Could someone take a look at my list and let me know if it’s a good one? If anyone knows any other good BFA Acting schools or thinks one on my list isn’t so great, I’d like to know as well. I think I’ll only be able to apply to 10 schools (maybe on or two more) so I’m trying to narrow it down.
Already Applied:
-Texas State - Academically accepted
-UT at Austin - (In top ten % of class, likely academic acceptance)
-Pace
Thinking of Applying:
-Marymount Manhattan
-Juilliard
-Webster
-Suny purchase (not at unified)
-Evansville
-Point Park
-Roosevelt CCPA*
-Columbia chicago
-Oakland (good rounded program)
-Minnesota (guthrie) -
-UNSCA
-Elon ( north carolina)
-Otterbein
-Ithaca
-Emerson
-Hartt School
-Depaul
-St. Edwards
It’s a good list, though top-heavy as a lot of these things are (though maybe you already have a safety in your acceptances and I do see Columbia Chicago). Do you have preferences re: classical versus contemporary acting, ability to study abroad, acting approach/tools, academic vs. conservatory focus, geographical location or anything like that?
I’m looking for a fairly balanced program- with classical and contemporary. UT, while a good school only really does contemporary- which is a big let down for me. I’m thinking safety wise, a BA seems to be the way to go, and ST Edwards isn’t super competitive as far as I know. I don’t care much for study abroad, or what type of school it is. Though I’d like to go to college in a city, or near one.
Your list looks good. To narrow down you can look at actual curriculum by downloading course catalogues to see if the program fits what you want. Programs are very different from one another. Some require more academics than others, some have huge number of studio hours, some allow freshman to audition for shows while others never have you audition - rather the faculty casts students in roles they feel will help you grow. Some programs offer voice, dance, stage combat, improv, etc, in addition to acting. Some focus on certain techniques. Location can make a difference too. You have several in NYC and others in rural towns. Really think about what is most important to you and go from there.
I will promote UNCSA - my D attends and LOVES it. Offers a wide range of training and does both classical and contemporary. Winston Salem is a city – not NYC (much smaller) but still a city with stuff to do.
We know kids at several schools on your list and all seem happy.
@CourtneyTheatre Can you describe your ideal program. Are you looking for Acting with some MT training? Conservatory or more academics? Are you thinking BA because BFA programs have lower acceptance rates or do you really want a BA? What do you ultimately want from your college experience? It will be easier for us to offer suggestions if we have a better idea of what you are looking for.
@MilouForever I honestly don’t really have a preference for MT training or not, as I have a voice teacher I’ve worked with on Skype for years and will likely continue to work with, as well as possibly being able to take dance as an elective. It doesn’t matter much to me if it’s in the course catalogue for the school. I’m thinking of doing a BA as a potential backup for several of my programs, especially my in state options. Ultimately, I’m not really after the “traditional” college experience, and am willing not to have it. I don’t care about campus life, or sports, or things of that nature. I want to focus and grow as an artist in college.
A couple well regarded programs you donMt have on your list are Boston, NYU, and Syracuse. My kid is at NYU/ happy to answer any questions. The “traditional” college experience was not important to her- but strong academic (as well as artistic) training was. Those 3 schools all made that cut
Okay, so here is my list now- I’m a little worried it’s still to top heavy, though I have been accepted academically into two of the schools, and St. Edwards is a BA to BFA.
Applied:
Texas State (academically accepted)
UT at Austin
Pace
St. Edwards - SAFETY - BA TO BFA (academically accepted, accepted to BA, I believe?)
Want to Apply:
Marymount Manhattan
Roosevelt CCPA
Juilliard
Evansville
Otterbein
Hartt School
Rutgers
Depaul
I was also interested in UNSCA and SUNY PURCHASE, but neither of them go to New York unifieds, or have dates in New York that correspond with the unifieds (if anyone knows if a video audition is allowed, please let me know!) I was also planning on possibly doing a few walk in at unifieds at POINT PARK, WEBSTER and EMERSON, and was wondering if anyone knows if these schools typically allow walk-ins.
Money is also an issue, and if anyone is aware if any of the schools I’m applying to don’t often give big packages i’d like to know.
@toowonderful Knew about Juilliard (applying so I don’t regret it later, not counting on getting in), didn’t know about Rutgers, is the callback weekend required, or is there a way to do a video for callback?
@CourtneyTheatre Webster had walk ins last year but the spots went fast (while I was waiting for my D I saw people signing up for walk ins or trying to).
They also gave good academic scholarship money to my D and it would have been among the less expensive options. For a private school, it starts cheaper then some.
She chose UNCSA but did like Webster
The schools in the consortium of drama schools audition together and will be at unifieds in Chicago and LA. But they are the week after unifieds in NYC this year for some weird reason. This includes Carnegie Mellon, Purchase, UNCSA abd BU, I think.
Another thought is about Pace. They give very large scholarships but they start out quite pricey. My D got A LOT of money from them but in the end it would have still been one of the most expensive of her options.
I see you took Guthrie off your list. They are more reasonably priced. And you can submit a video for callback weekend if unable to attend.
In case any of that matters, thought I would throw it out there.
@CourtneyTheatre - 3 years ago the callback weekend at Rutgers was required, it took it off my D’s list as it would have conflicted with her senior show at school (which we went round and round about, but at the time she was adamant about doing the show)
@toowonderful Thanks! Man this sucks, I love the school, and I know on the competitive scale it’s slightly down there, but having to fly back from where I live probably won’t work.
@CourtneyTheatre --Rutgers is competitive to get in from what I hear. Not sure what you meant by being down the competitive scale. Maybe I misunderstood.
Also not sure if you saw but I put some Webster info above the post about Rutgers.
Forgot to add that I don’t think UNCSA does video auditions but it may be worth an email to them.
Good luck.
@CourtneyTheatre Rutgers does offer some need based help with the with the callback weekend expenses. It is a great opportunity to get a real feel for the program. In regard to competitiveness, they have about a 3% acceptance rate for the BFA Acting program.
