Modeling schools are an American institution, as American as apple pie.  Controversy and stigma have always raged around modeling schools, and in some cases the high-voltage media criticism that follows is deserved.To begin with, the modeling school concept is misunderstood. I feel that if the word “modeling” were taken out of the title and replaced with the words “training center,” or “self-improvement center,” the misunderstanding would be, to a large extent, cleared up. Most schools, whether they are part of the corporate franchise networks such as John Robert Powers and Barbizon International, Inc., or whether they are independent, emphasize strongly that their focus is on self-improvement and personal development. Discovering the next super model or great actor is not their goal. However, the staggering increase every year in the number of young men and women who are bound and determined to pursue a modeling or acting career has been the reason most schools have added divisions to cover that factor. Most of the better schools DO NOT have an agency attached to their school, nor do they want this. They work with professional agencies in high visibility cities that are well known to have casting directors and talent agencies, such as Los Angeles , Milan , Paris and New York .

Is it necessary to attend a modeling school to become an actor or a model? The answer is “No.” Will a modeling school help fears and doubts and disappointments associated with these careers and provide a stepping-stone in the right direction? The answer is a resounding “Yes.” We have all heard of the overnight success stories. They happen. However, we rarely hear of the unhappiness and insecurity experienced by a few of these who become overnight sensations. These problems occur because the young men and women are completely unprepared for their sudden fame and fortune. This is where a modeling school can be of immeasurable value. Education is the key to success.

There are rogues and self-styled experts in every business, and con artists can be so convincing. Young people are easy targets, and the internet multiplies the risks. Never before in civilization has good and evil traveled so quickly. The web can be extremely dangerous for eager young people who think that, by using the nternet, they can gain immediate success. Perhaps a few can, but more often scams are involved, because if something sounds too good to be true, it generally is. The solution? Don't answer advertisements without first consulting with your parents, who should check out all the details. And NEVER fall for the high priced "portfolios" or "comp cards". And never go to HOTEL cattlecalls.