<p>One of the schools that continues to send me glossy brochures filled with happy-looking trendy artsy people-- and very little in the way of actual info-- is Columbia College of Chicago. So far, all I've managed to discern is that it's a school that offers BFA programs in most of the visual and performing arts, that it runs around $20k a year, and that it's in Chicago.</p>
<p>Does anyone know about this school? How selective is it? How good are the theater and acting programs? What about reputation-- is it a hidden gem, or should I run far far away? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! :D</p>
<p>Columbia College was one of my D’s backups when she was applying two years ago. We visited and met one of the professors. She told us it is sometimes hard to get into the classes you want because of the number of students attending. This was a non-audition program when D applied so was a safety school as long as we could afford tuition and housing. She was accepted and given a very large scholarship so it became her backup. We know one girl - now a senior I think - who attends. She is a talented actress who admitted she didn’t get the grades she needed to be admitted to some other schools. She was liking Columbia tho and loved living in Chicago. My D chose a conservatory style selective BFA program and is very happy there now. I think the large number of students at Columbia and lack of personal attention that may have meant would not be a first choice for us. Someone else will surely know more about the quality of the acting programs and reputation. Just sharing what we learned at the time. The theater scene in Chicago seemed very exciting!</p>
<p>I have a nephew going there (for music business) and my D’s friend (BA acting, considering BFA). Both have been completely happy. In theatre, there are tons of opportunities. This boy is a smart kid, and he likes his Gen Eds. He got involved in a ton of great theatre projects right away, and loves the access to everything that’s going on in Chicago. </p>
<p>My D would have had this as a safety except that she realized she didn’t want to live right in the downtown Chicago Loop 24/7 (she felt the same way about Manhattan). So we didn’t look any further.</p>
<p>I will agree that the Chicago theatre scene is truly fantastic, and Columbia has wonderful connections and proximity.</p>
<p>We have a friend who is currently a junior at Columbia College and it was the only school he applied to! He loves it, it is very “business oriented” in how they approach many aspects of their programs which means they want students to understand that there’s more to succeed in this industry than mere talent. He also has had opportunities from the day he started and loves the school.</p>
<p>It is right in Chicago with dorms shared with two or three other Chicago schools - DePaul is one I think. If you don’t mind an urban non-campus environment, it’s an interesting setup and worth looking at I think.</p>
<p>I know what you mean when referring to the glossy brochures and appearances of Columbia College. If you’re seriously considering a pursuing theatre, you should look in Roosevelt’s Chicago College of Performing Arts. It’s next door to Columbia and from what I’ve heard is highly competitive and students are well-nurtured.</p>
<p>Thanks for the tip Nick! Is it a conservatory program or a 4-year? I’d definitely prefer to get a degree but I’m not ruling certificate programs out yet.</p>
<p>Does anyone have information on the Commerical Music Program? Also, what are the academic stats required for admission. Someone mentioned on another thread that they accept anyone but there have been students with lower gpas that did not get in so does anyone really know what the cut off is?</p>
<p>Shcisamax, the scatter plot on College P.rowler shows three applicants not getting in, out of about 150. I’d link it here but CC has censored the name of the competing website…</p>
<p>Anyways, it looks like the GPA cutoff is at about 2.0 and the SAT/ACT cutoff sits around 16 or about 1100-- although the rejects sat above those lines, go figure.</p>