<p>mom2collegekids…if this OP is applying as a music theater major, it is very likely that any “merit aid” received will be based on this student’s audition, not stats. This is especially true in conservatory programs. At some universities, they will give academic merit aid as well but not all even do that.</p>
<p>I would suggest that this student look into schools that offer a BA in Musical Theater and are not audition based programs. I know this isn’t what the student wants to hear, but in my opinion, these are the places that are most likely to give merit money (if the student even HAS the stats to qualify for it).</p>
<p>Agreed with others…if the parents won’t pay for the applications, will they pay for college? It doesn’t do a speck of good to apply (and pay to do so), be accepted, and then be unable to attend because no one is going to pay the bills. This student needs to find out WHY the parents are not willing to pay for the college applications.</p>