<p>this thread is for people to rant, be sad, etc about how they only got into their safety school. take me for example, i applied and auditioned for IWU, Roosevelt, CCM, and Ithaca and got rejected from all of them for MT. but my safety school, Columbia College Chicago, accepted me.</p>
<p>I understand your frustration. I have been rejected from Roosevelt, Ithaca, Syracuse, Elon, Point Park and UArts and although they aren’t really “safety schools” per se, I only have Shenandoah Conservatory and Webster to hear back from, and those are the bottom 2 on my list. Just be happy you’re into a school. When you start there don’t go in with the attitude of I-could-do-better because enjoying your college experience is really what is going to make you a great actor. As long as you love where you go, you’ll be very happy. Of course, you may just straight-up hate it there, but you could use your Freshmen year as a year to get some professional training and then you can do another season of college auditions.</p>
<p>So, in a nutshell, make the best out of what life has dealt to you. Who knows? You may end up being super happy there. Although I’m not a strong believer in fate, I am a strong believer in will and if you push yourself to do well, you can end up being a better performer than someone who got into their first choice school.</p>
<p>Just as a point of perspective, I want to tell you that “top” programs do not stars make. YOU and your passion and perserverence do that. My wife and I both attended the same university (where we met). There was no BFA. There was no Musical Theatre specific program. We both changed our majors from Theatre to other focuses after our freshman year. AND we both did summer stock all through college. We both left the day of graduation with very well paying and highly respected performing jobs. We are still in the business after 25 years and are highly respected in the world of theatre and entertainment in general. We have never had to work outside of this business to make a living. Luck plays a great role in any career but if you want it - REALLY WANT IT - and have the drive and determination and steely nerves to keep going you can have the career of your dreams. We have. Don’t worry about ‘top.’ It’s hard on here when you see reactions from parents, etc. to those getting accepted to top programs with ‘whoo hoos’ and congrats. It can make you think you’re accomplishment is less than what it is. Believe in yourself. Go and thrive and learn. And be all that you dream to be!</p>
<p>sorry about the typo. i’m a big stickler on spelling and i hate it when my fingers get ahead of me. i put ‘you’re’ instead of ‘your.’ ARGHHH! I’m better now.</p>
<p>Thank you, DisneyDirector. What a wonderful post. My son is “in” at two schools and still waiting for some options, so who knows what will happen in a week or two. However, last week was difficult, and your post most timely.</p>
<p>You’re welcome. Something this tense can really play with perspective. I just hope that no one comes out of this crushed - it’s only one step in the process and, it’s in this step, that the kids make sure that their ‘soles’ are tough enough and that the parents become that inner step cushion they need at this time.</p>
<p>Thanks for saying what so many of us feel, and for saying it so beautifully. If all we had were the “top” few elite schools, there would also be a shortage of performers and productions eventually. It is not just where you are- it is who you are inside, and what you make of the opportunities you have. Getting a spot in any program is an accomplishment to be proud of so don’t let anyone make you feel inferior or second guess yourself… You got in a program! Be proud, celebrate, and determine to use your opportunities to strengthen the program you are in, rather than wondering “what if”…</p>
<p>Another way to look at it is that your safety school WANTS you…and isn’t it good to be wanted?</p>
<p>I nominate post #3 for the best of this audition season. Thanks for your perspective.</p>
<p>Ditto Jacksdad. Best post of last season as wel … LOVE the Disney dream at the end!!;')</p>
<p>Thank you DisneyDirector. Best post of all seasons. You are my CC hero!</p>
<p>Totally agree with jacksdad’s nomination for best DisneyDirector’s post #3 as post of this season :). It was well written and offered great perspective. As a mom who is helping out “cutting & pasting” ‘good news’ on the acceptances thread, I do feel kind of compelled however to add that I celebrate each and everyone’s successes in this process, not just acceptances into “big” schools. Also, I am seeing first hand how incredibly disappointing this process can be as one of my D’s best friends is struggling to get accepted. This is an incredibly talented young woman, but somehow this has not translated well in that college audition “snapshot”. Do I believe she will succeed? Absolutely! </p>
<p>Especially those of you who are still awaiting good news, please know that you have random people like me rooting for you, every day!</p>
<p>All I have to say is all these so called “top” programs had to start somewhere. Motter3 , you might be an amazing alumni some day from that college and turn it into a top school!</p>
<p>Beautifully put. Thank you DisneyDirector. </p>
<p>I know it’s really hard to see it now, but you will get some perspective as time passes… and perspective can be everything Motter3. I wish you the best in all your endeavors!</p>
<p>thanks you guys. i’m planning on re-auditioning places next year at unifieds</p>
<p>motter3 - I look forward to you coming back next year and telling us that you loved Columbia College in Chicago. I think you get out of a program what you put into it (so work hard). There is so much opportunity in Chicago, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised after you finish your first year there. Best Wishes!</p>
<p>It’s important to remember that there are opportunities for growth EVERYWHERE! Regardless of whether you are attending your dream school or your saftey school you need to look at what you want to learn and accomplish and find a way to get there.
I have seen students accomplish wonderful things with sheer initiative and determination.</p>
<p>Michele</p>
<p>One of my daughter’s high school classmates and very close friend was in the same place as you, and ended up at Columbia College. Let me tell you, he loves it so much …even stays in the summer. Has had jobs working as extras in a couple of films.
The guy is one of the funniest people I have ever met in my life and I can see him being famous someday.
Just like MTDad, I hope to see you here next year with advice to someone who can benefit from what you can share.</p>
<p>well ill give u the rundown on columbia… First semester or two is interesting since its open admission and the ba and bfa’s are not separated yet… But the people who have no chance at making it are weeded out very fast. freshman class starts at about 75 to 100 kids and only maybe 20 at the very most graduate. But it is an awsome school for opportunity. we do over 50 shows a semester and alot of our alum are working professionally, plus all our teachers work in the field so they all have great connections.</p>