I am having a really hard time deciding which schools to apply for this coming year. I would love to go to school in NYC but I have some big issues! I moved from FL to LA my freshman year and moved from LA to NH my junior year. My father passed way in 09 and I had some real issues with my life in general so now im rocking a 2.6 GPA. I have taken the SAT once and scored a 1560. I have been playing sports my entire life and will most likely be captain of the football team and be the starting rb for my school. I am senior class vice president and one of 2 students selected to interview guidance counselors. I started my musical theatre training basically this year. I have been singing in choir since geez 4th grade. We had an One Act festival at my school and i was awarded excellence in role for the regional and state levels. This was put on by NHETG if anyone is wondering. I auditioned at the most awarded youth theatre in NH for Wizard of Oz and was casted as the TIn Man. Doing the show i was asked to leave the lacrosse team hah but I plan on taking tap,jazz, and ballet classes on top of my vocal lessons and I am really going to push to try and salvage my GPA as much as possible. Thats all i can think of at the moment but if more comes up ill post it. My dream school would be Pace but i would really like to know what to shoot for. thankyou in advance for any input!
Welcome to the CC boards! 
Ideally, this could have been done junior year, but have you taken the ACT? I did so-so on the SAT, and got a considerably better score on the ACT. From what I’ve seen, this isn’t uncommon. I’d encourage you to take the ACT and see if it gets you a better test score to submit. Because you’re pursuing musical theatre, your test score(s) may or may not be a deciding factor; it will depend on the school. But good test scores are never a bad thing!
If you’re already working on vocal lessons, and are looking into dance classes, you’re making steps in the right direction. It’s very difficult to determine what schools someone should audition for, but here is what I’d recommend you do to try and create a list:
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Decide what program type you’re interested in: BFA, BA, or conservatory. This is a very personal decision, and you may not even be sure of the answer. Or, you may think you know what you want early on in the process, only to change your mind later on. If you’re unsure, have a healthy mix! Audition for many schools with different types of programs. (A B.A. program is more flexible; a BFA is more rigorous and similar to a conservatory; a conservatory is 100% performing arts, ie not a regular college, no liberal arts classes. I strongly encourage you to research these more in depth and decide what sounds like a good fit for you.)
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Personally, I went through a list of every school that offered a BFA in musical theatre (which is what I wanted) and researched them all. From that initial search, I had a narrowed down list of around twenty schools; from that, I did more in depth research, and narrowed it to twelve schools. I auditioned for all twelve of those, eleven of the auditions being at Chicago Unified Auditions. (Unified Auditions are something to look into!)
An example of what you’ll discover by doing good research - I LOVED a program at first, but eventually cut it in my second round due to the fact that you didn’t audition for the BFA program until after your freshman year. That made me anxious, because I didn’t want to potentially invest time and money into a school only to not be admitted into the program I wanted. That’s another factor to look at, and something I didn’t even know about until I started my research! It’s tedious work, but it’s really, really worth it. Start now! -
Make sure you have a good mix of “reach” and “realistic” schools, including a “safety.” My safety school was still an auditioned BFA program, which most people would frown at. Generally, it’s a non-audition school that you would be happy attending should you not get accepted into any audition-only programs. Pick a safety, but also pick a school that is a “dream” school, or your “reach.” In your case, that sounds like Pace. Then, try to add some schools that fall in between those two. Now, no audition-only program is “easy” to get into, but there are schools you’ll theoretically have better chances at then, say, Carnegie. Your research will help you find schools that seem like a good fit for you. I suggest having at least ten schools you plan on auditioning for. That seems like a lot, but you need a lot!
This should help you get started! Also, keep in mind that there are many “hidden gems” when it comes to MT schools. Smaller or less known programs are incredible, so don’t write them off! NYC actually has less MT schools than most people seem to think, which is another reason that personal research is so valuable. I found programs that I loved but didn’t previously know existed - including the one I’m in now! (I’m a BFA MT major at Ohio Northern University). While I always had a “dream” school throughout high school (and even got accepted in it!), I found a school I loved even more. So try to keep an open mind, and please keep us updated! Let me know what other questions you have.
@SupaHarkFire - What kind of geographical area are you considering - east coast, midwest, south, etc? Or are you options totally open? Do you have a lot of support from your mom/family/school as you go through this process? Is money a consideration for you? Is hiring a coach to help you with this an option? Do you have there freedom/family support to travel to schools for auditions - or do you prefer schools that do not require auditions? Do you know if you want to pursue a BA or BFA? Do you want to major in MT or Acting or Theater Studies? Or do you plan to major in something else and pursue theater as a minor or "extracurricular? Folks on CC may be able to give you more specific information if you share your “parameters”. And if you are confused about the “meaning” of any of the questions I’ve posed, you might want to spend some time searching thought threads “pinned” at the top of this MT Forum to get a feel for what needs to be considered.
