I highly recommend the executive floor. For breakfast there was always coffee, juices, fruit, oatmeal, a hot item (eggs, pancakes, waffles) bagels, croissants, and fruit. I agree that the appetizers were not wonderful. But it was a nice option to grab a snack before dinner. There is a cooler with cans of pop as well. You need to ask for bottled water but they do have it. Another benefit is the express elevators. The elevators at the Palmer House are an adventure. The express to the executive floor definitely saved time. I initially booked my reservation from Saturday through Wednesday and then cancelled Saturday night later. It was very easy and cost nothing. Also, sign up for the Hilton Honors club if you are not already a member. You can check-in via a shorter line. The room with two bathrooms cost a bit more, but it was a huge luxury in the mornings. Plus we had a refrigerator in the room too. Thanks to CC members’ advice, I upgraded to the exec floor and better room about a month in advance.
I say Ditto to everything @songndancemom just posted. We had executive floor, 2 bathrooms – it wasn’t that much more and yet it was a huge convenience and luxury. Be careful on the Executive floor though, lots of program heads up there eating the same eggs as us!! They hear everything! 
Yes re: program heads! We noticed them conducting interviews there, too so watch your ps and qs!
We were also so glad to stay on the executive floor, for all of the reasons mentioned! We’d definitely do it again–as well as get a room with 2 bathrooms. It was so nice for D to have her own space like that during this week! Initially, we were placed in a room with just one bathroom, but we upgraded, and the extra bathroom and suite space was so worth it.
It was sometimes interesting to hear the program heads talk amongst themselves, too–not that I was ever listening or anything… 
Unifieds question: those who have went, did your child get any acceptances from them? Which is “better” NYC or Chicago or is there any difference really? I know there is a list of schools that attend but does anyone have a thread avail of other schools that go since I know some arent officially at same place as others…did you find it to be very stressful to put many eggs in one basket so to speak with weather problems etc? Do any schools have accompanists there? Finally do you feel it was worthwhile in terms of school acceptances etc? Not that it was a bonding experience, etc…lol I am not interested in spending hte money for that…
We attended Chicago Unifieds. Of her MT auditions there, she was accepted to Ithaca, rejected by Penn State, and wait listed at Otterbein, Carnegie Mellon, and Texas State. She had two final auditions at Moonifieds – Wright State and Pace. She was accepted to Wright State and denied at Pace. She did one on-campus audition at Michigan and was accepted there. I think attending Unifieds is entirely worthwhile and a great way to save on travel dollars and time. Regarding accompanists, some had them, some didn’t. And, finally, many schools attend Unifieds, or are auditioning at a nearby location, and I would guess that the list changes somewhat from year-to-year. The best advice is to look at your list of schools and their specific audition offerings … I remember a thread on this but it wasn’t very complete. 
My understanding is that there are more schools in Chicago that week than at any of the other Unified locations. Good luck!
@theaterwork. I’ve been to both - although my S only did one unified audition (in NYC) two years ago because we were already in NY for an outside audition; D did all but 1 audition at Chicago Unifieds this year. I’m not sure which is “better” - Chicago is a bit more drive-able for us so it made more sense for us to go to Chicago. Also, it seems easier to schedule for Chicago (it is longer). However, NY tends to be held over a weekend; Chicago is Sun-Wed meaning more missed school days. Weather problems are always going to be an issue with NY in January and Chicago in February. We did not miss auditions due to weather but it is somewhat stressful.
Neither of my kids got acceptances in the room but in situations where there were call backs, with the exception of one school, they did call backs right there. UNM - Guthrie sent my D a call back notification after we left Chicago. Some schools provide accompanists; others do not. My S had his cuts recorded but ended up not needing to use them; my D (Acting) did not need them- in situations where she was required to sing as part of the audition, she was permitted to sing unaccompanied.
By way of comparison: My S did all but 1 audition on campus (and the 1 he did at NY Unifieds he did b/c we were already in NYC), D did all but 1 audition at Chicago Unifieds. Doing all of the auditions at Unifieds ended up saving us quite a bit of $$ up front; we now are visiting accepted/waitlisted schools so maybe it will be more equivalent in terms of cost at the end of the day. With my S, we spent the travel money up front but he did not re-visit accepted schools. A few of my D’s classmates attended BOTH Chicago and NY Unifieds.
My opinion - I preferred Unifieds (Chicago). I liked the format, the ability to do walk-ins and the ability to get a significant chunk of the auditions done all at once. My D felt like she got into a groove after the first few early auditions (both walk-ins) and therefore, felt really prepared as she moved through her scheduled auditions.
I think you have to evaluate your own child to know what is best for them with regard to Unifieds. Our D found the environment to be energizing. She got stronger as the week progressed as she built confidence moving from one audition to the next. She also loved being around people she had met from summer programs and also meeting new friends. In contrast, she personally found on-campus auditions to sometimes be draining depending on how the days were set up. There was just the traveling itself that could be hard. Then the way in which different audition days were organized. Many schools used the audition day to also offer opportunities for campus tours, see shows, participate or watch classes, etc… Just for our D personally, she just wanted to focus on her auditions and not be taken on campus tours, etc…on audition day. She wanted to save those kinds of visits for decision making. But that was just her.
