<p>I could have this wrong, but from what I've seen transferring is not anymore difficult that auditioning as a senior in high school. Clearly from this board, auditions are always difficult and getting in is even more so. What I would assume is that transferring may be seen as more difficult because perhaps those trying to transfer aren't as good. I'm trying to "transfer" from an education degree to a musical theatre degree, and from what I've seen and heard, musical theatre schools definately look at your ability before your technicalities. Sure, it may be off putting that you're transferring, but who can deny talent?! If you put your best self out there and it's what they want, all the technical stuff fades away.</p>
<p>At least, that's the way I'm looking at it.</p>
<p>Alfie, I think one reason some maintain that it is harder for transfer applicants to BFA programs is because there are less slots available for transfers compared to for freshmen, though it varies with the situation from school to school. It is best to check out all of this very specifically with every school you are considering....their policy about taking transfers, how credits would transfer, how many years it would take as far as where you would be placed, and how many transfers on average they take per year.</p>
<p>Alfie, sometimes the number of slots available for transfers have to do with the department policy, and sometimes it is a university transfer policy. Check with both the department and the university admissions. Good Luck!!</p>
<p>I certainly second the notion that transfers may actually have it harder. Even when you're willing to "start as a freshman," d and I were told at an audition (one of the highly cmpetitive schools) that the first two years are when they teach YOU, the second two are when you show what you can do with it. If you've already learned "bad habits" (or styles/ not consistent with their program's expectations), then you have to "unlearn" and start over which is more than coming as a freshman "blank slate." Students have also been working together and it can be difficult to come as a new person to a group that's already bonded. We were also told that this school only took transfers if there were any slots left over after incoming freshman auditions (with 1200 auditions for about 24 slots, how likely is this?).... Successful transferring is certainly possible (it did work out for my d), but I was very unprepared for how difficult it was (perhaps even moreso than as an entering freshman.) Best of luck!.....</p>
<p>Ya, my situation though is, as of yet, I have not taken any theater/dance classes towards any kind of college theater degree. So when I apply for admission to the program as a first year, I REALLY won't have college level experience as far as actually taking these types of courses at a university.</p>
<p>I've had theater/dance/singing experience basically my whole life but no classes towards a college major that would make me think I would be able to qualify as anything other than a first year.</p>
<p>I'm hoping the colleges will see this and realize that I really would be a first year. My situation can't be that unique really! Don't quite a few people start college undeclard and figure out for sure what they want to do later? It just doesn't make sense to me that colleges think this way because, not everyone knows what they are going to do right out of college! and some people don't even have the money to start going to a really good school right off the bat.<br>
Ranting....I know, if anyone has any further advice or ideas, keep typing!!
:) thanks everyone!!
Lindsay</p>
<p>Judy, while what you say makes logical sense, that is not necessarily how it works. Yes, a BFA program may place a transfer into the freshman class for training. However, someone who has already attended a college degree program (even if in a different major) is not considered part of the freshmen applicant pool at most colleges. Every school handles it differently in terms of placement once you enter, and you need to check directly with each school. However, most schools define those who have been enrolled as a degree candidate at another college as officially coming under the transfer applicant umbrella, not the freshmen applicant group.</p>
<p>Lindsay,
You might want to note on your application to the BFA program that you are willing - or even prefer to be considered for the freshman class. Some schools will have the latitude to "place" you regardless of transfer credits and others will not, but they won't have to guess about your objectives.</p>