If you are captain of the football team, will you have time to prepare your songs/monologues and apply to schools this summer and early fall? MT deadlines for applications at many schools is November or December 1 - and the most competitive will fill their audition dates by mid October. There are some terrific schools that have deadlines later than that, but being honest about how much you can take on and “when” is critical to finding programs that will work for you.
I will definetely try to take the ACT. My mom is very supportive and I plan on being a MT major. I am leaning on a BFA and conservatory. I also would like to go to school in the Northeast. Money Is not an issue for me. And I would be extremely open to have a coach help me with this. My biggest thing I’m looking at with schools is the opportunities they bring to have you work out of college. I find Pace so desirable because they encourage auditions for shows on Broadway and etc. While also bringing directors to students for them to audition. I guess my big question would be if anyone could give me a list of schools that are similar with encouraging and helping students land jobs but way be easier to get into. Thanks!
Pace is very competitive and takes only very few of their many extremely talented applicants, so you need to have a balanced list of schools and not put all your eggs in one basket, as it were. Having said that, if you are genuinely talented I don’t think your sports background is a negative. (A consultation with a coach is a great place to start for a neutral third party assessment of your competitiveness and what you might need to work on.)
Your grades and test scores may be a challenge, but that will vary by school. Again, your college counselor and/or a coach experienced in working with BFA theatre/musical theatre audition process (and to some extent these boards) would be able to steer you toward applying to / auditioning for programs where you would be a good candidate. And, in fact, I think your story of being an athlete-turned-actor might make you very unique, especially if you have a very athletic physique. If you do, you’ll definitely stand out! Break a leg.
Here are a few schools with great programs that are in the northeast area and have BFA/conservatory tracks:
Emerson
Penn State
Point Park
The Hartt School of Music and Dance (University of Hartford)
SUNY- Buffalo and Fredonia
Shenandoah
Roosevelt (Chicago College of Performing Arts)
Millikin
Ithaca
There are more, but these are ones to help you start your search! I’m not positive how willing each school is to let students work while in school, because that’s not something that’s usually advertised on, say, a school website. It’s something you’d find out directly from the school/students there. But, these are all great schools regardless! I definitely suggest looking into the programs, seeing which ones appeal to you, and going from there.
Another school is University of Utah - it’s definitely not east coast! :)) but it’s a solid, quickly rising program, and they have an equity theatre right there on campus that students are encouraged to audition for. So, you can earn equity credits/potentially become a member before you graduate college! When I was visiting, there was a student who was currently involved in a production of The Music Man at that theatre, and they let her go first in class presentations so that she could leave for rehearsal. They were very willing to work with students who got those opportunities. Just something to think about!
Friend - Congrats on finding your passion and path.
Ithaca has a great track record of finding Alpha-Male leading men, but may be a high reach this late in the game.
Judging by your email, I think you will do fine. Most guys like you come into it a bit late - I dropped baseball my senior year of High School and started my BFA with almost no training.
My biggest suggestions, for you, is find a program that has success in your type. Actually, James Madison (with @KatMT ) might be a good fit - that is a strong aspect of their program.
Best of luck!
I second @TheaterHiringCo, kudos to you for finding your passion!
A TheatreHiringCo is correct… at James Madison we are open to accepting students who may have come to the “party” later than others in terms of training and focus. We are very open to developing students who may be transitioning from a focus in another area (ie. dance, sports, music, etc…), and/ or just discovered theatre/ musical theatre later than some, but show potential, passion, and the possibility of commercial viability after four solid years of training and experience. I think a strength of ours is developing talent, some of which may have been previously untapped because of circumstances, choices, and opportunities. That being said, we also have students who have been doing this since they could walk (so to speak). I think a common denominator for our students is that they are looking for focused training and opportunities within the context of a broader university experience, both academically, and socially. Ultimately, I think those students are attracted to what James Madison has to offer, and we are happy to have them here to develop and nurture.
Your 2.6 GPA is below the range for accepted students at James Madison, even with a recommendation from us in the program to academic admissions. Generally, academic admissions will tell us “no” is a student is below a 3.0, and has not taken up through a certain level in most core courses (ie. English, Math, Science, History, Foreign Language, etc…). There is a pretty substantial general education core that students take at James Madison, and we want to make sure that a student will be able to be both successful in the major, and the university as a whole. However, if you are interested in James Madison, I would be happy to look at your educational transcripts. I am also happy to share any knowledge I may have about other programs.
