MTaussie

Hi Vicki,
I know three kids, 2 boys (including my S) and a girl, who auditioned for IWU MT this year and all were accepted. Only one of them going to IWU next year - my S's best friend. My son decided on Otterbein MT/dance and the girl is going to Emerson for MT. I also know another boy, one of my husband's former students, who is a junior there this year.
My husband is their vocal coach/teacher so I know these kids very well. It just so happened that all 3 auditioned on the same day - this was not the planned but was a happy coincidence. Here are my impressions of the school.
1. Academically, IWU is very selective. You need a strong G.P.A. and good SAT scores. Most of the kids who go there are high academic achievers.
2. The MT program is very small - I'm not positive about the numbers, however, 4 boys and 4 girls seems reasonable.
3. The school is small - approximately 2,000 undergraduates. It is in Bloomington, in a suburban setting. Although it is not in a big city it is certainly not in the "boonies". The areas outside the school are growing really fast. There are new houses going up, new retail areas and new restaurants. We had one of the best Italian meals I've ever had less than 2 miles from campus.
4. The school is GORGEOUS!!!! Next athletic and fitness facilities that are the best I've seen at any school. A huge new library, a fabulous dining hall (with really good food:-}) plus a "sit-down", ala carte restaurant, and other food places, a coffee and juice bar etc. The dorms are some of the nicest I've seen. For upper classmen there is even a 2-story suite linked by a spiral staircase. Each floor has it's own living room and bath.
5. Tom, the MT head is a very enthusiastic. Unfortunately he will not be a IWU next year. He will be at Florida State. He is a great loss to the program as he had lots of connections that helped get his kids summer work. Lucky FSU! He told us during orientation that ALL the MT kids work in the summer - some at theme parks, most in summer stock, some of which is Equity work. The junior guy I mentioned earlier has three offers to choose from for this summer. Also, Tom told us that all of last years' graduating MT class had contracts before they left school. Most of the work wasn't Equity but work is work! Tom's replacement has not been announced.
6. The kids we talked to were very knowledge, pleasant and enthusiastic about the program. Although it is not a big deal, one of the dance teachers is certified in 7 forms of stage combat. Interested students can work towards their certification.
7. They have 2 nice dance studios and last year hired 2 Russian ballet mistresses. My S's friend, who will be attending IWU in the Fall, is a phenomenal dancer and he felt that he would be challenged in the advanced dance classes there.
8. The Admissions officer, Chris K., who helped co-ordinate our visit, was incredible even waiting in his car after work to give us a map and directions to the Italian restaurant I mentioned earlier.
9. IWU offers both academic and talent scholarships however, you can only hold one. The top academic award is $11,000. I'm not sure how much the talent awards amounts are worth. The academic awards are based on GPA and test scores.
Hope this helps,
MTaussie