More Fine Arts Than Academics a good idea?

College Majors Musical Theater Major
1

<p>Next year I'll be a sophomore in High School, and I have made a decision to drop to basic academics to make room for a better training in the arts.</p>

<p>In summary, I won't be taking any AP courses, and only one honors course.</p>

<p>In place, I'm going to be in my school's-
<em>**Varsity Theatre Program. In this class, I get top notch theatre training (my theatre teacher used to work at Booker T. Washington, the performing arts high school of Dallas). I'll be acting in one musical and three plays every year, and I'll be required to either do tech or usher for the three other shows we are going to put on. I'll compete three or four times a year, and go to training camps, workshops, and festivals.
*</em><em>Varsity Mixed Choir. In this top notch voice class, I get training in a wide variety of genres, focusing on classical technique. I'll learn music theory, and sightreading.
*</em><em>Varsity Progression Choir. Basically a fancy name for show choir.
*</em>*Dance 1. My school's beginning dance class. I have no prior dance training, and can't afford to take outside classes, so I'm taking this.</p>

<p>With this array of classes, my schedule will be packed with musical theatre training. I won't have room for two hours of AP readings every night.</p>

<p>Will I still have the chance to get into top tier musical theatre schools with little to no academics?</p>

2

<p>It depends on the school… there are schools that will look at academic rigor and grades in academic classes equally (or at the very least as a part of) to the audition in admissions decisions. Others will look at academics for the awarding of scholarships.</p>

<p>I believe some schools that look at academics closely are NYU, U Michigan, Elon, James Madison, maybe CCM, UCLA, USC, Northwestern, maybe Emerson… others can correct me or chime in with others.</p>

<p>Other schools may not look as closely as academics (or where less rigorous academic course load/ lower GPA may not be as much of a hindrance… I believe CMU, Pace, AMDA, Point Park, Roosevelt, Columbia College of Chicago, Monclair State… Again, others can correct me and/ or chime in with others.</p>

<p>Have you talked to the guidance counselors at your HS? They may have a better sense of how your HS fairs in terms of rigor of HS course load in college admissions.</p>

<p>It certainly is not the end of the world to not also take a rigorous HS course load, but it may limit the schools on your list and/ or scholarship consideration. It may be disappointing to discover in a few years that you are not competitive for a school you would like to attend because of choices made now.</p>

<p>If you dropped one of the choirs would you be able to fit a little more academic rigor into your schedule? What do your folks and guidance counselor say? </p>

<p>Will you still have taken the recommended HS courses by colleges on your list, and earned all As and Bs?</p>

3

<p>@KatMT – Firstly, my guidance counselor doesn’t care. I’ve gone to her too many times, and each time, she tells me the exact same things. “It’s up to you… I really don’t have any advice for you… I don’t know much in the arts department…”</p>

<p>I’ve been thinking about increasing my academics for next year to Honors Geometry, Honors English, and Honors Chemistry. I do not want to take an AP class next year, however. I feel like it would be too much of a workload. I have another problem however.</p>

<p>My junior year, I would have to take either AP, dual credit (courses that give both college and high school credit) or regular courses. They only offer Honors Math for juniors and seniors.</p>

<p>My top choice school is, in fact, U Michigan…</p>

4

<p>I’ve done some thinking, and if I adjusted my courses, I could make my academics look like this and still survive – </p>

<p>Sophomore-
Regular English
Honors Geometry
Honors Chemistry
Regular World History</p>

<p>Junior-
Regular English
Honors Algebra II
Honors Physics
AP US History</p>

<p>Senior
Regular English
Honors PreCalculus
AP Biology
AP Gov’t/Econ.</p>

<p>Could this be a viable option to still have academics in my schedule? Or is this still way lower than what most students have?</p>

5

<p>Four years of history/ gov. four years of math, four years of science, four years of English. Balance of APs, Honors, etc…</p>

