So I decided to pursue a BFA for Acting (Drama) – non MT – and I’m not sure what colleges I should look into. Although I would LOVE to go to an NYU or USC, I don’t think I would get in. I have about a 3.8 weighted and a 3.6 unweighted gpa (I have taken multiple honors and AP courses, and will be taking 3 APs to finish my senior year). For extra-curricular, I am president of my choir council, treasurer on my Tri-M music honors society executive board, and have been in every (but one) theatre production of my HS since Freshman year. I do NOT think I will be submitting an SAT - purely because I only took it once and it was an atrocious score, and because of COVID all retakes in my area are canceled.
My real question is - are there any notable schools that weigh the audition a bit more than grades? That would give a chance even if your grades aren’t NYU or etc.?
I only explained my background to give you and idea. I am basically blind when it comes to drama programs in colleges. I would prefer a known school, but to be honest any school with great connections in the field would make me happy. Any idea of schools I could apply/audition for? Rutgers Mason-Gross is the only definite on my list. Thanks
PS: I accidentally posted this in the MT major forum so this is my second try since I had a major dumb moment
What about Carnegie Mellon? While D’s GPA was above average, her SAT score was not stellar. She passed the prescreen so they accepted her SAT score as adequate. Wonder if grades are looked at the same way. Unlike Michigan, CMU did not specify a cut-off, so it led me to believe the prescreen carried weight.
I think you’ll find most of them are less concerned about grades than audition (talent). NYU, Syracuse, UMich, USC and a few more tend to be the exceptions.
Agree with @rickle1 that most of the BFA programs do not weigh gpa or test scores too heavily. They’re more likely factors that could help you land some merit money from the school but not count against you for admissions. The audition is the thing!
But also the GPA you said is a very good GPA, isn’t it? You’re probably in a very good place. Perhaps your SATs are also not as bad as you think?
For my kid’s applications, we’d look if the SAT was above the average admitted to the school before deciding whether to send scores when scores were not required. In most cases that meant not sending them for us. But don’t necessarily be scared off from schools that require SAT if the BFA program doesn’t factor it. Sometimes the school and theater department have different opinions on whether it matters and the program’s decision could outweigh the admissions department. Just something to keep in mind.
One thing to keep in mind because auditions are the main thing for these programs is you CAN’T really have an idea if you’ll get into any audition program. And the top programs are super selective - more so than any academic college. So in addition to the top tier schools you’ve mentioned, you’ll want to have safeties among your selections.
Most people say this has to be a BA or non-auditioned program but you can also go with a group of somewhat less selective BFA programs. This is the route we went because my son really felt it was conservatory style program or nothing as far as college is concerned. It’s your call how much risk you want to put on this. But there are good schools that look at more of a regional instead of national applicant pool and I’d advise trying to include some of those and not just the most selective schools.
Best of luck to you in your choices. Are you currently going into senior year of hs? What state are you in and what factors as far as location and cost will you have to weigh?
Agree with @arham re the GPA / Test scores and scholarships. My D had very good grades / scores and was offered many scholarships. You’ll also find that it’s quite likely you’ll receive a scholarship to the school but not get accepted tot he program. Happened to D as well. To the programs she was accepted, the scholarships were pretty significant so keep up the good work!
I got into Juilliard and didn’t have amazing grades (average GPA, average SAT). Some of my classmates had horrible academic grades. Juilliard doesn’t care much.
My brother got into CalArts BFA with worse grades than me. CalArts doesn’t care much.
My brother ALSO got into University of Minnesota BFA (Guthrie Program) and wanted to go there but did not get accepted to the University bc of grades. U of MN cares.
Multiple friends of mine got into UNCSA with horrible grades. UNCSA doesn’t care much.
Top drama schools understand academic performance has little-to-nothing to do with one’s artistic abilities.
That being said, I recommend contacting each school you’re attracted to and asking the admissions department how much grades matter to the drama program. Those Admissions folks are there to answer those types of questions.
