Stressed and confused transfer student!

[phoetiquette]

<p>Hey everybody. I'm very confused and feeling lost and aimless right now and I could really use some help from all of you experts. SO here is my drawn-out ridiculous college story:</p>

<p>I'm currently in an undergrad program for an MT BFA at a school I don't like. I graduate high school back in 2008, accepted a scholarship for the MT BFA from this school, and then proceeded to defer my admission a year and travel/volunteer abroad, as a gap year was important to me. When I got back from my year abroad, my school informed me that they were undergoing a change in ownership and could not accept incoming Freshman that fall. Since it was already March it was too late to apply elsewhere, so I settled into Community College for the year and got some gen ed. requirements out of the way as I waited for my school to resolve its crisis. The following fall I began my BFA. But now that I'm here I am dissatisfied with the school and the program in every way. I signed up for a BFA at a small, liberal arts college, and during the ownership change this college, unbeknownst to me (even though I was talking quite a lot to enrollment advisors) until I arrived, had become a University of Art and Design. The academics aren't challenging outside the department, there is definitely not enough emphasis on singing in the program, and I don't frankly feel that the students graduating this year with BFA's will have been adequately trained/prepared for a highly competitive career field. I don't want to stay here. Unfortuneately, I labored all of first semester under the delusion that things might change and get better, that the school was in an adjustment period, etc. At this point, it is almost February and I want to transfer, but don't feel prepared to scramble to get it together for Unifieds and other BFA auditions. </p>

<p>At this point I think my best bet is to apply to schools as a theatre BA and then audition next school year for the specialized MT training program. That said, I have a lot of questions and apprehensions about doing so. Right now I'm looking at schools that are relatively close to my home in Phoenix, AZ and that won't be to terribly expensive, as I've already put a lot into tuition at the school I'm at. The most financially sensible option is ASU's BM program, which has a specialization in MT, but I have a question about going that route. Does it provide the same pre-professional training as a BFA? Which route is more highly recommended?</p>

<p>Other programs I'm looking at are CSU Fullerton's MT BFA and Southern Utah University's BFA with MT specialization. I know CSU is reputable, but what have people heard about SUU? Where else in the Western states would you recommend? Does anyone know of any programs with BFA's in MT that audition later than Feb/March?</p>

<p>I'm also really worried about choosing a school where I'm admitted as a theatre BA and then not being accepted into the BFA program. All in all I'm just very stressed and confused, dismayed that I didn't make a strong decision about the school I'm at during my first semester, and at a loss as to where to go and what to do. Please help!</p>

<p>-Sarah</p>

[CalMTMom]

<p>Sarah–</p>

<p>Try to relax and take a breath. </p>

<p>I think the question for you is “What are YOU really looking for?” rather than the reputation of the school. What do you want out of your school? </p>

<p>Do you want stronger academics? Do you want more focus on voice? Do you want opportunities to perform? There are many, many paths to a career in MT. The question is more about what you feel you want out of the program. OCU has a BM in Musical Theater that is very well respected…it is heavily focused on music, they have later audition dates. CSU Fullerton has a strong program that does not even allow you to audition into the BFA until end of sophomore year-they take about 10 and start with about 80 in freshman year…so you do the math. If you want a guarantee about the BFA you will not get it there. </p>

<p>I don’t know much detail about ASU, but I do know several schools with BA programs such as UC Irvine which provide access to most of the BFA MT courses even as a BA student. Perhaps that is also true of ASU.</p>

<p>There is a thread–we found it last year on CC–that lists later audition dates…you could look for that. It can’t hurt to apply to school BA programs and have some options to consider.</p>

<p>I think the important point for you is to reflect about what you are most unhappy about and try to find a good fit for you regardless of reputation or being worried about it being “the recommended route” If you look at Playbills, you will find the name of many institutions from liberal arts colleges, to large state schools, to 2 year training programs. The most recommended route for you is the one where you feel you belong, that you have access to quality courses and instructors that you connect with and you have opportunities to explore. </p>

<p>Check out other threads on CC–there is a lot of help here for you :)</p>

[takeitallin]

<p>Fullerton does allow you to audition for MT after the sophomore year. However, students from the local area are being given priority over out-of area students, and I think you might have a tough time getting in there right now.</p>