<p>And I’m with Madbean once again.</p>
<p>madbean, that makes a lot of sense. </p>
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<p>In my opinion, this is the kind of anecdote that auditors should not be sharing. The specifics of particular auditionees from just last week? And how would the admissions department have even been consulted already? I hope like anything that those kids/parents are not on CC.</p>
<p>Another who agrees with Madbean’s comments.</p>
<p>The BU folks were quite clear they had less flexibility in how many the could get through last year than in prior years. To be clear, they still had some flexibility to get kids in below the BU numbers. But I got the sense it was both fewer in number and that the floor below which it wasn’t worth making the pitch was higher as well.</p>
<p>@alwaysmom I may have phrased it wrong, it was all very overwhelming but I thought he said that admissions would say no…or did say no…either way they were not going to admit these kids. Not sure why kids with a 2.8 would apply to BU…I don’t think it will be a surprise to them that they don’t get in. I think that some kids get the false impression that stats don’t matter and as long as they have a killer audition they will get in. </p>
<p>While there are certainly colleges in which GPAs and stats matter more than others, I think we should be very cautious when assigning exact numbers. I don’t think there are ever ‘lines in the sand.’ There are always exceptions. Always. It’s just statistics–the probability of being accepted in a program that values academic scores decreases the worse your scores are. But it doesn’t make it impossible. The take-away for me is that if you are very interested in a college and feel you can be successful there with good specific reasons, you should apply. Let the college be the one who decides you can’t make it, as opposed to you beforehand. </p>
<p>bisouu, I have no quibble with you sharing what you heard. My point was that auditors should not be sharing specific details like that. There may have been several kids auditioning for BU in Chicago with those GPAs and SAT scores so while it’s not individually specific, some could certainly identify that this auditor was speaking about them, and now they know pretty much that they did not get in. That news should come officially and at the proper time and not anecdotally from an auditor speaking to other students and parents. It may, indeed, not be a surprise to some kids with low academic stats that they don’t get in, but to others who may, for instance have listened to/read discussions here, like this one, where so many anecdotal stories are told about kids being admitted with lower than expected stats, they may very well be very disappointed. </p>
<p>BU admissions: Students apply to BU, then do their audition. If they pass their audition, the SOT sends that info to the admissions office as part of their whole package. If the student does not have high enough grades/scores, the university will not let them in, no matter how “killer” their audition is. If the student does not pass the audition, it doesn’t matter how “killer” their academics are, they will not be admitted, since they applied to the School of Theatre. They are not offered admittance into another school/college at the university.</p>
<p>The auditors are also VERY upfront about this and ask the kids about grades at the audition. If the GPA/SAT is low, they will tell them they can’t help them. I totally believe bisouu’s account of kids being told that the SOT couldn’t push them through if their scores were low. I’m sure the auditors were just not sharing this at other meetings, but had also shared that info with the students auditioning. As far as last year goes, the university planned to accept fewer freshman ACROSS ALL SCHOOLS/MAJORS, making grades probably a tick more important than in previous years ACROSS ALL SCHOOLS/MAJORS. The SOT’s process didn’t change. </p>
<p>I hope you’re right, Marbleheader, that they shared that information with the students and told them that they would not be admitted. I had never heard that BU gave rejections on the spot. Thank you for clarifying that.</p>
<p>No, no - they don’t make rejections on the spot. I think they are just up front with the students if they have really low scores. Until you get the letter/email that you are rejected from any college, I would take what people say with a grain of sand!!! My point, alwaysamom, was that I don’t believe the BU people were talking out of turn to others without giving those students with low scores some feedback about their scores at their audition. Hope I am making that clear! I do know of a student who was very talented, and they did tell him that his scores were low, and maybe he should attend another program, do well freshman year and then maybe he could transfer into the BU BFA. They don’t give rejections on the spot, but they just know if someone’s grades are too low, they are not going to be able to get them into the BFA. They let the university make that decision! I don’t want to give you the wrong impression!!</p>
<p>Marbleheader’s absolutely right–BU makes no secret about their admissions threshold, and it dropped last year (the overall university’s acceptance rate went from something like 35% in 2012 to 25% in 2013). The kids at BUSTI in 2012 were told very clearly what the admissions standards would be like, and one of the faculty (design/tech program head) gave me specific numbers too. I think their approach is fair and transparent–one of the best we encountered. </p>
<p>During the info session at my audition, there were several freshmen sitting in the theatre listening to Paolo speak. To show that sometimes the School of Theatre fights for students with lower academics, he asked the freshmen if any of them had lower scores/GPA than BU’s standard. Out of about 6, one of them raised their hand. So it does happen, although rarely.</p>
<p>You are right, Asha11. That’s why I said until you get that official rejection/acceptance from a school, anything can happen!!! I think that there will be kids who are squarely on the line for numbers, and ultimately the university will have the last word.</p>
<p>I guess the “take away” from this discussion varies depending on where you are in the college admission process.</p>
<ul>
<li><p>If you’re a current senior, and you’re applying to schools with the highest academic standards, know that your grades and test scores WILL matter. If there are extenuating circumstances (i.e. one semester with horrible grades because of illness, personal circumstances, etc. that are really bringing down your GPA) make sure to reach out to the admission office and let them know the back-story. Do your very best on your audition, and don’t worry about that which you cannot change.</p></li>
