<p>I don’t like cut programs. I am glad my D chose not to audition for any schools that had them. HOWEVER, schools should be able to operate their programs in whatever way they believe will yield the best results. A college education is a product with different features, benefits, and costs – we consumers can choose to buy that product or not. It is absolutely required that schools be completely straightforward with students about how their program works – the stark reality – so that all students go in with eyes wide open. They may think it will never happen to them and choose to ignore it. But under those circumstances, they cannot say that they weren’t aware. If they choose to attend such a program - so be it. Buyer beware! In a free market system, this “product” will continue to be offered as long as there are consumers willing to buy – and there clearly are. Possibly the remaining cut programs will change when they truly start losing out on the most talented students because they won’t even audition there.</p>