B-W's conservatory is ranked in the top of the nation, and especially in Musical Theatre - my intended major. Their MT program is rigorous, but still holds enough bend to personalize the experience for each individual student.
Will enjoy being here
Admittedly, when I first visited the campus during the summer, I didn't like it. Sure, it was nice to look at, but it felt pretty dead. The second time I visited I fell in love. My second visit was during the school year, and the students and faculty gave such a spark to the college, that I knew I HAD to attend.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
At face value, B-W seems pretty darn steep. The classrooms and dorms are very comfortable, but not luxurious as you might expect from a $36,000 a year ($37,000 for conservatory students) college. The reason I give its bang for the buck a five-star rating is because of their generosity. Being a private school B-W is able to award a LOT more money than a state school. My accumulative GPA for high school was a 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale), yet I got a $7,500 4-year renewable scholarship; not only that, but they gave me $10,500 in 4-year renewable grants. That totals out to a whooping $18,000 renewable each year!
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Call or e-mail the school for information on your intended major; everyone there is more than happy to take the time to talk with you personally. Also, make sure to plan your visit during an active time of year, so you can see the campus in action. The wonderful admissions officers have numerous events planned throughout the year, so call (they are more than happy to talk) and see what campus events might be planned.
Most importantly: Apply early!!! The earlier you apply, the more money B-W can give you!
If you are applying for musical theatre: First: From my own personal experience, B-W had the best audition process - the faculty and students were all very kind and eager to give advice; they provided a free lunch; the showcased their seniors; the actual audition was very organized and time-effective - not to mention the dance portion of the audition was very fun for all levels of dancers. Second: opt to audition in November. This is their only early notice audition and I found out on December 5th that I was admitted. For the other auditions you typically have to wait til March to find out if you made the cut. Finally: realize that they only accept about 15 students a year into the MT program with over 500 applicants auditioning, so it is very competitive. Please know not to take it personally if you do not get accepted.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Any student who: is social; loves to learn and be challenged; likes the small town feel while still having easy access to the city (Cleveland is only fifteen minutes away from Berea); is interested in a liberal arts education; wants to get the full bang for their buck; enjoys sports or clubs or even both; is looking for a great place to start their adult lives and work towards their desired career - even if he or she doesn't know what career that is yet.
B-W's conservatory is ranked in the top of the nation, and especially in Musical Theatre - my intended major. Their MT program is rigorous, but still holds enough bend to personalize the experience for each individual student.
Admittedly, when I first visited the campus during the summer, I didn't like it. Sure, it was nice to look at, but it felt pretty dead. The second time I visited I fell in love. My second visit was during the school year, and the students and faculty gave such a spark to the college, that I knew I HAD to attend.
At face value, B-W seems pretty darn steep. The classrooms and dorms are very comfortable, but not luxurious as you might expect from a $36,000 a year ($37,000 for conservatory students) college. The reason I give its bang for the buck a five-star rating is because of their generosity. Being a private school B-W is able to award a LOT more money than a state school. My accumulative GPA for high school was a 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale), yet I got a $7,500 4-year renewable scholarship; not only that, but they gave me $10,500 in 4-year renewable grants. That totals out to a whooping $18,000 renewable each year!
Call or e-mail the school for information on your intended major; everyone there is more than happy to take the time to talk with you personally. Also, make sure to plan your visit during an active time of year, so you can see the campus in action. The wonderful admissions officers have numerous events planned throughout the year, so call (they are more than happy to talk) and see what campus events might be planned. Most importantly: Apply early!!! The earlier you apply, the more money B-W can give you! If you are applying for musical theatre: First: From my own personal experience, B-W had the best audition process - the faculty and students were all very kind and eager to give advice; they provided a free lunch; the showcased their seniors; the actual audition was very organized and time-effective - not to mention the dance portion of the audition was very fun for all levels of dancers. Second: opt to audition in November. This is their only early notice audition and I found out on December 5th that I was admitted. For the other auditions you typically have to wait til March to find out if you made the cut. Finally: realize that they only accept about 15 students a year into the MT program with over 500 applicants auditioning, so it is very competitive. Please know not to take it personally if you do not get accepted.
Any student who: is social; loves to learn and be challenged; likes the small town feel while still having easy access to the city (Cleveland is only fifteen minutes away from Berea); is interested in a liberal arts education; wants to get the full bang for their buck; enjoys sports or clubs or even both; is looking for a great place to start their adult lives and work towards their desired career - even if he or she doesn't know what career that is yet.