<p>I just wanted to know if it would be possible to add to the Big List if the schools have rolling admission, early decision, etc. Some schools aren't very clear on their websites. I am new to all the lingo. Some schools talk about continuous and different deadlines for different info. Now that most kids are applying to 10 schools it gets very confusing.</p>
<p>I tried to send this to the email address on the Big List page but it came back to me.</p>
<p>Kimoki, </p>
<p>The FAQ site was created in large part voluntarily by a student member on CC, Shauna. The BIG LIST was gathered primarily by dancersmom and DoctorJohn, with periodic updates by other contributing CC members. </p>
<p>It would take a while to research the admissions procedures at every school on that list and even if someone did that, it would have to be frequently updated as things change year to year from school to school. Each applicant truly needs to do her/his own research of type of application, admissions procedure, audition requirements, audition appointment procedure, etc. for every school they wish to consider. If the applicant cannot readily find such information on the website, the student should call the school directlly and ask. A specific question about a school could also be posed on an individual school's sub-forum.</p>
<p>Members of CC cannot do the research that this process requires FOR you. Every single member on CC is a volunteer. This includes all the moderators, the college counselors, the professional acting and singing coaches, the faculty and admissions reps from colleges, as well as the students and parents. Each person voluntarily contributes. Many members are extremely helpful in answering questions for those new to the process. If there is a member who wishes to research the data on every school and post it, they certainly can. But I don't think you can expect that to happen. </p>
<p>CC is an enormous resource. The main aspect of its usefulness is the helpfulness of posters, the knowledge that is shared, the resources, and the sharing of experiences (as well as support). But it is not a formal directory of colleges or their procedures and requirements. Each applicant must do their own research. There is no shortcut to that aspect of the process. Read CC to learn and to share. But it cannot replace the direct research about schools to which you plan to apply which is a necessary process on the applicant's part. As well, CC cannot be responsible for accuracy of such important information. You would not want to miss a deadline or procedure, for example, because someone posted something on CC. For such critical information, you must gather the facts from the source, the colleges themselves.</p>
<p>Best Wishes,
CollegeMom</p>
<p>Sorry, new to CC and since there is so much other info listed I thought I might have missed it. I would have called anyway to confirm but at least it would have been a start. Oh well back to the spreadsheet.</p>
<p>Thanks anyway.</p>
<p>dancersmom,</p>
<p>No I didn't get your e-mail but would love to hear any and all information you are willing to share. I sent you a PM with my e-mail address. Thanks for the ideas on the schools. Yes, my D is auditioning for a mix of MT and straight theatre. We are trying to figure out how many auditions she can really manage without totally putting her over the edge. Unfortunately she will have a pretty rigorous academic senior year. It will definitely be interesting!</p>
<p>I've been reading the posts for a few months now, trying to process the information you all so generously share. My S is an upcoming senior dedicated to musical theater. This is all new to me and I truly appreciate every post. I vacillate between excitement and dread - I suppose that is to be expected. It's nice to know I'm not alone.</p>
<p>Hi The8rMom--Welcome!! It's so nice to have you join us for all the fun!! It is going to be a quite an interesting year!!:)</p>
<p>I'm so excited to start meeting all you talented people at auditions!!!</p>
<p>I've learned so much from checking in with CC for several months, and I feel like we've got a lot of ducks in order (D has visited most schools on list, has her applications started, we have the gigantic app materials spreadsheet going, audition calendar ready, she took a terrific summer program to boost her skills...) but as we're poised on the threshhold of the "application year," I have this nagging realization that it's possible she might not be accepted to ANY of the programs she applies to. I'm sure I've seen threads about this but can't seem to find any. What are the options if the unthinkable happens, that a HS senior doesn't get accepted to any of the admittedly competitive programs s/he said s/he must have? Any thoughts on a gap year, or ... whatever other alternatives there might be?</p>
<p>Unfortunately this does happen. That's why it's important to research some safety options -- there are schools with good programs that do not require an audition. However -- keep in mind that there are MANY working actors out there who do not have a BFA degree. In fact, you will find some people in the business who will tell you they prefer actors with a broader education -- i.e. a liberal arts BA. People who read this forum tend to be biased in favor of the BFA MT degree, but don't fall into the trap of thinking it's the only way to be successful. Keep your options open.</p>
<p>The ONLY way to make sure that your kid has a college to go to when next fall rolls around is to find a non audition school that is a true safety for your kid, admissions wise.</p>
