@soozievt is right about this, according to my D’s college audition coach (one of the ones you hear about repeatedly here on CC). She specifically told us that academics were the difference maker for many UMich candidates in the last audition cycle (HS class of 2018). That doesn’t necessarily mean that no one with the minimum stats ever gets in, of course. But since my D is only a junior, she advised her that if she’s interested in Michigan she really needs to continue to push herself academically.
I was told by a friend who went to a master class with one of the faculty members, kids were told that if candidates passed the prescreen then they have met the minimum standard for academic acceptance. Don’t know if that helps but wanted to share
This is what we were told two years ago at the audition. Still there are a lot of candidates.
@soozievt is correct. Academics are important at UMich. If you have not met the academic requirements for acceptance you will not pass the prescreen. Make sure you have everything submitted. I’ve told this story before - we waited and waited and waited to hear results after submitting very early. Two days before the results of prescreens ended we discovered my daughter’s transcript had not been sent by her high school. We had it faxed and immediately heard she passed the prescreen (she is a v. good student). So yes - you must be academically as well as artistically accepted in order to get in to UMich. But go for it!!! Everyone should follow their dreams!
UMich is the one that is killing my D. She can’t get her ACT up one additional point to meet their minimum. Her GPA is fine. Her performing arts school doesn’t have class rank, and she has ALWAYS struggled with standardized testing. It breaks my heart because she loves everything about that program, but it looks like it is just out of reach.
@carriemc95 My D had the same problem- she had a 3.85 but is dyslexic so could not finish the ACT. She dreamed of UM but did not pass prescreen - they actually sent us an email and said they held her prescreen waiting for a better score but she did worse the 2nd time 
She also did not pass Penn and Elon. However she did pass every other pre-screen and there are plenty of other great options out there!! If I were to give one word of advice it would be to focus on your vocal training!!! That is what they are looking for in MT - and some dance training if you’re a girl.
Interesting about UM. When my kids applied, you had to pass the regular academic hurdle before they reviewed your prescreen. Penn State students need to pass the academic hurdles as well (if there is no change from last year).
Just started submitting applications…it’s amazing how fast the applications fee add up!
My D got her second academic acceptance today - Viterbo University. Now we need to schedule an audition, but I imagine we’ll do it at Chicago Unifieds.
Congrats @afterp89, my D just got her first academic acceptance at Point Park University this week. Audition is scheduled for January. It has begun!
@MTVTmom we haven’t heard back from Point Park yet for academics, but we got the invite to schedule an audition and will audition with them also in Chicago.
@MTVTmom when did school start for you guys? here in NY school just started after labor day and the guidance office wont have transcripts available to send out till Oct 1. i hope that doesn’t put us at a disadvantage? oh well nothing we can do about it…just talking out loud i guess AKA venting 
@NYYFanNowMTdad
We’re in NY as well, so in the same boat. My D submitted applications for a couple of no-prescreen schools just to get the audition booked. I think schools get most applications piecemeal. I was even waiting for her to do a couple more apps before I sent SAT scores. As long as everything is in by their deadline, I think we’ll be ok.
@NYart15 ditto and agreed
A question for Parents with Daughters applying for MT. About how many colleges is your daughter applying to? I was told that for girls to apply to minimum 15-20 because the majority of applicants are female for MT and the number of applicants are increasing every year. I was also told most MT programs take more boys than girls to to top it off. Even for very talented girls they may not get in anywhere. Thoughts?
@KAT67 We’re honestly looking at close to 30 for my D. It just seems like such a crap shoot and you don’t want to sell yourself short of what could be a great opportunity. A couple are non-audition and a couple are BFA Theatre, but she’s applying to just about every school that doesn’t have an application fee and then a ton more. Some we’ve seen and others we wouldn’t go to unless they offer and it is one of her final choices. Hoping for full acceptance to a few early - then we’ll skip sending test scores and transcripts to some that would be crossed off the list.
NYC here too so only have been back 2 weeks. Applied to 3 non-prescreens and have auditions sent. No academic acceptances yet since guidance just started sending out transcripts and they just completed the Baldwin Wallace course verification form. Plan on sending out 3 or 4 more this weekend including Point Park
@KAT67 yes I would say 15-20 at least for a girl depending on the types of schools you are applying to. Need a couple safeties, or is ok with a GAP year, or have a plan B if BFA doesn’t work out. I could tell you the numbers but it would just depress you LOL but yes the odds for girls are harsh. A safety is a non-audition school or one that lets you audition for sophomore year.
@KAT67 We have heard twice from professional coaches recently that the target number for girls this year should be 22 with at least two non-audition, academic, financial safeties so they are guaranteed to have a choice. That said my daughter cut her list down to 12 (with a couple more she’s waffling on) when she fell in love with her safety. She is very specific about her criteria and doesn’t want to waste money applying somewhere she wouldn’t go if accepted. This nervous Mom hopes she doesn’t have regrets later, but I think she would have no problem taking a gap year and working/training either. Best of luck!
@afterp89 Congrats on the academic acceptances! My D hasn’t received any yet, but she has four auditions scheduled thus far.
@MTSongbirdMom I’m curious what school your d fell in love with? We didn’t visit schools unless it was for on campus audition. She fell in love with one that didn’t work which was painful, but then unexpectedly (and thankfully) felt at home at Ball State after she got accepted. This process can take a lot of twists and turns!