The Grand Master Transfer Plan

<p>So, I still have one school left to hear from-Emerson-but I'm not counting on an acceptance there. If this doesn't turn out well, I could use all the help that I can get in formulating a list of schools that I could possibly transfer into. I generally seem to be more well-received in England than in the US despite my entirely non-British lineage, and so am thinking of adding a few British schools to my list. If this helps at all, here is some basic info about me:
-I have more of a legit sound-definitely not a belter.
-I'm tall and often referred to as "quirky" and "different" though I seem perfectly normal to me.
-I'm a strong actress and singer, not so much a dancer, though I'm working on it.
-I have strong grades in liberal arts subjects, not so strong in math.
-Many people have told me to look into either BFA acting or voice performance. I'm thinking about it.</p>

<p>I'm sorry for this laundry-list of a post, but I'm not sure where else I can go for advice.</p>

<p>First of all, take as many theatre classes as you can - either in a BA program so the credits transfer, or privately, or both - and continue to try to improve. If you're not a good dancer, look for schools that don't have a dance audition. Also, look for schools that allow you to audition for Acting programs or Vocal Performance programs on the same day, or even in the same audition, as your MT audition. Though schools look for both belters and legit think about BM programs (like OCU and NYU-Steinhardt) as opposed to BFA program. Apply to lots of schools, including some that you think will be easy to get into (local schools without a reputation can still help you improve vastly). Finally, contact schools that you're interested in applying to (either over the summer or at the beginning of next semester) to see what classes you need to take in order to ease the classload transition and maximize the credits that will carry over. Hope this helps, if I think of anything else I'll post it.</p>

<p>Bohemakj--you are such a determined student and I can tell a fighter. I am so sorry that the college thing has not turned out like you wanted. And as cliche as it sounds, this is all part of the path you will walk to get what you desire. There are many schools that have excellent theatre programs and run under the radar> I know of several in Texas; I'm just not sure where you want to go. My D has several friends who went to big name schools and never got to be on stage when that is all they wanted to do--practice what they were learning in class. Others have gone to smaller good quality schools and got to be on stage almost every year while learning and improving their crafts. PM me and I will discuss in detail some of the ones that I know if you are interested in Texas.</p>

<p>Many BFA programs will not accept transfer performance class credits from other schools... whether they are BA, BFA, or BM... this does not mean that you should not take the courses... this training will help you in your development as a performer, keep you training and growing, and (if you do decide to transfer) help prepare you for this process. You may also discover that you love the school that you end up attending, and decide that the training you will receive there is just what you are looking for. </p>

<p>You should research the schools to which you might want to apply as a transfer. You may find that you will need to do a full four years of training at a BFA school to which you transfer. It depends... each school has a different policy for transfer students. I went to a college that is often mentioned on this board as a "top" program with a student who had transferred from a school that is considered to be one of the "VERY top... most selective programs". The "top" program did not accept many of his theatre credits in transfer and none of his performance credits. He ended up spending five years in school. One at the first school and four at the second school. </p>

<p>It is important to research schools to make sure the program will accept transfer credits so you will know what to expect in terms of time frame in school.</p>