University of the Arts.....?

Question:So, I'm thinking of going to UArts to major in Jazz dance. Thing is, I've only started dancing Jazz for like 5months. I just want to know if anyone here goes to UArt-Philadelphia and what exactly are the criteria for admission. I was told that some Dance schools prefer dancers who aren't totally broken in, but still knows the basics and is more than familiar with the type of dance chosen. Is 2yrs too short? I've always been a dancer...Just not Jazz.
Oh, and what are the Academia qualifications too..Thanks:-)

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: So, I'm thinking of going to UArts to major in Jazz dance. Thing is, I've only started dancing Jazz for like 5months. I just want to know if anyone here goes to UArt-Philadelphia and what exactly are the criteria for admission. I was told that some Dance schools prefer dancers who aren't totally broken in, but still knows the basics and is more than familiar with the type of dance chosen. Is 2yrs too short? I've always been a dancer...Just not Jazz.
Oh, and what are the Academia qualifications too..Thanks:-)

I don't know how you define "totally broken in," but the pool of applicants for all the programs that require an audition has become so competitive that your training background has to be at least pretty decent to get into even the least known programs. It's in a school's interest to recruit the best dancers that they possibly can. The better the dancers that they attract, the better the school's reputation. With a higher reputation, the program can attract more donors. More donors means being able to attract more famous guest choreographers to work with the students. And better dancers means a higher chance that they will find work after graduation, further boosting the program's reputation.

Since UArts is the largest dance program in the U.S., you stand a better chance of getting accepted. The year my daughter auditioned, they had an incoming class of about 100 freshmen dance majors. You don't pick your major until your junior year, so you don't have to worry about how good you are in jazz right now. But the audition class does include all three styles: ballet, modern and jazz. You also have to prepare a two minute solo in your best style.

The academic requirements for admission are minimal: they say "A minimum GPA of 2.0 or better is recommended." The key word there is "recommended." If an applicant is an amazing artist, they are going to make allowances. On the other hand, the better your academic background, the better your chances of getting more scholarship money. Which you'll need for this school since it's so expensive.

Had you been a guy, I would have said that 2 years is just fine. But when it comes to the girls, your competition will be FIERRCCCCCCCCCE. (That's UArts's dance majors' favorite word. Be sure to drag out the "c" sound.)

Best of luck to you!

I have a friend that goes to Uarts and loves the dance program there. I know that if your grades are terrible they put you in a the certificate program which does not lead to a bachelor's degree but rather a piece of paper saying you can dance.

check the website and it will give you all the info