Where is the Class of 2012 Applying?

College Majors Theater/Drama Majors
21

<p>Actr12, there is no way to gauge anyone’s probability of getting into an audition program! You can take a chance and keep your list as it is, and hope that you get in at least one program. </p>

<p>Not saying you shouldn’t try for reaches, but just letting you know the reality of your list. </p>

<p>If you don’t want to add a considerably less selective non-audtion BA to your list then just understand that you are heading in with considerably less assurance of having a place to go in a year…Of course you might get in by audition or somehow get in a reach, but only you can say how willing you are not to have a safety net in this process.</p>

<p>You can have a wonderful experience at a BA school, in terms of personal, academic, intellectual and artistic growth.</p>

22

<p>Also, I would consider Elon a match, not a safety! I don’t know what the options are for students interested in pursuing theater who are not accepted by audition. This is something you should research (or someone else can chime in here who is more famliar).</p>

23

<p>another very important question in terms of analyzing your academic competitiveness: where does your GPA put you in terms of class rank? Even if your school doesn’t rank, you should have an idea of what decile you place in. If you are in the top 10%, that makes you a much more competitive applicant than if it places you in a lower decile, such as the top 25% or lower. This is actually more important than the GPA itself, because a 3.5 at one school can be top 10%, but only middle 50% at another…</p>

24

<p>Actr12 - I’m glad you’re talking to us. You’re doing a lot of good thinking, and I’m glad you have an open mind.</p>

<p>I’m sorry to say the same thing as the other veteran parents here: There is no way to be sure you’ll get into “at least one” auditioned program. The hardest ones (which pretty much all of the ones on your list are) take MAYBE 10% of the people they audition AT THE MOST. Schools that accept a bit more take maybe 20-25% of the people they audition. That is VERY VERY low. And there is absolutely no way to predict, no way to know if you’re one of their “more likely” candidates.</p>

<p>Having just been through the audition phase with Montclair, I think you have an inaccurate picture of their admissions numbers. For their BFA, they travel all over the country with Unifieds, plus hold audition events at their school - seeing hundreds of kids throughout the year - and then from what we all have heard they take SIXTEEN students. They also have a BA, but you have to request specifically to interview for that; they don’t just slide you into the BA if you don’t get into the BFA. I don’t know how many BA students they take (the BA looks like a really great program), but that might be where “everyone” you know is getting in, so make sure you find out all of the details about how to apply to both.</p>

<p>Many, many schools have great BA theatre degrees, and hundreds of schools have wonderful theatre opportunities. Many of the students here want training, which is different from being active in theatre - not better, just different, and particular to the individual’s needs - so look at the schools carefully and examine just what classes and performance experience they provide. </p>

<p>If you like smaller, artsy schools near cities, I recommend looking at Goucher College in Baltimore. Your stats are just fine for their admissions - they are test optional - and you might like their curriculum. Drew in NJ might be a good BA for you, also. Hofstra on Long Island has a nice BA and has a BFA option you can audition for later.</p>

<p>If you really are dead-set on a BFA, the only possible “safety” school is the University of Rhode Island. You fit their academic profile very solidly, and they do not require an audition. Tuition isn’t bad, even out of state, and the campus is very nice and train-accessible.</p>

<p>My D applied and got into SUNY New Paltz and Adelphi. I do think they take higher numbers of auditioners. But again, they are putting together a freshman class of at most 30 students - so imagine, even if “only” a couple of hundred students audition (and it’s more like 400) the numeric chances are still barely 20% - and that’s not even bringing in the issues of talent, gender, region (some want more locals, some want fewer), “type” (they can’t have all the same types if they’re building a company to work with for 4 years), etc.</p>

<p>I’m sure you are very wonderful - none of us here would ever question your talent or dedication. But if you want to be in college next year studying theatre, please keep adding academically and artistically less selective schools that you can afford.</p>

25

<p>I want to thank everyone for all of their advice. You all make very good points.
Ill look into adding more BA programs. Im just hoping I find some that I could see myself going to.
Quick question: Does anyone know anything about the Goucher College and university of Rhode Island programs? Do they have good theatre programs that help actors to go on professionally?</p>

26

<p>You can find out a lot from the college websites about what the schools offer in terms of training and professional support. Look deep into their course catalogues and major requirements. It’s wonderful how much information is there.</p>

<p>We thought both of those schools had really terrific curricula - a combination of significant actor training, understanding of literature, broad experience in theatre (including tech/design/other areas). And there was plenty of reason to believe that by studying there (and at any of the schools where my D applied) they would help with future prospects and help her make connections. But nowhere is perfect. Don’t count on “essential” details on whether or not to apply: for example, some people say a senior showcase is absolutely crucial - others here will tell you every reason why they are ineffective and unhelpful. Go with what makes the most sense to you.</p>

<p>All schools with good theatre departments - and you’re already very smart at finding those schools, including your current BA choices - will give you lots of support, experience, opportunities. None of them can assure you of success in a theatre career. NONE. It’s nice if they have connections - but kids from schools “in the middle of nowhere” get jobs and have wonderful lives just like the kids who go to the “big names.”</p>

