

Thanks for the suggestions so far, all! My D has expressed a preference to stay home and in Chicago for at least two years after high school. I know that knocks out most BFA programs (except DePaul, so competitive), but it leaves options of Columbia College Chicago or Illinois State U, both with good B.A. programs. Her acting coach has a student who went to ISU for one year and was able to transfer to a great school in SoCal, so we are trying to think flexibly. She also got two more roles in HS junior year and is doing ACT prep, so things are moving along. Will do a short spring break tour of Webster, ISU, and Columbia College, which should get her thinking ahead. Who knows how things could change in the next 10+ months!

My son is at CCPA Roosevelt and very happy there. It’s right next to Columbia College Chicago, so if you visit one, you could definitely swing by the other. They don’t care about grades or scores at all, but it is competitive artistically.