College Program Questions Thread Pt 2

[Dee/Belle]

No one at my audition had head shots - I was told that they do not like head shots because they are often photo shopped to make you look your best and several are not realistic. They are more interested in a photo that looks at your face straight on to get a better judge of your facial features (nose, eyes, jaw line, etc). However, on the flip side, what's the worse that could happen - they just throw it away?

I see your point and completely agree with your first statement. I have also heard you're more likely to get a character role if you go with a headshot in hand. I, personally, am not sure yet if I will take mine or not.

 

[Berlioz70]

I see your point and completely agree with your first statement. I have also heard you're more likely to get a character role if you go with a headshot in hand. I, personally, am not sure yet if I will take mine or not.

Oo, that is interesting - I never thought of that.

General FYI - they do not cast face characters from every audition, just the major ones. My audition had less than 20 people and so they did not bring any makeup or costumes with them and said we would have another opportunity for face characters after we started the program.

I was just surprised because it sounded like they would pull you for a face immediately at most auditions based on what I had read on these boards - but perhaps that's because DISers attended the larger auditions?? Just don't get discouraged if they don't pull you for face, you may get the chance after the program starts!

 

[Dee/Belle]

Yes, yes of course. It's just something I heard--not from anyone I know personally so it could be rubbish

 

[Joanna71985]

so alum here but i have a question. can you still do the cp if you have already graduated? this seems kind of stupid and this question defeats the purpose of the "college program". but i ask this cause 2 friends of mine on my last program graduated college and then did the program. i wanted to do this again after i graduated since im already a little behind in school, but i was told by my friend that you can apply as long as you are enrolled in classes at the time that you apply. so my question is, lets say for example im supposed to graduate in may 09, can i apply for fall 09 even though i would have graduated in may of 09? or do i have to be in college and just having taken a semester off? i don't want to miss anymore school and last time, the program didn't exactly go right for me but i want to try again. thanks

Yes, you can do the CP right up until the period after you graduate. For example, I should be graduating in Dec. I plan on doing Spring 2009 (since I will still be in school when it is time to apply).

I plan on auditioning for entertainment at the end of my program in August. Do you think that I should bring a current head shot? I know that they take photos of you, but do they like headshots in addition?



Thanks

It is not required.

 

[Berlioz70]

Yes, yes of course. It's just something I heard--not from anyone I know personally so it could be rubbish

Haha - that's what I felt like before my first audition, depending on where you look you get different information! I still think you should bring it and keep it in your back pocket just in case!

 

[Disney_Jackie]

Hey everyone, I'm Jackie . I have a lot of questions about the Disney CP, and I'm hoping that someone could help me out.
I have a slight physical disability, and I am afraid that it may hinder my ability to do some of the roles or my ability to get into the program. I was just wondering, who should I talk to about this concern? The recruiter is not coming to my college until March, and it seems like I would need to have the issue resolved before I give them my application and things like that. It would be so sad to get all excited and fill out the application and then find out that I cannot take part in the program.

Also, would you all recommend going and meeting with your college advisor and coming up with a learning plan even before you interview?

Is it better to watch the presentation online and interview earlier as opposed to waiting until the recruiter comes?

Would you all say that it is difficult to be accepted into the program?

Also, is it possible to save the money that you earn, or does it all go towards living expenses?

Okay, wow, that was a lot of questions. I would appreciate any help or advice. Thanks so much!

 

[Sehsun]

I have a slight physical disability, and I am afraid that it may hinder my ability to do some of the roles or my ability to get into the program. I was just wondering, who should I talk to about this concern?

Hi Jackie,
I would contact the WDW College Program recruiters themselves using the email from the website (wdw.college.recruiting(a)disney.com). I would think they would be able to accommodate your slight disability and certainly not turn you down because of it.

Also, would you all recommend going and meeting with your college advisor and coming up with a learning plan even before you interview?

That would be a good idea, esp. if you are still going to be in school after you finish the program.

