crossroadsmom, I am interested that your D detected tension at her NYU audition and am sorry to hear that. My D and a number of her friends all reported that their auditions at NYU were among the most pleasant they had, as each and every student was interviewed. Even the students who did not get in (and two of the four kids from her school who auditioned were not offered places in the Class of 2012) came out feeling that the auditor had taken a very personal interest in them. In fact, I daresay that the audition was so pleasant that these kids were kind of surprised that they didn't get in!
Also, in regards to your D and Fordham versus Skidmore. If this were my own kid and she was determined to be a theater major, I think I would have to strongly suggest she choose Skidmore, for the simple reason that she would get to major in theater there without having to compete with kids who did get into the by-audition program. I would fear (justified or not) that my daughter would feel like a secondclass theater citizen (if that makes sense) at Fordham. In the end, though, only your D can decide. She cannot lose either way: good choices to have. Good luck!