7 answers
Jonathon
Student
Ocala, Florida
1
Question
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How do i find good colleges?
I want to find a college for the performing arts
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7 answers
Daniel Maynes
Credit Manager
187
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Great Question Jonathon!
First things first I would stay away from those "college ranking publications" for guidance. Most schools pay for their names to be in these publications and the rankings do not reflect an accurate rating. I would also do your best to stay in state. Most universities will allow you to transfer credits rather easily if you stay in state. Also, I would start looking for colleges in your junior year. I would highly encourage you if possible to meet with current students at colleges you are considering. This will give you true insight into the experience.
I have a friend who works on/off Broadway in New York. She has told me the best schools are usually around the New York/LA region. This is due to the close proximity to the theater district and usually provides mentorship, connections, and internships. Not saying you can't go to a good college away from these areas but it may give you an advantage to stay close to where all the theatrical productions are located.
If I could encourage you to read one business book it would be the book below. Good luck on the journey!
Read Dream Big by Bob Goff
First things first I would stay away from those "college ranking publications" for guidance. Most schools pay for their names to be in these publications and the rankings do not reflect an accurate rating. I would also do your best to stay in state. Most universities will allow you to transfer credits rather easily if you stay in state. Also, I would start looking for colleges in your junior year. I would highly encourage you if possible to meet with current students at colleges you are considering. This will give you true insight into the experience.
I have a friend who works on/off Broadway in New York. She has told me the best schools are usually around the New York/LA region. This is due to the close proximity to the theater district and usually provides mentorship, connections, and internships. Not saying you can't go to a good college away from these areas but it may give you an advantage to stay close to where all the theatrical productions are located.
If I could encourage you to read one business book it would be the book below. Good luck on the journey!
Daniel recommends the following next steps:
Gabriel Hennsssey
Financial Aid Administrator
69
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Gabriel’s Answer
Full disclosure, I am responding mostly because one of my esteemed colleagues said something that rubs me the wrong way, personally. LET ME CLARIFY - their opinion is not wrong...it just hits home...(But I respect their opinion...and sometimes the truth hits a nerve...). And I think we equally care about the upcoming class of kids.
I work in financial aid, so take this with a grain of salt. I'm not sure of the specific art-form you are interested in. I would suggest that you think really hard about what your end-goal is.
I can only speak to the theatre-aspect. I was the lead-actor, as a junior, in my state's "All-State Play". I apparently won the role over 134 other people auditioning. Yippee. Partially because I unknowingly wore all black to the audition. I have a daughter that participates in after-school band, choir, and piano. I had a lot of pressure growing up…and I have tried my best to just let her explore…put feelers out, etc. She can quit, whenever.
In case it helps at all…and again…grain of salt…your choice will depend on whether it’s theatre, dance, music, instrument…
As someone who works at a school with a performing arts department (anonymous) I know that auditions are the norm…across all the boards.
The thing I wanted to pass on…and please know this is reflexive of me…it has NOTHING to do with you…I was raised with pats on the backs from performances, etc. And I pray your family doesn’t hate me for saying this…but what held me back was the fact that I wasn’t confident enough to have the desire to go and look for another job every three months. Having said that, I have two wonderful friends that I went to high school with. One was my college roommate, freshman year. He graduated and went to LA. He currently lives out there and lives a comfortable life. The other, ended up in Victoria, BC. She has a couple bands, sells CD’s, etc…teaches kids. Please take a moment to think about your end-goal. I chickened out and I didn’t throw caution to the wind. But again…if you play Bassoon (big demand btw) changes things.
Just promise that if you start college/a program you will finish...hope to learn what creative field is your forte…you got his…
I work in financial aid, so take this with a grain of salt. I'm not sure of the specific art-form you are interested in. I would suggest that you think really hard about what your end-goal is.
I can only speak to the theatre-aspect. I was the lead-actor, as a junior, in my state's "All-State Play". I apparently won the role over 134 other people auditioning. Yippee. Partially because I unknowingly wore all black to the audition. I have a daughter that participates in after-school band, choir, and piano. I had a lot of pressure growing up…and I have tried my best to just let her explore…put feelers out, etc. She can quit, whenever.
In case it helps at all…and again…grain of salt…your choice will depend on whether it’s theatre, dance, music, instrument…
As someone who works at a school with a performing arts department (anonymous) I know that auditions are the norm…across all the boards.
