<p>Hi</p>
<p>I’ve been reading the archived threads looking for information about acting BFA programs likely to overlook below-average test scores and GPA for applicants who audition well. My S is determined to be an actor, and is impatient to begin. The academic focus of a traditional LAC holds little attraction for him. What programs might be a good fit?</p>
<p>Your question says “don’t count” I don’t know if there is anyplace like that. But in your post you say overlook, and surely that happens. Like they say in real estate, location, location, location, it seemed like the word my my daughter was applying was audition , audition audition. Many places would overlook grades and such, if the audition blew them away…and no matter how great someones grades were, it would not beat out someone’s great audition. But I am no expert, just a parent. In a BU thread, where Paolo said,even with a great audition, we can’t help get you in here if your grade point is below a 2 point… or something like that, someone chime in here…If you want financial aid, it helps if the grades/tests are good…It’s never too late to show, the effort…that the kid really wants to sweat whatever it takes… What is LAC?</p>
<p>LAC Liberal Arts College</p>
<p>You don’t mention what GPA and test score range you are talking about. Nearly every program requires at least a 2.5. If your S is below that, I’d recommend a community college with a strong theater program for a year or two. A theater teacher at a local college told me that grades generally are a reflection of how diligent a student can be (recognizing that not everyone can be a 4.5 GPA). A CC with good theater can give him his desire for theater while strengthening his academic skills.</p>
<p>My son’s GPA is a 2.8. His SAT CR + M is around 850. He’s been acting in school and community theatre and attending summer acting programs since he was an elementary school student.</p>
<p>He might want to consider a program like the NY Conservatory for Dramatic Arts–I don’t think it is a bachelor’s program but lots of experience and training. DePaul has a minimum GPA of 2.5 (not sure about test scores) and you might look into Roosevelt in Chicago. It sounds like he has had some good experience and could audition well. Good Luck</p>
<p>Columbia College of Chicago is an open-admissions school (or close to it). Many conservatories place overwhelming emphasis on auditions, although they require transcripts and (in many cases) test scores. If he auditions well, he should have a decent shot at some schools like Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD), Santa Fe, Cornish, Point Park, et al. Most don’t even choose to publish GPA and test data for their students. My son’s test scores are much higher than your son’s, but his GPA isn’t (although he has advantage of coming out of a respected private school); we are applying to a whole range of schools, assuming that someone will want him. If financial aid isn’t a major concern for you, you should also consider some non-degree programs like AADA, NYCDA, or (if he’s interested in film-acting) NY Film Academy.</p>
<p>Most BFA conservatory programs like Juilliard, CMU, SUNY Purchase are audition based.</p>
<p>On the other side of the spectrum, could anyone list some BFA/BA schools that take academics into account as much as the audition? Or play a big role toward getting in. I think NYU is 50/50, for example.</p>