CalArts was at the top of my daughter’s list and she just started there this week! She is loving it so far. Her studio group is great. The things that my daughter loved about CalArts going in were its classical BFA training, but at an arts school with a reputation for avant garde work. My daughter has worked with CalArts students in the past, and has always loved their spirit and sense of adventure – a willingness to try anything. @milkshakespeare , what happened? You were such a booster for the school! Sorry to hear you are not so happy. So far my daughter loves it and finds the community strange, wonderful, and nurturing. She also applied and got into the New School for Drama, but their program isn’t as focused on acting and seemed a little vague when we visited and spoke with students. I would echo milkshakes suggestion for auditioning at CalArts – get a solid Shakespeare monologue and a contemporary piece by a currant playwright – check out the New Dramatist for ideas. Also be prepared to do your monologue in several different ways, be open to adjustments.