<p>What about foreign language?</p>

<p>At UMICH… for example… [High</a> School Preparation | University of Michigan Office of Admissions](<a href=“http://www.admissions.umich.edu/drupal/high-school-preparation]High”>http://www.admissions.umich.edu/drupal/high-school-preparation).</p>

<p>The admissions process for performing arts is challenging in multiple ways… each school will have different criteria for academic admissions (and what role that plays in the relationship to the artistic decision). All auditioned programs also are selective artistically. Some more than others (like UMich). </p>

<p>Most programs that require auditions have a 2% - 15% artistic admit rate for the programs. Although some may have a higher admit rate. Also, some schools pull from a more regional talent pool, while others tend to pull from a more national talent pool. That does not necessarily mean that the school pulling from a more regional talent pool, or with a higher artistic admit rate will be “easier” to get into for an individual student. The artistic admissions piece is subjective, and each school will be looking for something slightly different. </p>

<p>Also – many of these programs are expensive and few have large talent awards to offer. Most of the larger merit awards at these schools are based on academics and test scores. Most schools are not able to meet full financial need of all admitted students (particularly out of state for public colleges). </p>

<p>All of that being said, it does not mean that every student will have a 4.0+ GPA, high test scores, and amazing audition results. Do not make yourself crazy, but balance your artistic and academic to the best of your ability. </p>

<p>Thinking about schools, and checking out college websites now is a good idea. But, you do not need to have a list of schools put together for over a year. At this point read, read, read. Keep an open mind. Look at in-state schools with theatre and musical theatre programs, “top” schools, “up and coming” schools, small schools, big schools, urban schools, less-urban schools, etc… the gamut! There are many good programs that offer a Musical Theatre major. When it comes time to put together a list of schools you will want to create a balanced list with at least one or two non-auditioned, academic, and financial “safety” schools. Some instead decide that they will take a gap year, continue to train, and re-audition for top schools the following year if not admitted the first time around. Some also include a combination of schools that offer bachelor’s degrees and non-degree granting institutions (ie. two year conservatory programs). There are also some CCs that offer strong performing arts training programs. So many different possibilities to explore over the next year to year and a half! </p>

<p>If you read through threads on this forum (as well as the theatre/ drama majors forum)there is much “insider information” from current students and alums of programs, parents of students and alums of programs, faculty of the programs, other students and parents going through the process, professional coaches and college counselors, etc… </p>

<p>Unfortunately, a lot of HS guidance counselors do not really understand how the artistic admission piece fits into the whole picture. :-/</p>

<p>:)</p>

6

<p>I already have two years of foreign language… I’m not taking any more, however, because of both a hatred of spanish (I’ve been learning the language since the 6th grade. I’m getting sick of it.) and wanting to make room for my electives.</p>

<p>I’ve been thinking about schools and colleges and scholarships for about two years now… Mostly because I’m the oldest of four kids, so I’m pretty much on my own when it comes to going to college and getting the money to go to college.</p>

<p>I’ll just look at some more college websites, I guess.</p>

7

<p>Aylagail. I would drop show choir and increase your academics a bit. As Katmt said, a few of the best schools do look for the top students. You want to help your chances there if you can. Which academic area are you strongest in? Pick that one and go for honors or AP. You will do better in the subject you are best at. Also, ask other students who are the best teachers. My son choose to do AP English senior year even though he was planning on majoring in chemistry and didn’t need more advanced English because all the older kids he knew said the AP English teacher was so great.
The reason I suggest dropping show choir is because you are basically already getting that training in the other voice class and by performing in musicals. Also I am guessing show choir probably has a rigorous travel schedule. My D has had to make many painful decisions over the past few years to fit things in her schedule. But we just ask ourselves “which of these opportunities give her the most training and gets her to end goal?” We don’t duplicate training or do things she won’t learn from.
If you have no dance training you must make that a priority if you want to be in MT or acting. Keep dance in your schedule until you graduate. Really practice on your own. Dance training helps all aspects of performing. It makes you more aware of your body and will help you really deliver a character. It makes your movement more relaxed and comfortable looking on stage. Audiences don’t want to watch stiff actors. If you aren’t getting enough dance training at school, go to a dance studio and ask if you can watch the desk or answer phones once a week in order to take a free class. My D’s dance studio always needs someone to do these jobs.
Dance training is really important. People always ask me why their eyes keep returning to my D when she is on stage. I tell them it is because of the dance training and the way she carries herself as a result of the training. She is in command of her body and it is just nice to watch.
Hope this helps. You seem like a bright girl who knows what she wants and is willing to go after it. Good luck!</p>