<p>We all know it’s very scary worrying if you’ll make the “right” choice, get into the “right” school, and especially if you’ll ever get the job. All of these kids are in that same boat. Yes, there are schools that won’t feel right for you - schools are different, and it’s a personal choice. Learn what matters most to you, and if those aspects are there, and you feel comfortable in a school’s environment, apply. You have almost a year before you have to decide which school you’ll actually go to. Make a good list with lots of choices, get your applications in, and pay attention to what you learn and how you feel along the way.</p>

27

<p>in theater, you’re only as good as your next audition. Don’t worry so much about what schools will do or won’t do in terms of getting you contacts. Find a place where you can learn and grow as an actor and a person. Plenty, plenty of actors succeed having come from school, no school, BFA, BA, whatever. </p>

<p>You can also do summer programs, summer classes and semester programs at other institutions. I know that Tisch, for example, has a semester option for students from other schools. Their summer study abroad (and maybe also semester) are open to students from other places as well.</p>

<p>You can also go on AFTER a BA and get additional training through acting studios in NYC – even while you’re trying to “make it” as a working actor… </p>

<p>Just saying all this so you’ll feel better about widening your perspective to add more options…</p>

28

<p>We’re also considering Eugene Lang College at New School, as a non-audition BA program.</p>

29

<p>I’m not sure how the theater program works at Elon but my daughter (business major) applied there last fall and was a deferred admission for spring semester with a 3.78 and 31 ACT–the entry stats for Elon have gone waaay up since we started looking there 2 yrs ago. But there may be separate admission criteria for theater.</p>

30

<p>Doesn’t the sophomore slaughter at DePaul deter anyone? We were impressed with the program but they audition so many kids, its hard to imagine that half the freshman they take are so bad, they have to be set free at the end of the year. Why not take half as many freshman and really work with them. Its like playing roulette with your money.</p>

<p>And I’m shocked by the "we only have one day a year that our students can visit our theater progarm (HARTT)–would anyone invest a lot of money without actually checking out the program?</p>

31

<p>It is my understanding that at Elon academic admissions and program admissions are separate. Meaning someone has to be accepted academically and artistically to be admitted to the program, but if they are accepted to the school academically and not the program they may attend Elon in a different major.</p>

32

<p>There are so many options out there. Be creative as you compile your list. You might be surprised what you find if you do, as EmmyBet suggested, dig deeper into course catalogs and really look at the websites to see the philosophy of the different schools. There are some great programs out there that can easily get overlooked. And as my D would tell you, sometimes you don’t know what program you are looking for until you find it ;)</p>

<p>My D, who just finished her freshman year, is at the International Thespian Festival, working the information booth for her school. The ITF website has a nice little resource on their website. It has a synopsis of each school attending the festival, degrees offered, program philosophy, scholarship information and a link to the schools’ websites. Might be a good place for someone looking to add to or refine their list:
<a href=“http://schooltheatre.org/sites/default/files/2011%20Thespian%20Festival%20College%20Auditions%20Catalogue.pdf[/url]”>http://schooltheatre.org/sites/default/files/2011%20Thespian%20Festival%20College%20Auditions%20Catalogue.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Best of luck!</p>

33

<p>Looking for a double major in Theatre and Sociology. 3.6UW, 3.85W, 2040 (670cr, 700m, 670w)</p>

<p>Reaches - Marymount Manhattan, NYU, Vassar
Matches - Hampshire, Muhlenberg, Sarah Lawrence, considering Wagner
Safeties - Eugene Lang, Pace</p>

<p>going to apply to one Ivy, between Brown, Columbia, and UPenn
considering Central School of Speech + Drama for their Applied Theatre + Education program as well.</p>

<p>Any suggestions? Northeast is a must, preferrably in or near a major city.
P.S. saw Bard, hated it.</p>

34

<p>kylebelieves, what have you read about UPenn drama that you liked? I visited last August and loved the area and the school, but didn’t ask enough about their theater life.</p>

35

<p>As far as choosing between your ivies goes-- in my opinion, Brown has the best theatre program, Columbia wins for location (theatre-wise, and you seem to like NYC schools), and since you can defend Penn, there must be something drawing you to it.
I would weigh which of those three factors means the most to you, and choose from there.</p>

<p>Also, are you auditioning for Marymount’s BFA program? If not, it doesn’t look like it’d be a reach for you academically. If you are, never mind :)</p>

36

<p>Northeastern University
Boston University
American University</p>

<p>Top 3 :)</p>

37

<p>Here are my school choices for a straight acting major:

  1. Juilliard
  2. Carnegie Mellon University
  3. University of Michigan
  4. Tisch
  5. Boston University
  6. Emerson College
  7. Boston Conservatory
  8. Pace University
  9. University of the Arts
  10. Roosevelt or DePaul, still looking at campuses/curricula
  11. USC (legacy, family wishes me to at least consider it as a school)
  12. CalArts
  13. Possibly a school in London. I probably won’t ever get to visit.</p>

