Back at Juilliard

Today there was a class observation/tour for accepted students, and there were three of us including me.

We got to watch parts of 2 ballet classes, one Graham class, and a contemporary class.

Then they gave us lunch vouchers for the cafeteria and the director of admissions led us on a tour.

The classes were beautiful but what was really important was asking questions- especially because it was just me, Daya, and one other accepted student.

The admissions director spoke as freely as he could about certain issues, mainly the lack of financial aid for the housing.

It is a huge problem.

For many people.

Basically the staff and faculty are VERY well aware of the issue but cannot do anything about it.

It's a problem.

My appeal is still not decided, and won't be until the end of the month.

But basically I am feeling extremely grim about the housing.

If they won't give aid for it the only other thing I can do is try and get them to waive the first year requirement.

There is precedent for that but it doesn't always work.

If I have to pay that housing it will literally wipe me out, and I already don't have enough in savings.

And I will still have to pick up costs for the next three years- but not housing.

In all honesty, Juilliard is a bizarre mix of feeling really elated and completely despondent.

I am actually and very literally terrified, I had no idea there is no aid for housing.

LaGuardia from the Juilliard cafeteria

This shirt is pretty hilarious.