@Undercovermom1 @thedancermom I think both are excellent programs… my DD enjoys the city but also loves the outdoors and found the SUNY campus to be in a really beautiful location. The campus itself nor the collegiate side of Purchase may be as impressive seeming as NYU, but because her priority is to be a dancer in a modern/contemporary company she’s really interested in the BFA ballet/modern curriculum, Purchase Dance Company opportunities early on, and the possibility of studying abroad with another dance institution overseas as part of their exchange program. I believe there are great choreographic opportunities at both. Most of her mentors are pushing her towards Purchase, which is persuasive as many of them have already danced in companies and she desires a similar path. NYU is such a cool environment overall and kinda has it all but she also keeps hearing about Purchase’s reputation as one of the stronger dance programs and the workability of their dancers when they graduate. She attended Juilliard’s summer program and loved that style curriculum, Purchase’s ballet/modern focus and curriculum is very similar with the added option of being able to take additional academic courses that could transfer to later academic pursuits (Tisch obviously offering great academics as part of their environment). I just don’t think you can go wrong with either, just depends on what type of experience you are wanting. I don’t think what matters is necessarily the school you go to as long as you’re attending a strong program and one that suits your needs and goals… it’s really what you make of it while you’re there. As a friend once told me, there are low and mediocre outcomes for graduates from the programs people consider top-notch and there are extraordinary outcomes from smaller programs that don’t have the “name”… so a name doesn’t do the work for you. I think in the end they all end up at the right fit for them… Congrats @thedancermom for having made a decision! I envy that! LOL!!! Like someone said above, it’s not a bad situation to have options, although a difficult one.
@Undercovermom1I feel you! It’s so hard to still be weighing options for sure! Although it has given mine some time to really reflect on and realize what might be exactly what she needs and is meant for. Good luck to you and let us know where you end up!! I’m ready to have closure on this process haha… If she gets off the waitlist at Juilliard that will really throw a wrench into things.