<p>Yes, these are all difficult schools to get into and I understand the breadth of the difficulty to gain admittance. As you can see, I’m from southern California and I wish to fly far, far away. I currently attend an arts magnet school and am extremely interested in the craft of theatre and am not as interested in the component of ‘fame’ or ‘extreme success’. Of course all of these colleges are determined to launch their students, which I certainly have no problem with, and they obviously are looking for some recognition in return for their training. I list no ‘backups’ (relative in the BFA world) because I am simply not as interested in pursuing a degree from a school that I do not wish to attend i.e. a BA program or a BFA program in which the curriculum, competition and drive of the students, or location does not meet my expectations. I do enjoy academics and I highly value intellect over many other things, but I am determined to be a performing arts major. </p>

<p>For a little background information, I am full Japanese and I like to think that I speak English well. I am a boy with a resume that has been filled in the little time I’ve been acting, and I like to think that I am talented. I have a unique look that can cast me into character type or leading male type depending on how I wish to market myself - an important factor in college admission rosters. I am currently attending the Carnegie Mellon Pre-College program and attended the ITF in Nebraska. I have a 3.25 GPA, 1900 SAT, and a plethora of community service/extra curricula devoted to theatre and acting. Almost all of my college research has been independent or with friends at school.</p>

<p>That all being said, any more information about my colleges using the given information above would be appreciated. I hope you can forgive my lack of modesty in exchange for my attempt at brevity. </p>

<p>Warm regards,
Miles Moto</p>

38

<p>I’m applying for MMCs auditioned BA in Theatre Arts. Looking more for a concentration in Directing. Academically it’d be more than a safety for me but to be safe I’m counting it as a reach - I go to an arts school, and the seniors who applied this year were really disillusioned when they found out that just because of that they didn’t get into a whole bunch of prestigious programs. I’m trying to be as safe as possible with everything. My Ivy is going to be whichever one I can most easily get into. I haven’t looked at Penn’s drama program thoroughly, but I really love the vibe I get when I read reviews/see pictures of the campus, and Philadelphia is really beautiful. I’m a really vibe-y person - I saw Fordham LC in Spring, and even though it’s basically the program that fits everything I’m looking for, and right where I want to be, I didn’t like the vibe so I took it off my list. Anyway, back to Penn - they seem to be really arts-heavy and are heavily involved with the arts in Philadelphia, which is a really wonderful and thriving scene.</p>

<p>Update - I’ve since taken Muhlenberg and Wagner off my list, and I’m now considering Goucher and American U</p>

39

<p>@MilesMoto - i’ll be honest, you will probably be horribly disappointed at some point in the admissions process. somebody from my school applied to 18 audition-based programs and got into 1 (and ended up choosing Sarah Lawrence). the majority of my friends in that class who were applying to acting majors didn’t fare well. sure there were some successes (one girl got into 2 of the 6 she applied to - CalArts + Syracuse, rejected from Tisch, UCLA, Carnegie Mellon, waitlisted @ Emerson for MT) but because it is so subjective, you basically have to assume when you are doing your search that you won’t get into any. the kids i know who only applied to audition-based schools, and didn’t get into any, are SOL next year. sorry to give you a really cynical opinion but you NEED to have non-auditioned safeties. Pace is a great option - you get into the school before the program and you have the stats to easily get in - but you should really broaden your horizons. not meaning to crush any dreams, just trying to help you be realistic.</p>

40

<p>MilesMoto – Boston Conservatory does not have a “straight acting” major. Only Musical Theatre.</p>

<p>Just because students are in a lesser known BFA program or a BA program does not mean that they will not have drive, or that it will not be a competitive environment. If you are able to visit schools and talk to student you will get a sense of whether or not you will find kindred spirits there. </p>

<p>To increase your chances of having a few schools to choose from next spring, you may want to create a more balanced list with some top BFA schools, some less well know auditioned BFA/ BA schools, and one or two safety schools. </p>

<p>You can choose to only apply to top BFA acting program, but you and your family will need to be comfortable with your taking a gap year or choosing a different route to pursuing training if you are not admitted to any of the programs to which you apply. If you have not already done so you may also want to talk to your parents about how much they can afford to pay for you to attend college. If your goal is to attend college in the fall of next year you will want to have at least one non-auditioned, academic/ financial safety on your list. All of the schools currently on your list are expensive. </p>

<p>If you are certain that all of the schools are affordable, you could choose to apply to and audition for a few schools in the fall EA (particularly schools that will let you know if you have been admitted before the new year). If you have an acceptance early, you could choose to withdraw applications (or never submit, depending on deadline) from you safety schools. </p>

<p>This is in no way a comment on your talent or academic qualifications for admission to “top” BFA programs. It is just quite a “crap shoot” … because the process is subjective.</p>

<p>Good luck! :)</p>