Just for example: We had one day (Elon) where we had to be there at 8 in the morning and we did not leave until 8 in the evening. Her voice, acting and dance auditions were to be spread throughout the day with long breaks in between. During those breaks we were supposed to have opportunities to do campus tours and sit in on classes. Unfortunately, the class we were supposed to get to sit in on was cancelled because the teacher and many of the students were at SETC that weekend. And the campus tours were not available because it was Fellows weekend and all tour guides were dedicated to that group. So we were given a map and told we could do our own walking tour if we wished. Rather than do that, we sat in our car for 3 hours during one break while D tried to sleep off a bad cold. It was a very long day without much reason for it to be that long. Whereas at Unifieds she typically scheduled 2 auditions per day with the option of doing a walk-in or two if she wanted. She preferred the Unfieds schedule.
However, there really is no wrong answer. Only what is right for you. We had a friend who chose not to do Unifieds because they felt their D would be drained by all the busy-ness of it all – too big,too many people, too much to do in a short amount of time. So they did all on-campus auditions. And they were very happy with their choice.
You have to know yourself and which environment you will perform your best.
This is purely anecdotal, but we know lots of kids who were accepted to schools from Unifieds including the big ones like Michigan, Carnegie Mellon and CCM. We struggled with whether or not she’d have a better shot on campus and we came away with feeling the odds were the same no matter the location. And with regard to Unifieds, we ultimately realized the schools would not take the time to participate in Unifieds (or hold auditions during Unifieds) if they weren’t sincere about looking for people to fill their classes. So yes, you very much can get acceptances during Unifieds. I think the odds are probably the same no matter the location of your audition.
As far as logistics at Unifieds, it varied from school to school. Some had accompanists. At others D just used her recorded accompaniment on her phone (she took her own speaker she could connect to via Bluetooth). It depended on the room the school was in. Since our D did Unifieds a few years ago, logistics continue to evolve - especially concerning the way dance calls are being done. D did her dance call for Carnegie Mellon on a carpeted ballroom floor. I think now they may not even do a dance call. So really read each individual school’s instructions to find out if an accompanist will be with them or not. And always be prepared for either. D had one school who said they would not have an accompanist and they actually did. So she was very glad to have her book in her bag with her. I think sometimes even the schools don’t know until they see what room they are assigned.
As far as NY vs Chicago - I think both are good, just different. We only went to Chicago as we also had done Moonifieds. It was easier for us to get to Chicago from our home as well. We liked Chicago because the venue was huge, we could stay right there where the auditions were being held, and it offered the largest amount of schools to audition for from all the locations available. D had some friends who did both NY and Chicago and liked them equally well. They were just different. NY is a bit more scattered as far as where participants stay and where auditions are held.
As far as putting all your eggs in one basket, it can be stressful. I have read stories here on CC where students were sick and unable to participate during Unified. As I recall, schools typically either squeezed them into an on-campus audition or allowed them to send in a video. Whether this impacted their decisions at that school, I don’t know. But the chance for getting sick whether at Unifieds or on-campus is always there. To relieve some stress I would plan to get there a day or so ahead of when your first audition is scheduled to allow for any complications with travel. Take your personal steamer to keep that throat moist. And as much precautions as you can to prevent illness. Drink lots and lots of water while there. And eat healthfully and get plenty of rest while there too. Remember you have a job to do while there and that is the priority. Have fun, but be smart about it.
As far as a list, someone on CC probably has one, but I do not know where it is. But like everything else MT, I would strongly urge you to check with each school because it seems many change their application and audition process each year. And when choosing a location, be aware not all schools go to all locations so make sure the schools in which you are interested in will be at the Unified location you choose. Personally if I were to choose one, it would be Chicago because of its layout, the number of schools in attendance and the number of days from which you can choose to schedule auditions.
Awesome @artskids and @vvnstar … Great details! I would echo the camaraderie/connections factor. Our D made friends from Moonifieds and Chicago Unifieds. Some will be with her for a lifetime, I think. The kids were very supportive of one another and D left feeling really good about attending both. Since leaving, the kids have kept in touch via social media and messaging and have been cheering one another on through the results phase of this process. In addition, I have to put an extra plug out there for keeping healthy before and throughout Unifieds. D took Ester C, a multivitamin, ate well, and drank lots of water for a couple of weeks ahead of Unifieds. I also tried hard to get her to bed at a decent hour but that’s hard for these kids who juggle so much. She also brought along her steamer to the room and we had it cranking from the time we arrived. She remained healthy throughout and, for that, I am very grateful.
We did NYC since we are more familiar with that city than the others and the timing worked better with high school activities. There definately could have been stress associated with blizzard and having 10 of her 12 auditions in 2.5 days but we just got very lucky and it worked without a hitch.