<p>Just to follow up on Artesia's question of what if a student doesn't get into one of the "must haves" on their list, I think that an important element in this whole process is to encourage a student not to fall into a "must have" mind set. As has been discussed in other threads, admissions to MT programs and the audition process is incredibly stressful. For audition based programs, it is a very subjective process based not only on talent but unpublicized factors such as male/female ratios, vocal ranges, a "look" that a school may be seeking in a given year, all of which could be different from the year before. Add to this that some schools put more weight on academics than others and that at some schools that stress academics in other departments academics are not as important when it comes to MT, and you have a very eclectic, diverse and usually unpredictable landscape when it comes to admissions to an audition based BFA program.</p>
<p>So, while it is great for a student to be wildly enthusiastic about a particular school, it's important that the student have a list of schools, all of which the student would be very happy to attend. Being overly fixated on a particular school is a recipe for increased stress and often keen disappointment. The key to a successful outcome is often to put together a carefully designed list of schools that is a good mix of audition based BFA, some more selective than others, some more focused on academics than others and make sure to have in the mix a couple of good strong non-audition based BA MT programs where there is a good academic match with the student for admissions purposes.</p>
<p>Amen to that, MichaelNKat! A kid who is emotionally fixated on one particular school that makes admissions decisions based on auditions (primarily) is likely to be disappointed. I think it's inevitable that kids will be more attracted to the idea of attending certain schools over others, but they truly need to love their list, as it's likely that they may end up attending the safety.</p>
<p>MichaelNKat replied: "The key to a successful outcome is often to put together a carefully designed list of schools that is a good mix of audition based BFA, some more selective than others, some more focused on academics than others and make sure to have in the mix a couple of good strong non-audition based BA MT programs where there is a good academic match with the student for admissions purposes."</p>
<p>Well, that's our list in a nutshell--we've diligently sought after that mix and got it down to a list of 11 schools. My question goes a step further. The "must have" I was referring to is the BFA in MT. My D doesn't want a general theater or acting program without MT. And we're finding that BA drama programs are just as competitive or selective as the MT program. AND they don't allow second choices, either (at least, not a performing one)--which is a change since my S went through this 8 years ago. So she figures, why should she apply to a school for BA drama when her chances of getting in are hardly better than the BFA musical theatre?</p>
<p>And it doesn't answer my question: what are the options if she doesn't get into any MT programs? My S applied to 7 schools for acting, got into none of the theatre programs but a few academically, decided on Emerson as a writing major (even though he doesn't really write, they don't allow you to choose anything in performing arts if you don't get into your first choice program), loved it, graduated, now works in a completely unrelated field. I know things can work out okay, in very unexpected ways. But I'm just sayin'....</p>
<p>Artesia states:"So she figures, why should she apply to a school for BA drama when her chances of getting in are hardly better than the BFA musical theatre?"</p>
<p>Either I really don't understand the question or you really don't have the diversity of schools on your list that everyone is talking about. Consider this:</p>
<p>Audition based BFA MT programs generally have a 3-9% acceptance rate from among those who apply specifically for those programs, depending on the school. The non-audition BA programs I was referring to are those where you apply like any other liberal arts candidate and simply elect to major in theater just like you could major in psychology. Admissions is based on the factors that are applied to all applicants in general and the schools generally have a 35-48% admissions rate, again depending on the school. The only difference is that the particular school is known to have a very good theater program that is geared towards musical theater. As long as the student fits the school's admissions profile for liberal arts applicants, the odds for acceptance are very good.</p>
<p>Muhlenberg is a prime example of what I'm talking about. A candidate who is interested in MT applies in the same manner and on the same basis as any other liberal arts candidate. You can declare your major on the application, elect not to, change your major once accepted, whatever. At Muhlenberg you can major in acting in the drama department. Muhlenberg also has very strong voice and dance programs through its music and dance departments. Students interested in MT major in acting and then choose to either double major and/or minor in voice and dance or simply major in acting and load up on dance and voice courses. Muhlenberg stages musicals each semester and is connected to a professional Musical Theater summer stock company that is housed on the campus during the summer. Students at Muhlenberg can audition for roles or intern with the Company and work side by side with professional equity and non-equity artists. As long as the student is a good match to Muhlenberg's profile, the student has as good a chance of being admitted as any other freshman applicant. (and BTW, there are Muhlenberg graduates who have gone on to professional work in MT on Broadway, in other venues and to graduate work.)</p>