Is it better to watch the presentation online and interview earlier as opposed to waiting until the recruiter comes?

Both presentations would be the same, I think. The advantage of the e-presentation is that you get to apply more quickly (and thus, hopefully hear back faster!). The advantage of waiting till the recruiter comes is that you can talk to the recruiter and ask them questions in person.

Would you all say that it is difficult to be accepted into the program?

A lot of people apply for this program, and many do get accepted. I would say that as long as you meet all of Disney's requirements (which are listed on the CP website), do not have a criminal background, and are enthusiastic in your interview, you have a fairly good chance.

Also, is it possible to save the money that you earn, or does it all go towards living expenses?

Yes, it is possible to save the money you earn!! It may be different for different people though. I had some money in my checking account before I arrived for my CP, so I did not "live off" my paycheck. I did spend some money on Disney merchandise (both in the parks, DTD, and at the cast member stores) though.....but it was all worth it!

I hope this helped, and welcome to the DIS, Jackie!

 

[Dee/Belle]

Just a side note to tack on to what Iris said, you can always do the e-presentation and have your interview then physically go to the presentation on your campus just to try it out and see. It's really not much different (I've been to the campus one twice just to watch and then I did the e-presentation this time when I actually applied) but it's always fun to see who else from your school is applying and meet your campus recruiters, etc. That would be my suggestion...Good luck!

 

[Disney_Jackie]

Thanks so much for your help! I'm going to contact the recruiters, and I'll see how that goes.
I'm so excited and nervous about all of this that I am having a hard time concentrating on my actual schoolwork

 

[CelticBelle]

good luck! Ive had the same problem concentrating lately!

 

[PrincessDreamer]

I want a really honest answer. How helpful is the CP on a resume? Do employers really respect it or is it just a minor factor? Does anyone have personal experience with this?

 

[Berlioz70]

I want a really honest answer. How helpful is the CP on a resume? Do employers really respect it or is it just a minor factor? Does anyone have personal experience with this?

It depends on your location and what else you've got listed on that resume. For example, it's not as impressive if you live in Florida - but if you live in the MidWest it is more helpful. If you have tons of other professional internships, it may not look as good in comparison - but if you only have part time jobs (like a pizza driver, which I did), then it will look good in comparison. It also depends on what types of jobs your looking for. If you want to be a performer and can say that you've given 40 min monologues on rides then great! If you applying to be an accountant and you say that you drove trams around, it may be harder to make the connection.

The great thing about resumes is that it's all about how you can spin things! However, having Disney on a resume does make for a great conversation starter for interviewers and helps to create a more personal connection that may set you apart from other applicants. The unique thing about Disney is that everyone knows it and has their own personal memories related to the company!

Not really a sure answer there, but hope it helps!

 

[PrincessDreamer]

It depends on your location and what else you've got listed on that resume. For example, it's not as impressive if you live in Florida - but if you live in the MidWest it is more helpful. If you have tons of other professional internships, it may not look as good in comparison - but if you only have part time jobs (like a pizza driver, which I did), then it will look good in comparison. It also depends on what types of jobs your looking for. If you want to be a performer and can say that you've given 40 min monologues on rides then great! If you applying to be an accountant and you say that you drove trams around, it may be harder to make the connection.

The great thing about resumes is that it's all about how you can spin things! However, having Disney on a resume does make for a great conversation starter for interviewers and helps to create a more personal connection that may set you apart from other applicants. The unique thing about Disney is that everyone knows it and has their own personal memories related to the company!

Not really a sure answer there, but hope it helps!

That is helpful- thanks!

 

[Joanna71985]

I want a really honest answer. How helpful is the CP on a resume? Do employers really respect it or is it just a minor factor? Does anyone have personal experience with this?

I'm not positive (as I have worked for nobody but Disney) but I am sure that it would help.

