<p>tb32eagle, it’s really good that you are talking to people about college programs. But as soozievt and jenny said, it is important to include among those to whom you speak people who have had experience with the program you are interested in, such as current and former students, teachers, administrators and industry professionals, if you have access to those. </p>
<p>My D went through the audition process last year and one thing we found that was not particularly useful, though, was talking to kids in one program about another program. In other words (and I am making this example up), it really isn’t useful to talk to, say, kids at CCM about Michigan or the kids at FSU about Elon, though you will find no shortage of kids who are not at a program who want very badly to tell you what’s wrong with the program you are asking about! (You will also find plentiful college reps at each school who will tell you that THEIR program doesn’t produce “cookie cutter” performers like the others do. You might amuse yourself counting how many times you hear that!:))</p>
<p>But only the students currently in the program and those who were in it at one time can really tell you what it’s like. You will be surprised at how honest students are, too: they will tell you what’s good and what they think is not so good. Then you can weigh all the factors and make your decision. Best of luck!</p>
<p>In the name of full disclosure, my D chose to go to NYU/Tisch/CAP21 and is heading there tomorrow, in fact. She is very excited. She was fortunate enough to have choices of several really good programs and chose Tisch.</p>