<p>Actually, CMU does consider MT applicants for the acting program.</p>
<p>Called to verify that after auditions and was informed no.</p>
<p>That’s interesting because D asked AT auditions and Barbara said they did.</p>
<p>If you audition for M.T. you are also considered for Acting but, not vise versa check on line under M.T.</p>
<p>^^ One reason people underestimate the competition for acting spots-- at many programs you are competing with all who’ve applied for MT as well.</p>
<p>When my D found out yesterday she was rejected from a school, she wasn’t surprised. I had thought her audition went pretty well from what she said. Appearantly, she had a Great audition and they seemed to like her, but, were honest that they “already had somebody” like her. She already has picked where she is going so the point was mute, but, I found it interesting. I am also pleased they were honest with her from the beginning.</p>
<p>^^ You know I’m thinking that is another good reason to do early decision . . . they can’t say they already have someone like you because they don’t have anybody yet!</p>
<p>That’s true! I never thought of that. She didn’t audition for them until Chicago Unifieds. God has D where she should be, but, future applicants should keep that in mind.</p>
<p>Re: @momintex. This COULD be true, but it can work the opposite way as well.<br>
Programs also want to see what else is “behind door number 3” to use the old Monty Hall adage. They hold spots for RD because they never know who’s coming in later and they don’t want to miss out. It is a gamble either way and it’s like we’re trying to handicap a horse race ( sorry- that’s probably a terrible example). If you are certain that program is your absolute first choice and if demonstrated interest rates VERY high at that school, and also if you feel the rest of your application is already strong enough for the regular portion of the academic admission, AND you feel your artistic piece is ready and you believe you really bring something unusual/different/needed to the table, then it feels like ED makes sense. But otherwise, I think there are benefits and risks both ways and we all just have to do what so many of you have wisely counseled throughout this process - give them the best audition you can, show them the love, walk out, shake it off and move on to the next one.</p>
<p>The one thing I do think is really helpful for future applicants is to also apply to some rolling or EA programs so you go into the big audition season already knowing you’re going to college and most likely already also have an artistic acceptance or two. Takes a huge amount of pressure off.</p>
<p>Gwen, you make a good point. It is also the reason at lots of schools you will find first year MTs who look at the acting majors as if they are all MT wannabes or rejects, because they assume all the acting majors were people who auditioned for MT but didn’t get in. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, many of the most versatile performers are in the acting program. It’s about numbers and getting your class to full capacity I guess.</p>
<p>@CollegeSearchDad I agree. My D really had to re-evaluate herself part way through this process. It’s looking at each offer independently. She had no problem being academically accepted at every program she applied to, accept one. In the end she was artistically and academically accepted at her first choice. In going through this process I see kids have first choices for different reasons. I think at some point everyone has had to: stop, re-evaluate if needed and not be afraid to change direction. All hoping and praying you get most, if not all, of what embarked on this journey hoping to get out of college. I don’t know if my D is the only kid out there whom dancing is not her forte. If there are other kids out there, I want them to know Great Acting Programs don’t have to be ones where you never sing and/or never dance again. I’m not saying my D or anyone is headed for Broadway after graduation. Only God knows that. I am saying, actors should not have to just act! They can sing, dance, play guitar, tech, direct etc. None of us know what all these versatile artistic kids will do in their lifetime.</p>
<p>One Huge piece of advice I have for every future artist going into any major with theatre. CONCENTRATE ON YOUR GRADES!! As competitive as these majors are, where only a handful of many applicant’s get in; don’t let YOUR GRADES be the limiting factor!! You will have other factors that you can’t do anything about. Your grades are a factor you Can and Should do something about. I am aware that some programs don’t care about grades with artists, but, you really have NO idea what programs you may want to apply to until you really start the audition process. I know it’s a mom cliche, but, it’s true- MAKE GOOD GRADES!! Your world is much more open to you then!!</p>
<p>momintex…Yes… grades, grades… the reason I keep pushing my DS to keep at his academics, when all he really wants to do is read scripts, study different texts, write, and act. He has signed up for a intense schedule next year as a senior, and I know it will be hard with all of his college app’s and auditions, but I think his rigorous schedule and good grades, ALONG with his acting abilities will open doors for him. He was just accepted to the Cherub Theater summer program at Northwestern. They specifically were looking at grades and tests scores to get in, as well as your resume and essays.</p>
<p>^^^Totally agree with keeping up the grades. It’s true some programs don’t place as much weight on grades regarding artistic acceptance, but the majority of schools will vet applicants based on academics. We visited numerous programs that reiterated regardless of talent and how much the program wants to offer a spot, students needed to be academically accepted by the school. It also plays a major role in scholarship offers and total cost of attendance over 4 years, which can make a huge difference when weighing those offers to reach a final decision for that May 1st deadline.</p>
<p>I totally agree about grades and keeping an open mind about what makes a program #1 for YOUR student. Thankfully, my D has some really great options but the one she is likely attending is one that I MADE her audition for as a walk-in at Unifieds. She is an actor-dancer who would ideally also have MT training. In her program, she can do it all! Moreover, even though it is an audition BFA, they encourage students to fit in classes where they can outside the department so a minor (and possibly a major) is very likely. Best of all, because of her grades/test scores she has a nice scholarship and is being considered for full-tuition. This is a school we could NEVER have afforded without merit aid.</p>
<p>What a great outcome Skew!!! I love when everything works so well!</p>
<p>Can I chime in about grades? I COMPLETELY agree about keeping your grades up and trying to get good scores. It opens up many, many options, and we’ve seen lots of talented kids here get artistic acceptances that were nixed by academic rejections. That is sad, and often avoidable. The merit scholarships good stats bring are invaluable, too, and can mean the difference between going or not going to your dream school.</p>
<p>I just want to say, though, for a kid who is reading this and saying, “But I try and try and just CAN’T get super high grades,” or for a parents who is asking the common question of “Should I force my kid to take harder classes and/or get better grades and lose out on artistic opportunities or vice versa?” that these situations are entirely personal. There are kids who need to put the arts first, and sometimes beating your head against an academic wall at the expense of your creative resume or even just your personal needs really isn’t worth it. There are schools that value your creative work and barely even glance at your academic stats. The important thing is to do careful research when applying to schools, and to figure out what is important to you. There is a path for everyone. CC is a great place to ask these kinds of questions and to find out what your options are.</p>
<p>Perfectly said EB!!! It is all about individuality and I am true believer in you will end up where you are meant to be:)</p>
<p>Congrats, actingdad, on your d’s decision. I think it’s great that she found exactly what she was looking for! Hope that happens for all the others soon!</p>
<p>Thanks Dramamamaof4. I am with you. I hope all those waiting for a last minute decision or a last minute pile of cash to come along get what they are looking for.</p>