<p>Bumping because I thought this was a good topic that has now been buried several pages down.</p>
<p>(I hope the Final Decision thread will get back to final decisions rather than the side-track it seemed to be on yesterday.) </p>
<p>Once you have posted a final decision, I think it would be helpful (for future seniors who audition) for you to give comments here, if you were choosing among several schools.</p>
<p>Why Elon (speaking from my perspective rather than my sons): over a two year period, my son and I visited 24 colleges. Out of those, he carefully selected and applied for 2 schools with no audition and auditioned for 9 programs. My son chose Elon after really liking all the programs where he auditioned and where he was accepted (he could have been very happy at any of them). After being accepted into programs, he spent time evaluating the curriculum offerings and requirements and found them to be different. In this process, he determined that he preferred a BFA degree rather than a BM. He likes the course offerings and requirements in MT at Elon. He also likes the flexibility to have electives in each of the MT areas to the extent desired (so that not every course is specified for the whole 4 years). Elon also has a great visual art department, where he can continue this area of interest (he has won awards for his painting). He will also be part of the Elon College Fellows program, which will be a challenging academic path (he is blessed to have excelled academically). In addition, he decided he wants a campus experience and that he likes a smaller program with more individual attention. While all of the schools have excellent faculty that he likes very much, we are very fond of the people weve come to know at Elon. See the beginning of the Elon thread for my initial thoughts about Elon, from way before we started this crazy audition year. Im a happy mom! He is a happy young man and is also glad the audition year is behind him.</p>
<p>As you know, I am delighted for you and for Eric about his acceptances and his final decision. Whew...can you believe this process is over? You are one parent/child team who has truly explored colleges in depth...between the 24 college visits (wow) and the depth that you really looked into each program and with open eyes as well. Eric found programs that appealed to HIS criteria and his list was an example of a very well balanced list, too. He has had wonderful success as far as his college decision outcome. He was fortunate to not only have several options from which to choose, but he got into some of his favorites, which is a wonderful bonus. I know that even after his acceptances rolled in, you guys went back and weighed each option. That is why his final decision really is one that reflects a very good match because of this careful consideration that went into the process. </p>
<p>I also think it is very helpful that you have shared why he chose this school. It exemplifies the importance of the "match" of a school and one's personal list of college criteria and preferences. The fit means much more than which program is "best". The program that is best is the one that best fits what the student WANTS in his/her college experience. </p>
<p>Also, I hope you will stay on and share next year about your S's experiences at Elon. I have already learned a lot about this school and its fine program from reading CC the past four years, as it was not a school that I knew about before I came here. </p>
<p>Your son is someone with many talents both artistically and academically and I can see how this school really is a perfect fit. I've seen samples of his work on stage and his visual art and know of his many accomplishments. Besides, he has a supportive mom behind him all the way (a plus in this process) who I have had the pleasure to meet! :)</p>
<p>As one mom to another, I know that seeing your child happy with his choice and ultimately happy next year, is all a parent could wish for, and what it really boils down to. </p>
<p>Thanks for sharing the news with the forum and also explaining the reasoning behind it. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>Yes, I agree about the match or fit of a school. We believe that many of the schools are wonderful & best // all of those things. Once my son really looked at programs for the places where he was accepted (and he was so blessed to have choices), he found them to be quite different. MT means different things to different schools. I don't know whether you should limit yourself too much in the audition process, since all of them are so competitive, but comparing the program seems very important once you look at the schools where you are fortunate enough to be accepted. I think each student might make different choices for what is the best program. </p>
<p>I personally am very sad about the fact that he had to turn down some of the other schools where we really felt emotionally attached (and one of you knows who you are!). This is the hardest part of the process.</p>
<p>Erismom, You make an excellent point about not being too too comparative during the audition process because the chances of admission are so difficult and you really do not know what options you may be given....and indeed there are differences in every program/college, that while you do need to explore those differences from the start, you really only need to weigh them more heavily once you know what options from which you will get to choose. In fact, with such a competitive and selective type of college admissions process that BFA programs are, it is better to not get too attached to any particular school but to be open to all the possibilities because the liklihood of getting into your most favorite is not that great. If it happens, then you know you may pick it but best to explore the options fully as it is hard to predict which cards you'll be dealt.</p>
<p>As a parent of two children who have been through the college process, I agree with what you said that it is hard to say no or goodbye to some colleges you really really liked in April of senior year. You can only attend one, of course, but after getting attached or visiting other favorites a few times, it can be hard to detach as frankly, a kid can be happy at more than one school. But come this August, the focus, I can assure you, will be very much on the exciting adventure that lies ahead at the chosen school and the whole college admissions process which took on SUCH focus, will be a distant memory. </p>
<p>So, welcome to the "other side"....this side of the process is less stressful and it is pretty exciting! You are a parent who can really help other parents/students as you guys have really done it all and been to a lot of programs many times. Also, it will be nice to have someone attached to Elon to give close accounts of this program. Now, time to enjoy the end of year senior fesitivities and graduation....get out the crying towel. :)</p>
<p>I thought that as my S will be among the first CC'ers to attend Otterbein for MT I'd post his reasons for choosing this school over his other choices - Illinois-Weslyan, Webster and Marymount-Manhattan. I would like to give a little background on my S to clarify why he made the choice he did.
