<p>What do you know and like about each of the 22? What are the most important criteria for you in picking a school? Think about location, types of program, student casting policies, dance classes, voice lessons (with faculty?), size of program and school, and the non-MT aspects – what’s the campus culture? How easy/difficult would it be for you to get to/from school? (If you’re flying home every time, that can add up!) Start to prioritize your list…and keep in mind it’s best to love 'em all – students who tend to have a “if I don’t get into XYZ School, my life is over!” mentality may end up disappointed with what is/are other wonderful options. Find out about financial aid – some students (and families) every year are devastated to have that artistic “yes” to a school that they in no way can afford. (And with some colleges costing upward of $50,000 a year, do you really want to think about graduating with a ton of student loan debt hanging over your head?)</p>
<p>My kiddo started out with a large list, too. This time last year, she’d narrowed it to about 13, then when she got to really considering the schools’ fit, the final list was 9. All her schools were audition schools (she was fortuanate to receive a great artistic acceptance and scholarship early in the season, so knew she’d have SOMEWHERE to go; otherwise, the plan was to add more to Unifieds and also some safeties.) She did the majority of her auditions on-campus. In the end, she had 3 outright artistic rejections, 2 waitlist/holds that ended up late in the game to be no’s, and 4 artistic acceptances to choose from. </p>
<p>She struggled long and hard with that list – trying to get to a reasonable number of schools, any one of which she’d be very honored and happy to attend (made the final selection process difficult!) </p>
<p>So, although we can all recommend a magical number of schools, type of school, etc…really, the list has to come from you. Make sure you can answer fully WHY THIS SCHOOL?? about each one…and it’s okay if it’s for different reasons…but audition with intention. The other thing? Be so very prepared for each audition – with too many, it’s next to impossible to keep all their different rules and criteria straight, and I shudder to think of 22 applications/essays/application fees. Remember – it is your senior year of h.s. – there’s got to be a minute or two to enjoy that also (while keeping your grades up – colleges DO request that final transcript…).</p>
<p>Good luck, and happy senior year!!</p>