8

<p>If you are willing to look at some schools with less demanding requirements for admittance, and if you maintain a high GPA, you could be eligible for academic merit scholarships regardless of how rigorous your courses are. There are schools that have partial automatic merit scholarships based strictly on GPA as long as you must meet the basic requirements for admittance. Sometimes 2 years of high school foreign language is required. We tell our kids that “it is all about options.” If you make the choice to veer away from academic challenges or can’t keep up with those classes because of other commitments it will limit the options by eliminating the more academically rigorous colleges. On the other hand, if you limit your opportunities to learn your craft, you could eliminate many audition schools. There is no right or wrong choice. Do what makes sense to you. And whatever classes you decide to take, do your absolute best in them. I am impressed that you are thinking this through now!</p>

9

<p>AylaGail – read the MT and Theatre Major Forums and the Financial Aid Forum here. This will help you when looking at college program websites.</p>

<p>If you are going to be pretty much on your won for college you will want to be strategic in terms of maximizing financial opportunities. Take the most rigorous course load you can handle while maintaining a strong GPA. Have you taken two years of HS Foreign Language? As shaun0203 mentioned this is generally the bare minimum of what is required. </p>

<p>dramamom0804 and shaun0203 are offering you wonderful advice!! </p>

<p>Good for you for being so proactive and thinking about this early.</p>

10

<p>@shaun0203 I guess I needed to hear that from someone other than my parents. You’re completely right. I’ve already taken the bare minimum academics for most all colleges. Yes, that includes Foreign Language.</p>

<p>Honestly, I don’t care about the school. I’d be happy if I could only afford four years of a community college and only getting an associates. I’m actually not allowed to go into debt at all, mostly by personal choice.</p>

<p>What I care about is making myself a well rounded performer, no matter what path I decide to take. I don’t care if I’m not on a Broadway stage at 25. I could be doing community theatre and I’d still be happy.</p>

<p>I appreciate your advice, @dramamom0804 but I can’t drop show choir. Well, I COULD, but I really don’t want to. Because it’s therapeutic for me. The teacher, the people of the class, the opportunities. And a couple of other reasons that I can’t exactly discuss. But in summary- it’s very important for my mental health. Plus, show choir will prepare me for the inevitable- the CHORUS. Singing and dancing separately are important, but it’s also necessary to know how to do both. At the same time. Also, my show choir is very rigorous with our dance. It’s basically dance training in itself. I will be looking into dance studios, though. Seeing if they need office work in exchange for a free class. That is a great idea.</p>

<p>Thank you all for your advice, and I believe I’ve made a decision. I’m going to add a couple more honors/ap to my load, but only starting my junior year.</p>

11

<p>You’ve received a lot of advice - all valid. </p>

<p>I will second the notion that you should pick one subject that you are good at, and also LIKE, and do an AP in that. Take a few honors in other subjects that you are good at. Don’t just take a load of APs because you think you should - only do it because it interests you! Having to do tons of reading and tons of projects in a subject that you find boring will be torture.</p>

<p>My other suggestion - as far as paying for school - research and pick the best state school in your state, and see what courses they require for merit scholarships. You may find that you can get into a state school, and with grants or merit aid, you will find yourself at a wonderful school with an even better price tag! Don’t dismiss a state school!</p>

