<p>I would fully agree that once a student makes a final decision about a school in the normal course of events, the student should advise other schools that have offered a spot or that are pending. In fact, when my daughter received an acceptance in December of her senior year she immediately advised a couple of pending schools that she was withdrawing her application because we knew that she would not choose either of the other schools over the acceptance she had received. Later, after all of her acceptances were in, as soon as she made a decision on where to attend, the remaining schools were sent a letter thanking them but declining. All of this is just basic consideration and courtesy.</p>
<p>This, however, is a much different scenario than what has been discussed above where a student is effectively coerced into sending in a letter or notice of intent to attend in order to protect legitimate interests and options and preserve the right to a fully informed final decision at the appropriate time. In this scenario, with respect, I believe the school makes it an adversarial situation. It’s a shame, it shouldn’t be that way but it appears that WCU and some others make it so.</p>
<p>Thanks, Ken! It was I who invoked your handle, and as always, you responded most graciously! And interestingly enough, Ken illustrates the point I had planned to make: That the problem would probably solve itself after a year or two of not being able to attract their favorite candidates because they weren’t willing to commit so early in the process!</p>
<p>That being said, WCU is not a new program, and presumably they have been happy with their system for the last 10 years, so I guess it’s working for them! (And if their recent production of Sweeney Todd is any indication, working phenomenally well! It is by far the best college production I have ever seen, and better than some professional shows!)</p>
<p>As I said. This isn’t adversarial. But it is a difficult situation. We, as schools, need classes of a certain size and preferable talent level. Students, as they should, wait until late in April to make decisions. So, it becomes a game of numbers. Schools are trying to find ways to create situations where students commit earlier. Students hold off one school in hopes of another. It’s unfortunate, but necessary.</p>
<p>I don’t agree or disagree with what WVU is doing. I don’t know enough about the situation to even suggest my opinion matters. I do know many programs, and the people who run the recruitment and I know that for us it really is about matching student to program and program to student.</p>
<p>BTW, I spoke with the school in question in my post and they said that that her signature to the affirmative is non-binding until May 1st even though nowhere on the letter was that indicated. I do feel bad for those who do not have a resource like CC, or knowledge of the true deadline, and feel the pressure to choose right now.</p>
<p>kksmom, I agree. Schools (i.e., Point Park) who do this, really are taking advantage of those who are not in the know. And unfortunately, there will be many who don’t understand their rights when it comes to the admissions process and having until May 1 to make a binding commitment.</p>
<p>“WCUs Musical Theatre Program is jointly administered by the School of Music and the School of Stage & Screen. Both are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and National Association of Schools of Theatre.”</p>
<p>Section 3D: Institutions shall allow students to choose without penalty among offers of admission and financial aid until May 1 of the calendar year of matriculation for undergraduate-level programs and until April 15 of the calendar year of matriculation for graduate-level programs. Written declarations of intent become binding on these dates.</p>
<p>If a university breaks rules they can be stripped of their accreditation they next time they are up for evaluation. I would call them on this behavior and if they do not bend, call NASM and report them. That’s what NASM is there for. WCU’s decision is not only wrong for students but it also shows a lack of respect for their colleagues at other institutions. We all WANT to make the best students commit to our school but we can’t force them and NASM is there to make sure all involved play fairly.</p>
<p>Also the NAST Rules, as noted in post 102, which requires that members, in the recruitment of students, adhere to a national framework of practices and policies. Not as direct and explicit as the NASM rules but none-the-less makes salient that WCU is breaking established conventions.</p>
I just finished my BFA MT college auditions this past weekend, and in total, I auditioned for 16 schools. I know people who only auditioned for 5, and I know others who auditioned for 25. It really depends on how the auditionee feels, and what amount of time they have. Do what’s best for you, and you shall succeed
