Okay so heres the deal. My grades are terrible. My grade point average is a weighed/unweighted 2.54. I have had a learning disability my entire life. And it's not just me, it's run through most of my moms side of the family as well. It's not that I don't try. I try really hard. But I can't help it if I learn at a slower paist then others around me, ya know?
I'm hoping that colleges will notice that I go to a performing arts school, and major in musical theater. I also have over 200 hours in community college since my freshmen year(I am now a junior). I have a part time job, and I have directed a show at a middle school which was in the paper. I know I probably would get into a community college with great ease, but I want to attend something better. I would love to go to a school like University of the Arts or Boston Conservatory... It just seems almost pointless to even try now. Is it too late? Would colleges cut me slack? Please help!
2007-02-28 02:45:02 · 4 answers · asked by bwayboy4ever 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Lots of colleges will cut you some slack - but the best ones will not. Also, may schools have an "automatic in" if your SAT/ACT score is good.
Don't worry - unless you go to an uber elite college, it doesn't much matter where you graduate - or what your GPA is when you graduate from college (they don't print it on the diploma). You should apply to several colleges (some you think you can get into, some you don't).
The Arts are little bit different deal. They may care more about the portfolio that you have established than your grades, so you may have a better shot than you think.
Just remember, no matter where you go your going to have to take other "core" classes including math, science, english, etc. - and they will be much harder than high school. You need to understand that the reason colleges look for higher GPAs is that most schools have at least a 50% dropout / flunkout rate.
2007-02-28 02:58:40 · answer #1 · answered by nec2400ipx 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not limit your applications to schools you think you can get into based on your grades. Focus on schools you think you can get into based on your TALENT.
Conservatories will look at your talent. Many conservatories don't even accept SAT scores, and they tend to be rather flexible re: GPA. Their primary focus is on your talent. If you are doing performing arts, their admissions decision will be most focused on your audition.
My husband did so-so in high school. He thought he was dumb. Then his teachers suggested he apply to some very elite schools. Why? Because he was extraordinarily talented, and they knew that his particular talent was desired by those particular schools, and that his talent would outweigh his low GPA.
As someone else said, if you go to a conservatory, or even to a regular university, so long as you apply to the BFA program rather than the BA program, you will take fewer traditional "academic" classes than those in the BA program. And in addition, most schools offer support to students with learning disabilities. You can talk about that with admissions when you call them.
As for schools to consider: If you like Boston Conservatory, definately apply. It's a very good, reputable, and friendly school. I quite like it.
You do need to decide what type of program to look at. Think about whether you think you'll do better at a program that is more conservatory based (New England Conservatory, Mannes, Boston Conservatory, North Carolina School of the Arts), rather than a conservatory within a college or university (Rice, Oberlin, Lawrence, New York University) or a music/theater school that is an integral part of a larger university (Michigan, Indiana, Rutgers, Boston U).
2007-02-28 04:52:41 · answer #2 · answered by RoaringMice 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Performing arts schools will look more at your talent and your experience in your field than at your grades. And if you are applying for a BFA program (Bachelor of Fine Arts) as opposed to a BA (Bachelor of Arts), you won't have to take many, if any, math/science classes.
There is a college for everyone. You may not qualify for a top school; your learning disability is an explanation, but top schools are going to admit top students. There are good colleges that will admit you, but it will be up to you to find help--they will expect you to keep up with the work regardless of your disability. Make sure that whatever school you choose has resources to help you make the most of your experience. Colleges will not cut you "slack"--they will look at you as a whole and decide if your disability will prevent you from thriving at their school.
Good luck. I had rotten grades and got in everywhere, but it's much harder now. There are also schools with departments to help people with lds.
Here is a list of schools that have programs for students with lds:http://www.college-scholarships.com/learning_disabilities.htm
Here is a list of art schools:
http://nast.arts-accredit.org/
2007-02-28 03:36:52 · answer #3 · answered by kimpenn09 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they can. My GPA was just a little higher than yours, and I got in to every school I applied to. Just prepare for your SAT and/or ACT test. Get into a class to prepare for them, buy study books. Talk to your counselor at school and see if they have any suggestions.
And I go to a performing arts college, not a community college. It's a great atmosphere! Just keep up the work you are doing, and study study study for whichever test you choose to take and you'll be fine!
2007-02-28 02:52:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