<p>I really want to go to Interlochen Arts Academy for theater and music or theater and creative writing but I don't know how to convince my mom to let me go. I was hoping someone who's gone could tell me what their experience was like, how the classes were, and stuff like that and some good information about it. I'm hoping when she sees it she'll be easier to convince. Also, the main issue is money and me being away from home. So did anyone who's gone get financial aid and if you did, did it take off a lot of money? Can I get a full ride? I also heard I could do work study where I work in the cafeteria or something and it takes money off my tuition. Is that true? I'd really appreciate some information about Interlochen that could convince my mom to let me go.</p>
<p>Our daughter is a new junior, Theatre major at Interlochen this year. (Although some students start as freshmen, many if not most students come in as sophomores, juniors, seniors and PGs.) </p>
<p>Here’s some basic info about Interlochen Arts Academy:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>All prospective students first declare a major, such as Theatre, or Creative Writing. (Check the website - interlochen.org - for a list of all the majors.) If space is available, you can take classes in areas that are not your major. There is also a major called “Comparative Arts” which is designed for students that have a passion in more than one area, and want to pursue studies in both.</p></li>
<li><p>you must audition, or submit a portfolio, to be considered for admission. Details of the requirements are on the website.</p></li>
<li><p>you must also apply to the school (a process similar to other prep schools: transcripts, essays, recommendations, etc.)</p></li>
<li><p>Interlochen offers significant financial aid, depending on your financial situation. (Like most prep schools, the school expects you to pay as much as your family can afford, and there is a process to determine financial need.) The school also offers merit aid, which is offered to students based solely on their artistic merit. </p></li>
<li><p>Every student is expected to do some sort of community service, such as working in the cafeteria, even if they are a “full-pay” student. I do not believe that some students work “more” to offset their tuition.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Spend some time on the website, an be sure to watch any videos that showcase the interaction between students and guest artists. Interlochen has a long history of bringing in working professionals in all disciplines to work directly with their students. (For example, this fall the Theatre department will produce a new, expanded cast version of Hunter Bell’s Tony-nominated musical [title of show], and he will be working directly with the cast on the production, which they will perform in NYC this November!)</p>
<p>Get in contact with the Admissions department - they are really great to work with - and request an admissions packet, and course listings/descriptions for the Theatre and Creative Writing programs.</p>
<p>Good luck to you!</p>
<p>S graduated from IAA this past spring. He was a theatre major and spent 3 years there. It was a great experience. He was accepted to several BFA acting programs. I doubt he would have been accepted to some of them if he had stayed at our local HS. Please feel free to PM me if questions.</p>