<p>Skwidymom…great point. I can’t tell you how many applicants I come in contact with who create a college list by “top MT schools” and not “MT schools I have a shot of getting into”. And this can be a big set up for disappointment and making the odds way tougher for a positive outcome or of having options in the spring. The creation of a college list that is appropriate to the candidate and is well balanced to yield results is a critical piece of this entire process. Some do not put enough research into it and move quickly into applications but you can have great applications but if your list is not the right one for you, it won’t matter. And even if you are the top talent out there, the odds are STILL very difficult. Shooting only for the top MT schools is extremely risky. It is even riskier if you are not tops in talent and do not have a decent academic profile.</p>
<p>chrissyblu: Here’s another approach to an acting education that might be something to consider. More than a few young actors go this route, even if they can get into Yale drama. </p>
<p>Go to any college in NYC or LA to get an undergraduate degree but take lessons from private acting coaches/studios. The level of quality and support at the good studios is remakable. At the same time audition, get an agent, and get work. Many serious actors don’t wait to graduate to start their professional trade. And keep in mind it’s more a trade than an art.</p>
<p>With this approach you pick a college you like and can get into but you don’t even major in acting. You get your training at private lesssons and if all goes well, on the job. Every good acting coach and director I know says the best training is the real thing. And I know more than a few.</p>
<p>My d did this in LA with a great deal of success, as well as making great friendships, and excellent connections (casting, producers, directors) along the way, for someone so young. She did it in high school but was not taking drama at her high school. She’ll use the same approach in college and in LA because that’s where her agent is and that’s where casting is.</p>
<p>BTW: if your d ends up at SF state I can recommend a gifted director/acting instructor who teaches year round at his studio in the city. Your d can get a Yale education for 300 bucks every 10 weeks, he’s the real deal, got his MFA in directing at Yale!</p>
<p>And most importantly this approach with the right support (transportation, good coaches, supportive agent, etc.) is fun. One of the concerns about a 4 year undergtraduate drama degree is a person can loose the fun of it grinding out school productions for 4 years.</p>
<p>think of acting like carpentry. does a carpenter go to carpentry school for 4 years or do they learn the trade on the job!</p>