All the best!
Ps. I also am a NH transplant… having moved there in HS… although I did spend a few summers there between the ages of 8 and 14 as well.
Before coming to James Madison I used to teach at Plymouth State University. I suggest that you look at that program… Lots of individualized attention, alums working on cruise ships, regionally, and internationally. Students also working in the industry in NYC.
I was the artistic director for a summer theatre in NH from 2006 through 2014, and hired quite a few Plymouth State students to work for me… I also have attended the New England Theatre Conference, NH Professional Theatre Auditions, StrawHat, and SETC hiring for the summer theatre in NH, and am the VA State Screening Coordinator for college students who are auditioning to attend the SETC conference for summer work. So, am happy to share feedback on these opportunities as well.
I can’t thank you all enough! If anyone would like to suggest a coach that would be amazing. I live in NH and would be more than willing to take a drive to help me with my future. @KatMT I would be extremely willing to email my transcript if you wish to help me even more! Ithaca was one of the schools I looked into but I kinda shot myself in the foot with my GPA. @KatMT anything you think would help me get into a good program I’d love to know
Hi @SupaHarkFire. My email is arecchkm@jmu.edu. I can never remember if we are allowed to share email addresses. So, if it is deleted, you can go to the James Madison University School of Theatre and Dance website and look up faculty. I am Kate Arecchi… the first one listed on the faculty list, I think.
I will do a little research on coaches in the New England region. Email me. I would say PM me, but, I think you need more posts to PM.
I remember being a kid in NH 25 years ago navigating the musical theatre college admissions process. I am happy to share. 
I also want to say that I am very sorry for the loss of your parent.
@SupaHarkFire, I Iive not far from you. We used MTCA. There are other great coaches, but Ellen (head of MTCA) is in NYC - a few hours drive or a train/bus ride from NH - and does a fantastic and thorough initial eval that assesses your artistic competitiveness, academic record, test scores, and preferences, and suggests safety, reach, and good-match programs for you. I think something like this would be especially important since you are starting so late.
Depending on where you are in NH the trip to NYC is about 5 - 8 hours… depending on traffic/ public transport. If you can find the time/ money a good investment.
Chelsea Diehl and company (My College Audition) is in Boston. We live far from there, but my D Skyped sessions with her. It would’ve been nice to take advantage of the in-person events they offer, but Skyping seemed to work fine, too.
The University of the Arts in Philadelpia encourages students to work professionally while in school. I guess many graduate with equity cards. My D is starting there this fall, and there seems to be a spectrum of experience in this class, from people who have performed since a very young age and have performed professionally to those who have less experience and/or have started later.
We also used MTCA and recommend them highly, and my S worked with them
almost exclusively over Skype. He did make a couple of trips by bus to NYC to attend master classes and mock auditions, which was very doable from where we live outside of Boston not far from the NH border.
The University of Montevallo in Alabama has an outstanding program.
Nowhere close to NH, but easy to work with via Skype is our D’s coach, Mary Anna Dennard. We would highly recommend her. If nothing else, She has a great reference book, called I Got In that I would get ASAP. It’s inexpensive and walks you thru the entire process… From school lists and applications, prescreens and auditions, headshots to acceptances. It can answer a lot of questions many of us new to this process have. I know she has worked with several fellows who had a similar story to yours and all found a great MT school to call home. So may be worth a consult. As always I advise people who want to use a coach to talk with several and see who they click with before deciding on one. There are a number of good ones out there. Best of luck to you!
Hi @SupaHarkFire, I live in NH, too, and my son was also involved in football and a few other sports. If you like Pace’s career focus, you should think about CCPA Roosevelt, too. It is very tightly integrated with the Chicago theater scene, and they do a fantastic job of helping kids get internships and outside opportunities (mostly in the second two years, not right away). I would say that about half of each term’s shows are directed by Chicago professionals. I feel like my son has gotten an incredible running start at establishing himself in Chicago theater there. You can PM me if you have any questions.
We are in Maine and son skyped with MTCA coach the fall of senior year. Skyping worked well for son as he was in shows and is also a musician and was in band, jazz band, etc. and had little extra time to get to NYC, though it would have been great if he could have fit in the trip! He was “late to the party” too.
@BroadwayVeteran – one of the best CC posts I’ve ever seen ^ ^ ^ Bravo!