12

<p>Since you mentioned that you are on your own financially with regards to paying for college, I would encourage you to check out Texas State University’s MT program, one of the most affordable out there, given the OOS scholarship opportunities that reduce tuition to a minimum that is very reasonable. Although our D will be attending U of Michigan this fall, TSU also had her attention as one of her final choices, not only because of the low cost of attendance, but also because of some great things going on in the program due to a wonderful director. So check that one out in your search, and good for you for starting so early in planning for your future!</p>

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<p>Hi, AylaGail, my daughter pretty much did what you are talking about. In order to fit in all of her school’s Acting/Singing/Dancing classes, she had to forego some of the rigorous academic classes. She knew that that meant that a few schools (like NYU) would most likely be out, but it is a choice she made. However in the classes she did take, she kept her grades up, which is important. One thing we did early was to come up with a preliminary list of schools she was interested in and check their academic admission requirements, and make sure she met them at least minimally. In fact last spring she was picking out classes for this (her senior) year and we knew she had to take one more science class. She was really interested in an environmental science class, but it wasn’t classified as a lab science. By then we had her college list so I called every school and asked if they would require another lab science. ONLY ONE said yes, so she is in Physics now instead of the class she wanted…and oddly enough that one school is the one she is ending up at (which also oddly enough doesn’t require she take science once she gets there). Anyway, she applied to 11 schools and got into 6, so she did fine and doesn’t regret a thing. Bottom line, research the schools, keep your grades up, and most of all, have a great audition.</p>

14

<p>@ATLAST – Texas State is my top choice for schools that I actually have a chance at. Although UMICH is my top choice because, well, it’s UMICH, I love the program at Texas State. Extremely affordable, plus I qualify for in-state tuition! The school isn’t the most demanding when it comes to academics, so I really believe I have a chance at that school. It is one of my favorites. </p>

<p>@Calliene – Wonderful advice, thank you. I do believe I’ll take the social studies APs for my years in High School, it being my best subject. Graduating with 4 APs will be impressive to state schools.</p>

<p>To all of you – Thank you so much!</p>

15

<p>You are getting lots of good advice. Just remember, there are no easy audition programs to get into, even if their academic requirements are not as stringent. You mentioned Texas State. Its academic requirements are not as tough as Michigan’s. But it is quickly becoming one of the most popular and sought out schools among MT applicants. I do not know their exact numbers for this year, but I can safely say, as with many of the top programs, that literally hundreds and hundreds of students auditioned for the very few coveted spots Texas State had to offer this year. It is definitely not an easy program to get in.<br>
There are some threads on here that also talk about other schools that are budget friendly – you may want to look at those at well. University of Michigan is not known for giving much financial aid and its cost this year was upwards of $48,000 for one year. So it most likely is not a good choice for someone not want to incur debt. Some schools that we discovered in the search process did offer significant cost savings and whose academic standards were not as high as some schools included Otterbein, Ohio Northern, Coastal Carolina. Again these are all auditioned programs so getting is is no sure bet - but they may be some you wish to look at.</p>

16

<p>Many colleges calculate your GPA for their admissions based on core courses and not electives like theater and choir. Plus you want to be sure you do well on your SAT/ACT. So you need to have a solid academic record if you want to ensure admission, and most importantly to qualify for academic scholarships if your intent is to not incur debt.</p>

<p>I will never forget the chair of the program where my D will be attending this coming fall. He gave a talk to students and parents last summer about MT programs and asked kids what the most important thing was for admission. All thought it would be voice, dance, etc. nope, he told them it was grades. In his words they will audition hundreds of talented kids but what they really needed first was smart kids, to not only be sure they could meet general university admission requirements but to succeed in the MT program.</p>

<p>So bottom line: don’t sacrifice academics for other things.</p>