<p>TheatreG, I understand your apprehension about the SATs but, in reality, all students feel that way! Thousands of Canadian students who are interested in attending college in the U.S. take them every year. It’s why every large and mid-sized city in the country offers them. High schools don’t prepare students for the SAT. It’s up to the student to look into it, and if you’re lucky, you’ll have a guidance counsellor who has some knowledge in that regard. As I mentioned before, time is of the essence on this issue so I would look into it ASAP or you may preclude yourself from being able to apply to U.S. colleges this year.</p>
<p>I don’t want this to come across harshly but your view that only schools in NYC will offer serious training in MT is just plain wrong. There are many excellent programs in the U.S., all highly selective, and as I mentioned earlier, most are not in NYC. You should have a look at the websites for these, just to get an idea - Carnegie Mellon, Univ. of Michigan, Syracuse University, University of the Arts, Emerson College, BOCO, Penn State University, Ithaca College - none are in NYC. These are just a few of the options out there and is a list of schools that would be within an easy day’s drive of Ottawa.</p>
<p>Have a look at the list at the top of this MT forum, and as I already mentioned, read as many discussions here as possible. One other thing I’ll say is that students applying in the past few cycles seem to apply to and audition for many more schools than in the years prior to that. Ten to fifteen schools seems to be more the norm these days. It’s important to compile a list of appropriate schools that reflect not only your academic stats but your financial situation as well. The Unified auditions are a good venue for those who do not have the financial means to travel and visit every school, although if you can visit, that is preferable for a couple of reasons. You can actually get to tour the school, meet students and faculty, maybe sit in on a couple of classes, see a production, get a feel for the campus. Additionally, having all of your auditions within a two to three day period can be a worry if you happen to get sick, which, in February isn’t that uncommon. Weather issues can also affect travel at that time of year. In any case, since it’s August and you’re applying this year, it’s unlikely that you have time to visit many, if any, schools prior to applying so the Unifieds may be your best bet. </p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/477658-preparing-apply-information-h-s-juniors-seniors.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/477658-preparing-apply-information-h-s-juniors-seniors.html</a></p>
<p>That thread has a good overview of what you need to think about. Lots of research to do, lots of decisions to make, but you’ve found CC and as I said, there’s a wealth of information here, and people who are happy to help you. Good luck!</p>