What to look for in a MT program + requirements + Scholarships :)

So I’m a high school junior and I’ve been looking at colleges for about a year now. I attended a Pre-College program this summer and I found out some things I should be looking for in colleges. I was wondering what are some important thing I should be looking for while searching for schools. I am currently considering UMich (I’m in state so that’s a plus), Boston conservatory, Western Michigan, University of Cincinnati, New york, and a few others.
Even some of the ones I’ve named are long shots tuition wise. My family is putting three kids through college at once. I hope I don’t sound snobby, but my voice teach is confident that I’ll earn scholarships when I start doing competitions this season (I started voice a few months ago but have been in music since sixth grade) If there are any scholarships anyone is aware of, however, I’m open to it. Thank you.

@Broadwaybaby713 - you don’t sound “snobby”, and forgive me if I sound “snobby”, but is your voice teacher VERY familiar with the MT college scene as it stands in this point in time? Almost all the programs you listed are highly competitive and are harder than the “ivies” to get into - even if you have a fantastic voice. Are you going for Vocal Performance or straight MT? What kind of dance and acting experience do you have? What are your grades and academic stats like? Are you part of an underrepresented population? What is your character “type”? In general, the best scholarship money you will find is merit-based, rather than talent-based. Yes, some programs give out large talent awards, but they are not always “advertised” and can in no way be counted on. The majority of talent awards are pretty modest in amount. Apply to programs you can afford even if the talent awards do not materialize. With three kids in college, your family may also qualify for some good financial aid. Its great to have “reach” schools, but when all of your choices are “reach” - whether due to high cost or being highly competitive admits - you are setting yourself up for disappointment. There are stories aplenty of very talented kids who got shut out of every school they applied to, even competition winners and those with extensive “professional” credits to their names.

I would suggest casting a much wider net than you are currently considering. All those schools are terrific, but the odds of getting accepted are well under 10% and closer to 1-3% for some. If you have a desirable “type” your odds may be higher. Winning scholarship competitions for singing and getting into audition-based MT BFA programs do not necessarily go hand-in-hand. Have at least one “safety” - a school you know you can get into and would be OK attending AND you can afford - regardless of talent awards. Some programs are “non-audition” but hold auditions for scholarship only. Being in-state, you may want to check out Michigan State - they have a fairly new MT program and their Residential Arts college is unique.

With a bit more information, I’m sure others on this forum can offer further advice. It may be especially helpful to know what additional dance/acting training/experience you have.

Thank you! I do have a fall back school. I worked with the theatre director there in a show and he offered me a full ride. So i always have that. Thank you