Freshman S would settle for nothing that wasn’t a BFA experience. He was accepted into MT BFA program at fairly rigorous school, but received full scholarship at less rigorous school. It was a no-brainer for our family. Graduating debt-free with excellent MT-related training was too good a deal to pass up. Does S miss being in a more “intellectual” environment? So far he’s been too tired to think about it. Does he have time to hit the practice studios, gym work-outs and participate in student-run productions? Yes. And who says paying for college credit is the ONLY acceptable way to learn? Libraries, internet, internships, and life experience are all full of valuable learning opportunities. Smart kids will seek out challenges and intriguing ideas regardless of how academically selective the school is.