 

[impsythealmighty]

I thought of a few more questions:

I don't have a laptop - is there desk space for my desktop computer in the bedrooms?
How accurate are the Vista vs Chatham stereotypes (vista = party dorm, chatham = quieter)?
If I don't get a part as a character, will it hurt my chances of getting into the program since auditions aren't for a while and they may have filled up a lot of the spots already?

Thanks all!

 

[Berlioz70]

If I don't get a part as a character, will it hurt my chances of getting into the program since auditions aren't for a while and they may have filled up a lot of the spots already?

Well technically you don't know when auditions are ! A Rumor says they're going to all be in March - but I have no way of confirming that!!! However, I think it's hard to answer that question because last semester they had a huge increase of applicants so people who applied at the end did not have as many role options - but now they're building new housing so maybe they can accommodate more. Whose knows?

An alumni will probably jump on your other questions.

 

[er3465]

I thought of a few more questions:

I don't have a laptop - is there desk space for my desktop computer in the bedrooms?
How accurate are the Vista vs Chatham stereotypes (vista = party dorm, chatham = quieter)?
If I don't get a part as a character, will it hurt my chances of getting into the program since auditions aren't for a while and they may have filled up a lot of the spots already?

Thanks all!

I lived in Chatham and it was quiet, Vista (from my memories of visiting) was a little bit louder, but it is not bad. There is also new housing opening soon which is right next to Chatham, so you have a few options. I have a laptop, so my best guess is that I know in Chatham there was a little counter in the hall way that was built into the wall that you may be able to put your computer on. I would say to apply for the program as soon as possible, last term filled up rather quickly. If you get accepted and then audition that is fine! Good luck!

 

[Joanna71985]

I thought of a few more questions:

I don't have a laptop - is there desk space for my desktop computer in the bedrooms?
How accurate are the Vista vs Chatham stereotypes (vista = party dorm, chatham = quieter)?
If I don't get a part as a character, will it hurt my chances of getting into the program since auditions aren't for a while and they may have filled up a lot of the spots already?

Thanks all!

Yes, there is space for a desktop (at least there is in Chatham). And even if there isn't, Walmart sells pretty cheap desks that you could use (my roomie did that). Yes, Chatham is quieter then Vista (but Vista isn't horrible party-wise; it's just a little livelier). And finally- no, it won't hurt your chances. I auditioned back in 2006. My audition was March 30th. I didn't get performer, but did get in with my 2nd choice- character attendant.

 

[Sehsun]

Hi impsythealmighty!

Regarding the desktop question, I can't speak for the 2-BR and above. However, if you are planning on getting a 1-BR, it does not really have a good space for a desktop because the kitchen counter and the living room table are the only counters available in which you could set up a desktop - I am sure it can be done, though. I set my laptop on the kitchen counter, and my roommate was fine with that.

As for the stereotypes, it may depend on whom you ask. I lived in Chatham and thought it was very nice because I am not a party-er, and I like my quiet evenings.

I don't think it will hurt your chances of getting into the program - they should have plenty of roles available.

 

[impsythealmighty]

Thanks so much everyone! Your responses make me feel a lot better.

I'm not a partier either (but I am 21), so I was thinking I'd request a Wellness apartment if I couldn't get into Chatham, but if my roommates brought alcohol, would I get in trouble too or would I need to report them? I don't want to be a snitch, but I really want to do well and make a good impression while I'm there. =\

Is character attendant pretty hard to get? That was my second choice after character performer, and I'm hoping it's a good sign that my interviewer didn't even ask me about my other two choices (attractions and merchandise). It seems like a really fun job, so I assume it's pretty popular.

I'm hoping for a two or more bedroom apartment, I like being around people so lots of roommates could be fun. Plus it'll be nice to have space to put my enormous computer! How much control do you have over number of roommates and which building you're in? I have a friend who will hopefully be coming with me (hi jackie! ) and I'd really love to room with her. Do we just sign in at the same time or what?

Thanks again guys! You're all so helpful, I'm so excited to (hopefully) go this summer!