My S is a very strong dancer- he's been a competitive dancer for the past 7 years and has been dancing 20 -25 hours per week. In order of his strengths I would say he is a dancer-actor-singer. He already has his Equity card - having spent 4 years working professionally on Broadway and National Tours as a child and he has a NY agent. I give this information not to brag but because being Equity seemed to be a problem for at least one of the schools to which he was accepted. Like Ericsmom's S, my S is also academically very strong and even though he loves MT and dance he is, as one of my friends likes to say, an "academic at heart". Also like Ericsmom's S he has other interests that he would like to pursue, particularly screenwriting/playwriting. That said here are the reasons he chose Otterbein.
1. My S definitely wanted a non-conservatory program. He wanted a small liberal arts school where he could be challenged academically. At Otterbein he can participate in the Honors Program. This program allows him to take sections of required liberal arts courses with other academically strong students. If he continues in this program for all 4 years he has the opportunity to write a Honors Thesis in his senior year.
2. Otterbein offers a BFA in Musical Theatre with a Concentration in Dance (BFA MT/D). This program is designed for strong dancers who want to continue to dance at an advanced level while training as MT triple threats. He can dance every day for 1 1/2 to 2 hours with ballet, modern, and jazz every week as well as, in alternating quarters (I think), musical theatre dance or tap. Otterbein also runs 3 levels of dance at the same time each day. This means there are no scheduling conflicts (observed in other programs) and freshman can take the most advanced level of dance offered. When we visted, S took an advanced ballet class and found it challenging even though he's had 10 years of ballet.
3. My S likes the balance of music, theater and dance courses. He also likes the fact that there are no math or foreign language requirements for BFA MT's (His least favorite hign school classes) :-} On the "fun" side of college he likes the idea of taking Horseback Riding, Archery, Fencing, etc as part of the required Health and Physical Education Lifestyle Series.
4. Dr. John did not seem "put off" by the fact that S has his Equity card. We realize that for a young adult actor being Equity can be problematic - there are many more non-Equity jobs than Equity jobs out there in the world of MT.
5. The performance/rehearsal facilities at Otterbein are wonderful, especially for a small school. Cowan Hall has just undergone a $1.4 million dollar renovation. It seats over 1,000 and the acoustics are outstanding! There is also a smaller 260 seat theater. There are 3 dance studios each with "sprung" floors - floors that are laid on top of a wooden frame. This is a great thing for dancers as it reduces the wear and tear on ankles, knees, hips and lower backs and means less injuries. As we were researching schools it amazed us how many didn't have sprung floors, even in newly built facilities.
