Does it make sense to work with a coach if my D will not be applying to programs like Carnegie Mellon and Michigan? She’s looking mostly at BA rather than BFA programs as she wants to have a “real college experience.” In fact, her favorite school so far is Muhlenberg which doesn’t require an audition. She is also looking at programs that require auditions like American. The only two BFA programs she’s considering are Ithaca and Hartt. I’m trying to decide if a coach is worth the money if she’s not applying to the highest level MT programs.
A coach is very helpful if you are pursuing any audition options. They can help your student select good material and really get prepared. Many do fine without but it definitely is a benefit. The programs you mention - Ithaca and Hartt are very competitive. Ithaca took only about 15 total last year and only 5 girls - their MT admit rate is probably around 3-4 percent. Hartt takes about 25-30 so a little higher but still less than a 10 percent admit rate - probably around 7- 8 percent on average. Even BA programs that require an audition like American are pretty selective. It’s good to go in to this process knowing the odds so you can plan to prepare a good balanced list and invest in the prep required whether that be a national coach or local teachers/coaches that can help. Best of luck!
Many people will undoubtably disagree but from my perspective - if your daughter would be happy with a program that doesn’t audition, by all means avoid auditioning!!! 
Auditions add so much stress and extra work and schedule conflicts. Prescreens add more. The two programs you mentioned are actually super competitive so you’d be going the whole nine yards to compete for a BFA slot when I think both offer BAs. We loved the MTCA coaches and they helped my D a lot but I estimate each BFA application was twice the work and 3-4x the expense of each BA application.
You don’t need a coach if you’re willing to write off auditioned BFA’s as why-not-try type of schools and if you’re willing to do research online and/or read/study the books on auditioning for performing arts schools, because there is a process to it that is different from regular college applications.
If she or you are going to regret missing the chance for reach schools (which would include very competitive Ithaca) and you have the finances for it, a coach is very helpful - not just for the auditions themselves, but for figuring out which schools, knowing how to submit a prescreen, picking what should be in her audition book, setting realistic deadlines for applying to schools to get auditions dates (like October 1st, yeah really), and knowing the whole process from prep to decision day.
Thank you for all the great perspectives! There’s so much to think about and everyone’s input really helps.
I found our public high school guidance counselors knew very little about deadlines and requirements that are very different and the audition coach really filled that gap. I discovered CC rather late in the process so you are off to a great start!
@overwhelmed2019 I would like to put a plug in for Wagner College! My D is a freshman Theatre Performance major and loves it. It IS an audition program and you must get accepted academically first - they you are invited to audition. It is a small campus on Staten Island, but a traditional campus with sports etc. D takes full advantage of the proximity to NYC and takes advantage of extra classes in the city. She loves that she can take a few classes outside her major as well. D was also accepted to American, loved the campus but received very little financial money and felt the opportunities around the city were not as good as being close to NYC.
She had a monologue coach - we did everything else locally. I agree with what is mentioned above, Ithaca (a prescreen school) is very, very competitive as is Hartt. If she is looking at those programs a coach isn’t necessary but she will need to bring her A game! Also, be organized, make a spreadsheet of deadlines and requirements - audition slots fill up quickly. I made sure my D had all her applications in by mid Sept so she could start requesting audition spots.
I am by no means an expert, but a lot of BA programs do offer talent scholarships based on auditions. If the contribution of the coach even gets you a bit of a scholarship, it seems well worth it as far as return on investment.
If you are considering several audition-based BA MT programs, don’t let the initials fool you, many audition-based BA MT programs are competitive to very competitive for entry. I would not consider programs like American, James Madison, Marymount Manhattan, Alabama, Northern Colorado, and Wagner to require any less audition preparation than typical BFA MT programs (this list is not intended to be all-inclusive, just some examples off the top of my head). Even the most out-of-the-way program that you may never have heard of is probably attracting 5 or more auditioners for every slot.
Hence, to echo what others have said, a coach could be well worth it.
As a footnote, to echo something else already mentioned, Ithaca and Hartt attract a nationwide pool of applicants and are very competitive for admission. Ithaca, in particular, is extremely selective.
One of my students this year (I’m an independent college counselor) wants to pursue MT but only in a BA school. Most of her schools were not by audition. But she did have three auditions (American, UNH, and Muhlenberg). They found it difficult with monologues on their own and I think also needed help in picking appropriate songs. I recommended a particular audition coach to them. Really, whether you are auditioning for 3 programs or 13 programs, the preparation is rather similar. Yes, it is a lot to spend for just a few schools. My student got into all her audition schools with scholarship, and all but one of her non-audition schools. I think the coaching helped with the audition schools.
What is the typical cost of an audition coach? Given the scholarships at stake, it could very well be worthwhile.
It really depends. You can use most of them a la carte, so you’re only paying for the services you want. Like help selecting a school list, or picking monologues or audition songs. Then there’s actual coaching on the monologues and songs, which will cost more. Or dance coaching, if your child needs that.
I personally would say that if you have the finances a coach would be well worth it. They can be incredibly knowledgeable about colleges/programs that fit your wants and could help you make a great list. In my experience, it’s easy to find good BFA programs but rigorous BA’s (particularly ones with MT training) are a bit harder to come by. A coach can help you construct a good list and find rep, which are some of the more challenging parts of the process.
@overwhelmed2019 there are low cost ways to receive coaching. Depending on where you live (and access to industry professionals and private coaches), you may be able to go a more modest route.
There are also a ton of online references, videos and books that help kids and parents navigate the process. I would say the hardest thing to do without some sort of coach or mentor is choosing songs and monologues that are appropriate for age, type, vocal range and that aren’t overdone.
When you reply to my PM, let me know where you live (roughly) and I might be able to refer you to a few places/people.
@DramaQueen219, I noticed your offer to @overwhelmed2019 for referring a few places/people for college audition coaching. I’m brand new on here and also would be grateful for referrals in the Seattle area.
@josiev I’m on the other side of the country! I believe @overwhelmed2019 is closer to me, based on another thread I was speaking to her in.
As far as ‘virtual’ coaches, there are a few that exist, that you can connect with on facebook. I would also recommend the book “I Got In” (you can buy it on amazon). It is written by one of the coaches, so even if you decide not to use one, it offers some useful advice for going through the process.
@DramaQueen219 @overwhelmed2019 and @josiev As @EmsDad has already posted, the author of the I Got In! book is Mary Anna Dennard owner of college audition coach
Most coaches will work with you virtually but it can be helpful to be close by if you’d like to go in person too. My DS is a freshman MT major at CCPA and we used MTCA. They have an East and West Coast presence and IMO are affordable. You pay ala carte for their services so it’s up to you to create a path that will benefit your son/daughter. It was the best decision we ever made