<p>There are many other liberal arts colleges out there that have good drama departments and the same approach to admissions. The trick is to find the ones that offer a good MT component. Skidmore, for example, is another BA liberal arts school with a strong theater performance program. It focuses primarily on straight drama, however, and therefore would not be a good choice for someone interested in MT. Kenyon, on the other hand would be provided that academically your daughter was a good match. Don't use Emerson to judge the opportunities out there. Emerson has some quirky policies when it comes to its performing arts programs and admissions, even if you are applying to a BA program.</p>
<p>Hopefully this is responsive to some aspects of your question. If what you are asking, however, is how does someone get the training and opportunities in MT without going to ANY college program, I'll leave that answer to others who are more experienced in that area than I.</p>
<p>I'll jump in here and perhaps piggyback onto MNK's response. If your D must have a BFA in MT, okay...it isnt the only way to success. BUT, if that is the case, be sure that your list is not just what we refer to in my house as "the big guns" - Mich, CCM, NYU, CMU....etc. - the ones with uber-small accept rates. Some of the ' lesser known" programs might just be the perfect fit for your D and her academic and artistic goals. </p>
<p>Each year, we all struggle with this what if question. I know there was a "what if" thread last year. There have also been many explanations of the actual statistics on acceptance as well(I think from Dr.John). </p>
<p>I do believe if your list is realistic - academically and talent competitive - with the focus your D requires - she will find a place to grow. </p>
<p>MikksMom</p>
<p>"Must have" a BFA in MT is fine and if the list of BFA schools is diverse enough then you increase the chance of success. But don't substitute volume for diversity. Auditioning at 11 schools is quite a burden and very difficult to juggle and may not be as beneficial as being more discerning in choosing schools and auditioning at, say, 6 or 7 that are a good mix of BFA programs. You don't want a kid to run themselves ragged in the audition process so that the quality of their auditions suffers. Given the time constraints of the duration of the "audition season", the need to coordinate audition dates and the need to prepare, while still attending to normal h.s. demands and extracurriculars like school shows, I think 11 auditions could be really rough.</p>
<p>And while the "must have" is a BFA in MT, there should still be a couple of non-audition BA programs on the list, of the type I described, unless your daughter is saying that if she does not get into a BFA program she does not want to go to ANY college even if it is a BA school with a very active MT program.</p>
<p>If a "must have" is a BFA in Musical Theatre -- I believe there are also som non-auditioned BFA programs... check the FAQ link: </p>
<p><a href="http://www.geocities.com/musicaltheatercolleges/%5B/url%5D">http://www.geocities.com/musicaltheatercolleges/</a> for information... </p>
<p>however, I would suggest checking with the schools directly to make certain that the program is still non-auditioned in the 2007/ 2008 admissions cycle. Sometimes schools change their policies, and it is important to have accurate information.</p>
<p>Also -- as people have auggested. If you D wants to be sure to be admitted to college for the fall make sure that she has at least one non-auditioned school, for which she is a shoe-in academically speaking, on her list. BA auditioned programs in MT, and leser known BFA auditioned programs may be easier to get into than the schools with a 2% admittance rate, but (as others have said) are not guarenteed.</p>
<p>:) Good LUCK!!!</p>
<p>I agree that you probably don't have enough diversity on your list, as I know there are many good schools with BA programs that do not require an audition. At some of these schools, it is possible to create your own "MT" program by signing up for dance classes and private voice lessons.</p>
<p>But what really bothers me is your comment "...why should she apply to a school for BA Drama when her chances of getting in are hardly better than the BFA?" In response to that, I have to ask -- if the competition bothers you so much now, what is going to happen when she gets out in the real world and starts auditioning for jobs? It's only going to get harder. Actors have to have thick skin to deal with the constant rejection they are faced with in their daily lives. I know it's only natural to be concerned about your D's chances for success, but if the thought of failure at this time has the two of you so frightened, perhaps she should consider an alternative course of study.</p>
<p>I have been on and off this site for a year. How great. So much info. We have already looked at a couple colleges. My daughter is in a Fine Arts HS and first choice for college or conservatory - musical theatre program. Second choice - opera performance. Anybody got a recommendation about summer programs they have been thrilled with? I was thinking that if we picked a summer program at a school that might be on her college list, she could get a good feel for the teachers, etc. We live in SC and she is of the opinion she would like to be in a bigger city. Thanks for any input.</p>
<p>You may wish to start with the following</p>
<p>Summer Programs Big List - Data thread (also permanently stuck at the top of the MT Forum list of thread topics):
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=122525%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=122525</a></p>
<p>Summer Program discussion thread (this is the actual discussion, not data, about the programs...ongoing):
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=24364&highlight=summer+programs%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=24364&highlight=summer+programs</a></p>
<p>Then, for the specific summer pre-college type programs you are interested in, go visit that college's subforum at the top of the MT Forum where there are often threads to be found JUST about that school's pre college program.</p>
<p>Happy researching!</p>