| I have a somewhat different view of the Unifieds than MarieMTmom - although I definitely agree that having a specific reason(s) for each of your schools AND intelligent questions for each of them is a big help.
I did all of my auditions in Chicago and I loved it. I didn't pick up on a competitive air - almost everyone I met was extremely friendly (especially considering the circumstances). I've got several older friends who had gone through the process in Chicago, as well as quite a few who were there with me, and we all really enjoyed ourselves - I think going into the weekend with a mindset of "I'm gonna be the best I can be, show off who I am, and hopefully my schools will want that" is a huge help in destressing and just having fun. I found the atmosphere to be incredibly energizing, and if you audition in Chicago in the coming years I HIGHLY recommend spending the extra money to stay at the Hilton Palmer House, which is where all the auditions are as well. There was so much positive and excited (and, on the night before the auditions started, nervous) energy and it's unbeatably convenient. I was able to go back to the room between auditions, re-warm up if I had a few hours off, power nap, and really relax so that when I went into the "room" I would have the energy to hopefully make my audition stand out. Also - it's Chicago in February and so it's cold and snowy, and so not even having to leave the hotel just makes for a more pleasant experience and you don't have to worry about adjusting to the temperatures.
I've been telling this to my junior friends who will be auditioning for MT programs next year: I would definitely go back and do the Chicago Unifieds again (if I HAD to - finally finishing up this process is the best feeling ever!). |