<p>The whole thing can be very stressful and confusing. It’s hard to know what’s best. Perhaps I can use another personal example to show you what I mean. Unlike my other kids, my younger son is a terrible student although a strong actor. Right now he’s being homeschooled. He did very well on his SATs but academically I’m very uncertain about his ability to balance theatre with studies at this point. At the same time I’m uncertain whether a BFA program is the right fit for him. Luckily he is uncertain too, and knows it–so I was relieved when he said he wanted to take a gap year to figure things out. He will be taking classes at community college soon. His drive and ability in these classes (or lack thereof) will then give him data to figure out what sorts of college programs are the best match for him. But if he’s not motivated to do well in academic classes now, then tossing him into programs with academic classes (even if he gets in) would not be a good idea. Many colleges with strong BFA programs count the audition much more heavily than academics. But even if my son were to get in at this point, I’m not sure that it would be a good idea for him. Can I ask you, NJ Theatre Mom–how has your own son’s academic experiences been at BU? Since he chose an easier academic load has he had any difficulties once he was at BU? Or has it been fine?</p>