Visiting NYC area schools...any input?

<p>So, in the past 3 weeks, we've seen NYU....has moved down in her "I have to go there" list, Fordham....not enough MT for her, Julliard, now at the top of the list, but most difficult to get into and NO merit money to be had, with 1000 auditions for 18 slots. Then, off to Montclair, which looked good to us, but is becoming more competitive by joining unifieds, Wagner, which served to convince her she wanted a BFA, rather than a BA, and CW Post, and we are trying to get more info on that. All in all, a most benificiaql, if tiring, tour. Sorry we missed Pace and Marymount, but I guess another NYC trip is in our futre! This whole process has done alot to clarify things for my D, as to what she is looking for in a program, and has been a good experience for my husband, as well, to see that there may truly be employment at the end of this trail.</p>

<p>sounds like a really thorough trip...i really wish i'd been able to do that before applying! good luck</p>

<p>sarahlsmom,</p>

<pre><code> You are so smart to visit schools prior to auditions. We didn't do much of that because of the expense, but my D did audition on each of the campus'. Good luck in your search and stay tuned here. I have learned so much and received so much support from the people on this forum. This was a very difficult process and I've felt very lucky to have had this group behind me when I've needed information or just a sounding board. Good luck and PM me anytime.
</code></pre>

<p>K</p>

<p>Hi sarahlsmom--Thanks for sharing your NYC visit--I do have a question on why did Julliard move up on your d's list--I thought Julliard was strictly drama does it have a MT component? We are planning an Ohio loop in a few weeks hope to be able to share our escapades!!</p>

<p>She just liked the whole Julliard atmosphere, even though it is all drama. The students told her they have an opportunity to take vocal lessons and dance, and she feels a degree from there may open some doors sooner. However, since she has always considered herself a "triple threat", i don't know if her acting is strong enough to vault her up front of those 1000 auditioners.</p>

<p>sarahlsmom, you and your D are at an exciting point in this journey! One piece of advice I feel I should give re: Juilliard is to do everything possible to avoid having your D think this is at the top of her list. :) As anyone who reads this forum knows, admission to the programs discussed here is highly selective. Juilliard is in another category altogether, especially for someone straight out of high school. There's nothing wrong with applying/auditioning if her true dream is a Juilliard education but it's important, as it is with all these schools, to know the chances of being accepted. It's rare for a new high school grad to be accepted to Juilliard. She will not only be competing with 1000 other auditionees, she will be competing with many of that 1000 who have extensive resumes (some already having finished college). So, while it's always good to apply to your favorites after completing your research, it's best not to get too invested in one school, and most especially if the school is Juilliard. :)</p>

<p>sarahlsmom,</p>

<p>I could definitely see the appeal of Juilliard! Four years ago we were going through the same process and I fell in love with the school. We visited the school during the summer and had a one on one tour with the most enthralling young man. He was so enthusiastic about the program and was wonderful with my daughter. Afterwards, we met with an admissions officer who was very realistic. While giving us hope, she also explained the odds of getting into the program. However, she also smiled and said enjoy the process you will end up somewhere good!</p>

<p>I think, at the time time, my daughter was more in tune with the odds, but put Juilliard was on her list anyway. She had a dream school, which I felt was a real reach and she chose other schools to round out the application process. She was admitted early decision to her first choice and called Juilliard to cancel her audition and the admissions officers was so very gracious and thanked my daughter for informing them and wished her the best of luck.</p>

<p>While Juilliard may be so very difficult to get into, I found their staff to be charming and classy. Bottom line is that Juilliard was my dream school for my daughter! I loved that it was small and contained. I loved the location. I thought my daughter would be happy in an enviroment that was completely artistic.</p>

<p>The downside to my daughter was that she wanted to be in a university setting and have more of a choice with academic classes. And I am not so sure she was excited about the idea of being completely surrounded by artists.</p>

<p>Don't you just hate it when work, computer problems, etc, get in the way of keeping up with this wondetrful site! Thanks, all, for the info on Julliard. She knows it is a stretch, but talked to some kids who all made it right out of high school, and, I guess, everyone needs a "reach" school. Interestingly, the NY ntrip did take NYU off her list. Though she loves the village, she did not get any lind of warm fuzzy's from the school, or the little bit of theater dept we expeienced. Montclair looked good to her....Cabaret, the production we saw, was positively awesome, while we were much less impressed with Grand Hotel at Wagner. CW Post is beautiful, offering Acting with vocal concentration, option to dance. We didn't see much of the dept., though, but they have been in touch by phone. It is definitely on her ever changing list. So, next year, looks like road trip to....NYC, around PA (our home state), Florida, NY, Ohio, NJ, and who knows where else! Thanks to all of you experienced folks who are helping to organize us!</p>