I made a thread that had all the 2016 NYC programs you could search. I know there is one for Chicago schools -2015 maybe.
People said this to me last year and I didn’t believe it – there is no difference! We flew to Michigan because my d insisted it would make a better impression. We had a wonderful day and thoroughly enjoyed Ann arbor but in the end it doesn’t matter. Kids got in from Chicago as much as those who flew. I know several who only did la and had great success. Or only NYC same thing. We did Moonifieds (I will post my opinions about this later) and Chicago and la. Chicago was busy but efficient – my opinion the best way to do it. La was Easier, quiet but Not as many schools …but also far less kids and far less hectic. In the end in my opinion where you audition doesn’t matter. You have to go where it’s convenient and works for you. This is a very expensive process – we are now buying tickets to go see programs she is Acceptd to – so I would definitely plan on 1 unified.
I echo the “in the zone” sentiment - for my D having just the auditions to think about in a neutral location was great. No tours, no wondering “is this the right place for me” etc. All 3 of her BFA acceptances came from Chicago unifieds (she did 3 on campus - all nos). We chose Chicago ver NY b/c it was an easier drive, and we were more familiar with the city. (At that point I had never driven in NYC - ah the changes that come…) I did not want my D to fly b/c it seemed to present too many variables/possible issues.
I remember having a heated conversation with another parent at D’s PA HS about campus/unifieds - they were certain that going to the school “demonstrates interest” and that acceptances would be higher, so they twisted themselves into pretzels getting to locations, and missed way more school. But in my 3 years reading CC, my own experience, and the experience of friends older/younger than D- there doesn’t seem to be an advantage (school wise) either way- you just have to know what will be best for your kid
I’d like to echo whoever said know your child. My S thrived in Unified environment, but a young lady down the hall from us was struggling and they cancelled some auditions and went home early. Her parent said it was just too overwhelming.
@theaterwork throw us in the received acceptances at Unified’s column. My S actually received on the spot verbal acceptances there. Of course I refused to believe any of them until they were in writing and told him not to count anything until it was written. I had read too many horror stories on CC over the years to believe anything not written.
Wowsa thanks for all that info. Very helpful. Guess I’ll look up the schools on my daughters list when it’s complete & see if it would be worth it to go. I know several of her schools don’t participate so might not be in the cards. I am more familiar w/
NY , never been to Chicago, although it sounds more appealing since it’s more spread out and you can stay onsite. But missing more school may be a problem as its longer… Lots to consider.
The downside of blizzard 2015 was traveling in it. The upside was school being cancelled in our hometown for 3 days due to the same storm. He missed 1 day due to Unified’s. It was a little blessing during a very stressful (due to commute) time. Our 6 hour drive took over 10 hours.
The time away from school, coupled with the accepted/waitlist visits, is a challenge. My kids got offers from both Unified auditions and on-campus auditions so I am sure where you audition is preference and student-specific. @IfYouOnlyKnew - we witnessed a melt-down on Sunday of Unifieds. A young lady was sitting in the middle of the hall sobbing - she felt she really blew her dance call and was saying she wanted to leave (not the only kid we saw crying over the course of the 3 days BTW - the pressure is really something). Her friends/family got her calmed down and she stayed; we ran into her a few times over the next couple days and she seemed to be in a much better place.
@artskids, I’ll see your crying girl and raise you several hundred happy, smiling, excited young faces! Of course, there are stressful moments, but don’t let those scare you off from Unifieds. I think most kids found it to be a wonderful experience. And, my son is very likely going to accept an offer from his one-and-only Unifieds walk-in! So fabulous things happen at Unifieds, too!
OH absolutely @claire74! I didn’t mean to imply otherwise. It’s not all stress energy - it is also happy energy! I was VERY concerned that my D would be overwhelmed by the entire process (and of course, we run into the sobbing young lady in the hallway just after we checked in). Not a great start BUT I was surprised and pleased at my own D’s resilience and resolve and how she really took to the process once she got going. Knowing my D, it could have gone either way so I feel lucky. She really did end up enjoying not only the audition process but the social aspects as well!
I agree, there were MANY more happy, excited, insert whatever adjectives you prefer, kids at Unified. I just wanted to echo whoever said know your child and what they can handle. This family left for sure. We met them at the elevator with bags packed. It was a couple days in, so it wasn’t a total waste for them. I have wondered about them often over the last year. My S and I joked that she probably got into the school that sparked her meltdown because that’s how these things seem to work out.
Full confession, as a parent of a child without a coach, I almost had a meltdown on arrival. It was very overwhelming for me the first 24 hours. I’m typically very organized and not easily shaken, but the initial experience was a lot to take in. This is another reason I believe arriving Saturday night is good. If you are responsible for helping your child through this experience, you need to be on top of your game. Fortunately, my kid survived my shortcomings unscathed.
@IfYouOnlyKnew Parents should have reserved bar seats