CollegeMom

The kind of information or opinions you seek are best gotten from current students, parents of students, or alumni. The next best source, though not as good, would be opinions of those who have visited or auditioned at the schools. Anyone else can only share factual information that can be gotten from websites and brochures but really are not able to give significant opinions with much to back them up. NYTheaterMom's child is not a student at these schools, nor do I believe she applied to them, so she was offering factual differences but left others who would be more in the know with first hand experiences to profer opinions. Hopefully, you can find some students or parents of students enrolled in these schools to speak to in order to get first hand opinions. Hopefully some are on this forum. Also, you can call the schools and ask if there are current students who can email or talk to your student. Visiting and meeting with those in the programs is also very beneficial.

Also, to clear up any confusion, Theatermom didn't post. NYTheaterMom did. Theatermom has a D who is a second year MT student at University of Michigan. NYTheaterMom has a D who was an applicant this year to BFA programs.

actorsdad

I generally agree with you, but I hate the term "best" when taalking about current students, parents of current students and alumni. They are the best for information about the program (factual info), but they are hardly impartial. (especially students and parents). I have yet to hear from a student or parent that didn't love their school's program. That's why all info is "best", as long as you remember the source and make your decision as whether the info is relevant or not.

CollegeMom

What I mean by "best" is that it is "better" ("best" is perhaps the wrong word) to talk to those IN the programs than to others who have simply read about the programs. And it is BETTER to talk to those in the programs than those who have simply visited. Talking with BOTH are of value, of course.

I very much agree that when talking to any of these people, it is important to consider the source, as well as acknowledge that each one will view a program from a personal perspective that you yourself may not share. I think all prospective students should talk to those in the programs but to be sure to talk to MORE THAN ONE student in a program in order to garner several views and vantage points as each student comes to the school from a different background, perspective, and personality. Their experience may not be yours, if you attend. However, it still helps to talk to those in the program.

I don't agree that everyone in a program loves their program. I have spoken to students in programs and some love it, some are lukewarm, some are maybe not so pleased about something or find it is not for them. Obviously, if you talk to the tour guide, you get the "cheerleader" for the school. But talking to many students is still quite helpful.

I think those on the outside can give INFORMATION about programs or what they like or not about them, but opinions about how good a program is tends to be more hearsay and not based on first hand experience. I read a lot of erroneous information right here on CC that some have about programs, and it is understandable as they do not have first hand knowledge of the programs.

I still believe that opinions about a program are more valid from those who are in the programs, or have visited at the least, than hearsay. Information itself, can be gotten from many sources, including those not affiliated with the program, as information is available in many forms. My feeling is that any student contemplating a college needs to go directly to the source (in addition to anyone else they talk to) such as current students, alum, and faculty/administration. Then judge accordingly if the college fits one's personal college criteria. What one outsider thinks about a school may not be close to what you yourself would think. Talking to anyone helps, but I maintain that conversing with those closest to the workings of a college are very important and more beneficial in the long run. I would not limit oneself to talking to outsiders, as they could never substitute for the real thing. They may help and I agree with you about considering the source, but I still think insiders are an important, if not better, source of opinion. Not every student loves their college. Even if they do, they can answer questions about each specific aspect that nobody on the outside could possibly know in the same way.

actorsdad

I guess we'll have to just agree to disagree. Of the 13 programs we visited, we got 13 "we love it here, it's the best" and no negative comments except for things like the food, the location and things you aleady knew. None of these students were the "cheerleaders", they were students in classes that my son sat in on. Many even said that it wasn't their top choice, but "thank got I went here". However, I completely agree that the current department heads and instructors are best able to give you insight into a program, as it will reflect their personality. The prospective students are good indicators, as they are being critical in determining which is the best fit for them. If you start hearing the same negative comments from several students, then sometimes the perception just may be the reality. However your point is well taken that you shouldn't take one source, no matter who, as your deciding factor. I've had heard comments that I have found to be totally false from program heads, instructors, parents, current students, prospective students, and casting agents, so you really have to be careful with subjective information you here from anybody. Best advice, research the facts and then go with your gut on how you feel the program fits you.

actingvictor

I finally got my letter yesterday. I'm in with the Conservatory award, I'm not sure yet where i'm going. It's between University of Hartford The Hartt School and Roosevelt.

BelleofNY

I got my letter the other day, I'm in as well. I'm also in at Webster...I'm having a hard time deciding. Any suggestions from anyone? They would be greatly appreciated!!

erinmichelle

i say roosevelt. the people there seemed more condusive to learning rather than competition unlike webster. but thats just my opinion