My Experience Applying to the Dance BFA

December 01, 2022

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I applied and auditioned for the dance program back in 2020 before COVID. I, just like every other high school senior, was super stressed and nervous about applying to college. The process is a little different now, but I had to submit all my official documents through the Purchase application website, then I booked my audition time, flew to New York, and auditioned.

Now dancers must complete a “pre-screening” where you film yourself doing specific exercises, and then after they have been reviewed, you can be invited to an in-person audition.

At first it felt very overwhelming to submit all the materials, but the Admissions team were super helpful and answered all of my questions. When I came to campus to complete the in-person audition, the faculty were all super nice and I got to see the beautiful dance building. The moment I saw the school, I knew Purchase was where I wanted to go for school. The community of dancers and the big beautiful studios excited me.

I found the audition a bit nerve-wracking, but you have to remember that you’re in the same boat as everyone else. I took a ballet class led by two of the ballet faculty, followed by a contemporary class. After that, I presented my solo to the faculty and completed a short interview. The faculty were all very nice; I found it easy to talk to them about my solo and why I wanted to come to Purchase. Now, as a sophomore, I am still so happy with my choice to continue my training and education at Purchase because of the amazing college community.

–Lola Jenkins