6. Lastly, Otterbein's merit/talent scholarships are very generous. You can get both academic and talent scholarships and keep both types. At the other schools S was accepted to it was one or the other. Although this wasn't a huge deciding factor for S it definitely was for us, his parents.</p>
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<p>MTaussie, thank you for sharing your son's rationale for selecting his college. From all I know about your son and what you wrote here, it sounds like the perfect match for so many reasons. Again, it is another example, of the "best fit". </p>
<p>It is exciting to have one of CC's MT Forum participants going to Otterbein finally! I first heard of Otterbein on this forum, in fact, which I have read for almost 4 years now. Admittedly, my MT kid had never heard of it and had no theater friends applying there. But I have read so much about the program on this forum and have since recommended this school to several clients. DoctorJohn's participation on this forum has been invaluable. He has never pushed his school, but through his example/personality and through his providing of information, he has truly caused many to be interested in the program and to think well of it. I would be honored to have my child work with DoctorJohn because of how he comes across here and about all I have learned about the program and its philosophy and so on. In addition, it has been great to have college reps post on CC's forums.</p>
<p>Now, next year, you will have to post here and give us the view of a parent of a child in the program because you are our first Otterbein parent. The time has come :). I was hoping that some CCer of the many who applied to Otterbein, would eventually get in and attend. </p>
<p>Bravo to your son on his achievements and also to finding the perfect match for what he hopes to do in college.</p>
<p>I want to take this opportunity to thank MTPapa and MTMommy (no relation!) for the idea of having a thread on this topic. I think it is a great idea to hear why people chose the schools that they did as it points to what is so important, and that is to choose schools based on your own college criteria, not what is considered the "best" program. One program is not superior to another but might fit one student's desires, needs, and interests better than another. I recall being asked on some thread on the MT forum why my D chose her school and recounting all the factors that mattered to her which would be a different list of criteria from the next kid. She, nor I, nor my husband, think she attends the best program out there. We also liked many programs to which she applied. We only know that we're grateful that she got into a program that met her criteria and that she is happy attending and so far has only had positive experiences to relate and comments about how much she is learning as well as enjoying herself. In the end, it pretty much comes down to that. So, keep these accounts coming!</p>
<p>Soozievt,
You are right that Otterbein seems the perfect fit for my S. With his O.K. I will be happy to post as a parent on the "inside" of Otterbein's MT program over the next year. I feel very grateful that my S will be taken uder DoctorJohn's "wing" and confident that he will continue to develop the skills he needs to succeed in MT.
MTaussie</p>
<p>Bump...bump...bump :)</p>
<p>I'd like to hear about any of the non audition schools anyone has chosen. If you didn't make one of the audition in MT programs, where were your safe schools, and what did you choose?</p>
<p>Safe schools last year for us - Texas Christian University,
Indiana University (BA in theatre - but last year they didn't have BFA MT, now they do)</p>
<p>University of Tulsa was a school my D applied for that is non-audition. It has an excellent academic reputation, but the Theatre Department is still fairly small. They are working to build it up, and seem to be doing a good job. We went to see "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" there and thoroughly enjoyed it. You can audition for scholarship money, which you should do next year if you can (probably too late to audition this year). Tulsa is a private school and a little pricey, so any money helps. Also, as part of building up their program, they seem to have a good bit of grant money available.</p>
<p>Although we researched the different BFA programs when we initially formulated the list, my D and I have spent much time over the past few days studying the curriculums and course descriptions in depth. The differences are subtle in some cases, but quite stark in others, particularly if you have a particular strength in a certain genre. Good luck in your decisions making process!</p>
<p>I haven't completely decided on my college yet, but I'm 98% sure that I'll be going to Westminster Choir College. Here are my reasons for choosing WCC:</p>
<p>I was completely not expecting to like WCC at ALL, but my mom was making me audition there for whatever reason. But somehow, when I started my audition, the only thing running through my head was "I have to get into this school. I'm going to go here." So that was odd, but I guess it's what people say when they get "that feeling" at a college.</p>
<p>I liked the people I met in the audition, they were all VERY nice, and I seemed to click with them. I was under the impression that it was just a choir school with a new MT program, and it was all choir people teaching MTs. However, my accompanist played with Wicked, and the man in the audition told me that they brought in people from the business to give us contacts. The woman also said that the teachers there were all either currently working faculty or have had a career in the arts and now decided to teach. It was important to me to go to a school that would prepare me for a career in performing, not only to provide a fun college experience.</p>
<p>My mom also found out from a junior girl MT (all of the students were very nice, and seemed dedicated to singing) that a bunch of students went to a summer program with other big name schools, and they were picked out from the bunch because of their above average music theory skills. The professionals said that they would be successful (she said "more than CCM students" but I don't know how reliable that is) because they could read music easily at an audition, and catch on quickly. Because of this recognition, their senior showcase will be at the same place as CCM's and Otterbein's. </p>
<p>About their senior showcase, this year, their very first class of MT's is graduating, so no one really knows how the students will fare, but after hearing of the positive response some students have been getting from the professional world, it makes me feel positive about it. Along with the fact that the MT program is so new, I liked the fact that I would receive a lot of attention, because every student that goes out into the business after graduating is representing their school and since it doesn't have a reputation, they will want to make me the best I can be so I can represent them well. There are only 40 students in the WHOLE major, so I am positive that I would be getting a lot of personal attention.</p>
<p>Other things I liked about the program were:
-The amazing voice training. I feel that after the program I will have a really solid voice, and still be able to develop my classical soprano voice at the same time.