<li><p>If you’re a current junior, do some research, and try to make a college list that takes into account your grades/test scores, and what the average scores for admitted students might be at all the schools on your list. Don’t be afraid to apply to “academic reach” schools - but don’t set yourself up for disappointment with unrealistic expectations for your admissions chances. If you can (and IF you think it’s worth your time/effort) do some test prep, and see if you can increase your standardized test scores. You don’t have to spend a fortune with a private test prep company; there are many good study books out there. The key is to OWN the process because it’s important to YOU and your personal goals. Set up a schedule, and try to do a little bit every week over the coming months, instead of waiting until a few weeks before the test and trying to prep like crazy - which generally just makes you crazy/stressed. Most of the prep books have a section on how to set up a study schedule, as well as other helpful tips for improving your scores.</p></li>
<li><p>If you’re earlier in your high school career, start developing good study habits now. Talk to your parents and your high school counselor, and come up with a course plan that works for you. Take the most challenging classes you think you can handle . . . colleges like to see that you challenged yourself, but only you know what that really means. (i.e. my personal opinion is that it’s better to work hard and get an A in a “regular” History class, than sign up for AP History, become overwhelmed and discouraged by the course requirements, and end up with a C and a 2 or 3 on the AP Test.) It is good practice for college (and life!) to realize that you have to learn how to balance all the theatre work you love (rehearsals, performances, etc) with your other responsibilities (academic, family, etc). If you can figure out the “time-management” piece of your life now, you will be head-and-shoulders above so many others when it comes to actually succeeding in college!</p></li>
</ul>
<p>BU said that last year they offered admissions to 110 kids and yielded a class of 55 which was too high. This year they will offer 95 spots for a 45 class size.</p>
<p>I think what everyone has been saying has been totally right so far. Good grades and test scores DEFINITELY help in admissions, but I do think it’s important to note that there are always exceptions. So, I hope it’s alright but I just wanted to share my little story, just in case there’s someone who might benefit from it!</p>
<p>For me, coming on CC and seeing all the ‘Chance Me’ posts by 4.0 valedictorians who hold a 2400 SAT score, volunteer at a dozen charities, and captain every sport was incredible intimidating. While I definitely admired their hard work and drive, I just felt comparatively human to their superhuman abilities. Knowing that I’d be in the same applicant pool as some of them was (and is!) super intimidating.</p>
<p>University of Michigan has been my number one since I learned what having a number one school is. But, I also am very well-aware of how competitive it is. I can specifically remember telling one of my classmates this fall that is was my dream school, and she snorted. While it was certainly a little rude, I can’t really blame her. I’m a student who holds a 3.1 GPA and rocks out with an 1850 SAT and 28 ACT. So, really, I’m pretty mediocre. And I really am truly accepting of that fact.</p>
<p>In the hall before my UMich audition at NYC Unifieds, I chatted with some of my fellow auditionees. They were all just as dedicated and in love with the school as I was, and, from what I could tell, probably far more deserving, judging by their resumes. I can’t really retain from my audition itself; I do remember giving an adjustment and hearing my auditor laugh. I do know, however, that I really connected with her during the interview. She was one of the most personable people I’ve ever met, and was so warm and welcoming that I walked away even more in love than I had been at the beginning. But I was still super aware of how out of reach it all was. I walked away thinking, ‘who knows? Maybe I could get on the waitlist.’ A few weeks later, and I’m now staring at my acceptance letter pinned on my bulletin board.</p>
<p>So, what’s the point of this? The point is that it’s possible. And that’s such a weird thing to think during such a crazy application process, when you’re literally surrounded by rejection, but it’s true. When you look at the average GPAs of schools, or find out what the test scores are of students before you, they’re nice to have as guidelines, but don’t stress out over it. No two applicants are the same, of course, and my story might be more of an exception rather than the rule, but I think that even if it gives confidence to one person, then it’s good. This is an important time to remind yourself that you are yourself. You know what you have to offer, you know what you want, and you know who you are. The most you can do is present yourself honestly to these people and know that they are willing to fight for you. While auditioning is so scary, it also allows you a whole new chance that normal applicants don’t have: a chance to let your personality shine through. And, while your grades might not be the best thing about you, chances are that your personality makes that all the better.
I’m sorry that was so long-winded. I hope, if nothing else, it can make people aware that, while you should do the best that you can, sometimes your best is actually enough! </p>
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Well put, chimerical! I think there is a tendency to overstate the necessity of high grades and scores (especially among parents whose kids, with high-ish test scores and GPAs were admitted to these schools). Yes, high grades and scores will never hurt, and for a few schools (which will always be debatable) they will certainly help with admission. For other schools they will absolutely help with merit aid. But as general rule you shouldn’t write off a school based on hearsay about cutoffs, etc. I can think of many kids whom I know personally who were admitted on the basis of audition to schools where there are rumored GPA and score cut-offs, who would not have made the cutoff. This is true for any artistic admission (art school, music conservatory, dance.)</p>
<p>Another thing to consider is that there’s a third element beside your paper-self (scores, GPA, resume) and your audition, and that’s the ineffable “fit”. You can be a fine actor with a great transcript and still not be the right “fit” for a program (as decided by the panel). Which takes nothing away from you as a person or actor, and has nothing to do with your future success in the craft. </p>
<p>And congratulations on your admission!!</p>
<p>chimerical, I love your story. Huge congrats for getting into your dream school! Imagine if you hadn’t applied because you felt your stats prevented you from getting in. And this is what I was trying to say earlier–certainly do your best academically in high school since that can only increase your chances. That can’t be overstated. But on the flip side, if you’re a senior with decent but not amazing stats, if you love a school and feel you can succeed there, apply. Let the school be the one to tell you no. </p>
<p>I personally think chimerical96’s grades and test scores were just fine. I’d bet anything she/he nailed her essays because there is no doubt, he/she can write!</p>
<p>Agree with many, many comments here. Bottomline: If you want to go to certain school, APPLY! There is really no telling what can happen in any given situation. And we all know you won’t get in if you don’t apply.</p>