I know for a fact that I will be accepted into most of these schools academically. (3.96 Unweighted GPA) But hoping to get into musical theatre!
Triple your list. Sincerely, Mom of talented kid who is doing a gap year 
I don’t think you need to triple, as I think kids should only apply to schools they REALLY want to go to - but I do think you could expand- and you need to make sure you have a safety that you actually want to go to. (Could be a BA program at one of your schools if available)
OK. You’re right, @toowonderful. I may have embellished. But 8 is not enough-unless one loves one’s non-audition safety.
@owensfolks - I completely get it. 
In regards to both UC Irvine and Cal State Fullerton keep in mind you audition into those BFA programs after your freshman and sophomore years. This is an important consideration in that you could commit to the college and put the time and effort in yet still not be accepted to your desired major. Although we are CA residents, my daughter did not want to attend a program where there were cuts or later auditions. College can be stressful enough without spending your first year or two uncertain if you will be selected to proceed in your chosen major. She much preferred to audition up front and know that she was fully accepted into the BFA program. Just something to think about.
@“QuelDrame!” That’s a wonderful GPA. You may or may not get into academically to theses schools and an academic acceptance is not a guarantee for an artistic acceptance. Unless you’d be happy at any of those schools with any major I’d widen your net. It’s just way to competitive out there!
And at some schools - like NYU and Syracuse, they won’t offer you the opportunity to choose another major if you are declined artistically - it’s all or nothing.
I added SMU and Pepperdine. Is that enough or should I add more?
I’m an SMU grad and love it, but if you are serious that MT is your path and not acting, Texas State is a better option than SMU in Texas (also much cheaper as MTs get in state tuition). Sam Houston also has a good program and Texas Tech just started a MT BFA with a good faculty. SMU just offers an acting BFA with a MT certificate and usually does not produce musicals.
What do you mean MT’s get instate? I’m from California…
Is there a reason your list is focused on schools on each coast? There are a lot of great schools out there that are neither in NY or CA. Also, are you looking for an MT major? Some of the schools on your list do not have MT programs or may only offer a minor or certificate. I would really study the curriculum for each of the programs on your list and make sure they truly offer the training you are seeking.
I also would encourage you to expand your list and consider some schools not necessarily in NY or CA if you are open to other locations. There are many threads on CC about all sorts of schools that could be just what you are seeking. You may surprise yourself with some hidden gems if you dig deeper and do some more research…
There are some schools that offer in-state tuition to MTs. Some that come to mind are Texas State, Montclair, Western Michigan and Utah. This means that your tuition would be the same as if you were a resident of that state. Most state schools charge a higher tuition to out-of-state students. Private schools generally have one tuition rate for all students (before any financial aid or merit awards/scholarships) If cost is a concern, there are threads on CC that talk about schools that offer great scholarships or low tuition rates for MTs. So search for that too.
Just make sure you really, really do your due diligence before finalizing your list. Keep your mind open to schools and programs with which you may not be familiar. Be aware that getting in academically to MT schools is typically much easier than getting in artistically. And start early with your applications. Keep your grades and test scores as high as you can because academic $ is easier to come by than talent awards. And be aware that the acceptance rate at many of these programs is less than 10% of all who apply. That is why people encourage you to have a wide and varied list.
Wishing you all the best in your search!
Yes, @vvnstar is right. Texas State offers in state tuition to all MT majors. She is also right about the middle of the country having great MT programs. @vvnstar has a daughter at Oklahoma City University (OCU) a nationally known MT program. Right down the road is the University of Oklahoma, also an outstanding program. Finally, I realized I did not mention TCU in my post about Texas schools. Another really fine MT program. But my comment about in state tuition was confined to Texas State. But as she said, there are schools in other states that offer in state tuition to MTs. You just gotta shop around. Finally, if your grades and test scores are good, you can get great scholarships.
Hello,
My D is currently attending a very prestigious MT program in Iceland. It is very hard to gain acceptance, and your D or S must be a very strong mover. If not they will be cut before the audition even begins. They should prepare a variety of rap songs, as the program is very new age. Hopefully your kids are comfortable with living in a foreign land. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t ask.
Oh. OK.
Much thanks to MTDadandProud for mentioning the University of Oklahoma as an outstanding program. Last January 2017 the American Theatre Magazine called our program (The Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre) one of the top dozen outside of NYC. All of the programs mentioned in this stream are wonderful with excellent, passionate faculty. The most important thing is to find that program that fits your child’s personal MT passion 'cause we are all unique for many different reasons (faculty, facilities, productions, new works, student make up, etc.). Those of us in the Midwest and Plains states may not be near NYC but we constantly bring New York to us! And then New York hires our students…so come check us out! Please visit out our OU MT website and like/follow our Facebook, and Instagram pages and send questions our way via email.
I think perhaps you meant don’t hesitate to ask?
Also, as an FYI, while Syracuse is in New York, it’s a LONG ways from NYC - a good 4 hour drive. It’s a lot windier, colder and snowier in Syracuse than in the city. It’s a good school, but don’t expect it to be like Manhattan or Brooklyn.
Newest List Of “Best” Programs
http://www.onstageblog.com/columns/2017/12/21/the-best-theatre-colleges-in-every-state-for-2018
These lists are always so odd. Take New York for example -Pace is listed. That is great. I like Pace. My D considered attending. However, what about purchase, NYU, Juilliard?
I see similar things in other states listed too. (California, Colorado, Washington, etc). Wonder what the criteria was they looked at. For Pace they talk about unique offerings -and none are MT or even around the BFA acting.
Also
Think this list is “theatre” based in general and not MT. It also includes some tech program info and info on new facilities. Pretty broad based.