-The students seemed very dedicated to their majors, and it seemed like a real music school.
-A girl that I talked to said that not only was the voice and theory work difficult, but the acting training was "intense."
-It's a 45 minute distance from NYC. And a 3.5 hour distance from my house.
-WCC is a conservatory within Princeton, a nice college town.</p>
<p>The one drawback for me is their dance program. They really focus most on singing, then acting, and barely anything on dance. I've been dancing for 14 years, so I'll have to either take more classes at Princeton Ballet, or someone said that I could choose a dance minor if I could fit it into my schedule. But at least there are facilities around so I don't have to worry about a lack of opportunities.</p>
<p>I was also accepted to Point Park's MT program, which had a lot of positive traits, but I think that WCC has MUCH better voice training, and a lot more specialized attention. But it all depends on what you want and need out of a program.</p>
<p>I'm just writing up why I liked Westminister and will probably end up choosing it, because there is little to no mention of the college on this site. It was a school that I was counting on as a "safety," but told my mom that I would absolutely not go there. I ended up absolutely loving it, and I might have gone into the audition that way if I had known more about the program beforehand.</p>
<p>Also, I thought of another thing to add:</p>
<p>At WCC you receive a BM, but also they offer a class for "acting a song" which, as Coach C has taught me, is VERY important. So I feel as if I'm getting the best of both worlds :)</p>
<p>dramadad - we know the girl who was the lead in "Mystery of Edwin Drood" at Tulsa. She has always been a fabulous actor and singer, and she has had many good opportunities there.</p>
<p>FYI- CAP is not the same as Tisch. CAP is only one of the studios (programs) in Tisch, and is the only full musical theatre program. However, there are quite a few other other programs, each with a slightly different focus My D's friend, a very talented musical theater kid, is in the (Lee) Strasberg studio. It is primarily acting(Stanislavski method) but with very strong music and dance components as well. They have fantastic teachers. My D went to a Strasberg summer program when she was in high school, loved the program, and wanted to go there when she graduated. However, the only way to go to Strasberg as a college student is through NYU's Tisch school, and NYU is too expensive for our budget. Look into it before you decide against it.</p>
<p>This is the thread from last year discussing why people made final decisions - bumping for people who are posting on "Why I Chose..."</p>
<p>soozie!</p>
<p>Thank you so much for posting this... it was exactly what i needed to hear.
I am in between 2 dream schools i never thought i had a chance at, Emerson and Syracuse (for acting) i have visited them both and fell in love and made best friends already (through facebook and cc!) and i love emerson so much and its great....</p>
<p>but in reality syracuse offers me and the graduating class so much more (i got really excited about the minor in directing!!:)) and i think i am going to like the option of a big school with more diverse people...</p>
<p>so i was thinking "ahhh robbie you love syracuse why dont you just go" but i cant leave behind emerson, the school i love but i equally love syracuse but i just have to look to the future and trust my gut. i am very excited and hope that a. people can understand this post and that b. soozie's last post helps anyone else as much as it helped me...</p>
<p>its a REALLY nice predicament to be in, and im happy with the end result, but oh boy! its been a HARD senior year!</p>
<p>---just a side note, there are about 20 kids (in acting /mt) that are struggling between syracuse and emerson, it seems they are looking for the same kind of kids maybe? hmm also a side note <strong><em>just my personal experiance for anyone looking at emerson</em></strong>...all the bfa boys looked EXACTLY THE SAME, we were all brown hair slim-er and tall with gelled hair and collered shirts...odd i thought... just an observation that could have been totally random....hmm</p>
<p>THANK YOU CC...I WILL BE BACK SOON TO HELP OTHERS DECIDE...</p>