<p>Thanks for being so honest and open in your posts. You have a ton going for you, and I have high hopes!</p>
<p>Regarding the scholarships: I still think you should talk to your parents. Do they mean you should try to get scholarships that would be the equivalent of the HOPE deal? That’s a tough order, but understandable. It’s really important that you guys talk really directly about what you can afford. We’ve seen so many kids who think they’ve gotten enough scholarships only to find out that they and their parents haven’t been on the same page. You certainly can apply and see what you get - financial aid is notoriously difficult to predict - but at least you would know and agree on what will work and what won’t.</p>
<p>Are those the only schools you have researched? And those are really, really different schools. I guess using a cost filter (based on what I’ve read here) I’d suggest these others:</p>
<p>Point Park University (Pittsburgh)
Adelphi University (massive merit scholarships for kids with your grades)
Montclair State University
SUNY Purchase (these last 3 are outside of NYC, with easy access)
Temple University (non-auditioned BA, excellent program, public U in Philadelphia)
Hartt School/University of Hartford
University of Rhode Island (non-auditioned BFA safety with good merit aid; short train ride to Providence, also access to Boston and NYC)
Pace University
Eugene Lang/The New School (last two are in NYC, not quite so sure of their merit aid, but great theatre programs)</p>
<p>Others I’m sure will chime in with more. I’d also look at Coastal Carolina University. They have great merit aid, and a wonderful program, although they are not exactly in the location you say you desire.</p>