The thing I wanted to pass on…and please know this is reflexive of me…it has NOTHING to do with you…I was raised with pats on the backs from performances, etc. And I pray your family doesn’t hate me for saying this…but what held me back was the fact that I wasn’t confident enough to have the desire to go and look for another job every three months. Having said that, I have two wonderful friends that I went to high school with. One was my college roommate, freshman year. He graduated and went to LA. He currently lives out there and lives a comfortable life. The other, ended up in Victoria, BC. She has a couple bands, sells CD’s, etc…teaches kids. Please take a moment to think about your end-goal. I chickened out and I didn’t throw caution to the wind. But again…if you play Bassoon (big demand btw) changes things.
Just promise that if you start college/a program you will finish...hope to learn what creative field is your forte…you got his…
Sophia Villegas
Customer Service Rep
6
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Sophia’s Answer
https://www.collegerank.net/best-performing-arts-degree-programs/
check this out? you want to look at the different colleges that offer what you want then you do research on their programs look at their tuition decide whether you want to go out of state a lot of the time going to the top #1 school isn't always the answer but feeling comfortable in your environment and working hard always goes a long way. And in a field like performing art you have a lot pf control over how and or where your journey takes you
check this out? you want to look at the different colleges that offer what you want then you do research on their programs look at their tuition decide whether you want to go out of state a lot of the time going to the top #1 school isn't always the answer but feeling comfortable in your environment and working hard always goes a long way. And in a field like performing art you have a lot pf control over how and or where your journey takes you
Daniel Chung
Project Manager
35
Answers
Fort Lee, New Jersey
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Hello there, great question - I advise listing your priorities first. For examples:
1) What academic environments do you prefer? (urban, suburb, etc...)
2) interdisciplinary or intra-disciplinary (the school designed for specific fields or school that allows students to explore other areas within the school)
3) Geographic location/region (do you prefer a school that is far or close to you)
4) Are there enough opportunities around schools you desire to attend? (some jobs are limited in specific regions)
5) Can you picture yourself at the school you researched? (imagine yourself being there as you are likely to spend roughly four years)
This list can go endlessly, but I recommend contemplating and answering these questions before looking at the ranking because it is not about where but why.
I hope my answer helped you.
Thanks.
1) What academic environments do you prefer? (urban, suburb, etc...)
2) interdisciplinary or intra-disciplinary (the school designed for specific fields or school that allows students to explore other areas within the school)
3) Geographic location/region (do you prefer a school that is far or close to you)
4) Are there enough opportunities around schools you desire to attend? (some jobs are limited in specific regions)
5) Can you picture yourself at the school you researched? (imagine yourself being there as you are likely to spend roughly four years)
This list can go endlessly, but I recommend contemplating and answering these questions before looking at the ranking because it is not about where but why.
I hope my answer helped you.
Thanks.
Ryan Green
Entrepreneur
10
Answers
York, Pennsylvania
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
I would recommend doing a basic search on "best performing arts colleges/universities". You will likely come across a decent list in which I would recommend determining which ones you may be interested in. Things that may influence your opinion on the college or university may location, cost, and overall environment or community. Once you have a good list, if possible, attend meetings or even schedule a visit to the campus of your preferred college. Learning about the program before you decide to fully commit to attending is a good idea because you don't want to regret your decision. Overall, some small research should help you determine what you are looking for and what may work for you. If you have the time, visiting campuses and talking to other students or professors could help solidify your decision. Hope this helps. Good luck.
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
480
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
Hi, Jonathon,
The performing arts is a specialized area. The 'bad news' is that this limits your options, but the 'GOOD news' is that the internet can be especially helpful for the very reason that it is a specialty area. Do some internet searches for colleges for performing arts and you will find that much of the research has already been done for you. What remains is narrowing the list down to various specialties within each school, and whether you can envision yourself living there during your college years. Look for the opportunity to visit several so that you can speak directly with the instructors in your area of interest. All the best in your pursuits.
The performing arts is a specialized area. The 'bad news' is that this limits your options, but the 'GOOD news' is that the internet can be especially helpful for the very reason that it is a specialty area. Do some internet searches for colleges for performing arts and you will find that much of the research has already been done for you. What remains is narrowing the list down to various specialties within each school, and whether you can envision yourself living there during your college years. Look for the opportunity to visit several so that you can speak directly with the instructors in your area of interest. All the best in your pursuits.
Fernando Iriarte
Freelance Writer & Editor
153
Answers
Puerto Rico
Updated
Fernando’s Answer
It all starts with a basic web search. Performing arts is a bit of a broad term, so I do recommend specifying witch performing art you're looking to specialize in. Is it music, dance, theater or acting? Once you've done that comes the process of going through the various colleges that offer degrees in the field. This will take time given that it's important to research pricing, quality of curriculum, reviews, scholarships and post graduate aid. Don't be afraid to call up the college that interests you and clear all doubts you have with the representative. No, there's no need to worry about asking too many questions. As long as you're being formal the college representative will answer your questions.