<p>I’ve noticed traffic to the CC MT pages slowing down now that many/most of the decision letters are in. Wondered if parents/kids are trying to make their decisions as we are.</p>
<p>We are finding it difficult to make a decision between programs. It seems like now we’re really going through the programs carefully and noticing the vast differences – these differences didn’t seem so vast until now. It feels like the decision might make or break one’s success or shot at MT though I know this is not really true.</p>
<p>Thought I would ask people to weigh in with any good advice or thoughts at this step of the process. </p>
<p>In our case, we are talking to as many people as possible to get advice on which program to choose … teachers, former students, current students and the like. We are going back to one school for an admitted students day next week.</p>
<p>How’s it going for parents and students who are trying to decide?</p>
<p>If the practical logistics make it feasible, once you narrow it down to the top 2 schools, arrange to sit in on classes. There comes a point in the process where you can differentiate only so much between schools on paper or based on what others tell you. Sitting in on classes enables a student to get a much more personalized sense of that elusive notion of “fit”. When you think about the cost of even 1 year’s tuition, the expense of traveling to sit in on classes may be a worthwhile investment. If you can’t visit again, try making up a chart comparing the top contenders side by side. Also found that to be a helpful tool.</p>
<p>Great idea by MichaelNKat. I’m a very analytic person and love the chart idea, which I have done with pluses and minuses (weighted for importance). But also be alert- sometimes after tabulating the results, you may have a reaction to those, indicating which way you are truly leaning. If it shows you that School A is the calculated choice and you realize you wanted it to say School B, don’t ignore that intuitive pull. Good luck!</p>
<p>While gathering as much information as possible, there can be a problem with the above. First, some people’s ideas may be based on old information - has there been a shift in faculty in recent years? (This could be good or bad - or just different) Is there a perceived reputation based on a long history, where some other, newer schools are fast developing a reputation of their own? People can give you insights into their program, but can’t really compare it fairly to others.</p>
<p>And, I guess my biggest caution of throwing out too wide a net - do any of these people know your child? I know of a mother who, when faced with a broad array of schools to select from, was getting advice from hundreds of people, in person and online. The major difficulty with this was that she was weighting it all equally - the PM from another CC parent whose child was also going through the audition process, vs. the head of a prestigious BFA acting program who actually knew her daughter - each was as valuable in her mind.</p>
<p>I second the motion if at ALL possible to try to narrow it down to 2, then visit. I know 2 students who auditioned this year on-campus for the same school - one came away thinking it would be the last place on earth she would want to spend 4 years of her life, the other fell so in love with it that she can think of no better place to be. as ncdewey said - don’t ignore that intuitive pull!</p>
<p>MusThCC,
Well said!! Your comments are right on the $$$.<br>
As a perfect example, my D decided on her school by “fit” for so many personal reasons. Others had questioned her as to why she would choose this school as she had other choices that they would have decided upon in a heartbeat. None of it made sense to anyone, but herself. She now looks back to last year, and states that she could not see herself anywhere else.
Yes, so lesson learned…“don’t ignore that intuitive pull.”</p>
<p>MusTheCC & Mainstage - could not agree with you more! Definitely do not ignore that “gutt feel” and don’t decide to go somewhere, just because someone told you so.</p>
<p>My son has applied for design/tech at schools that are all very different. One school is a state university that concerned me because of its large size. I emailed one of the professors some questions and was pleasantly surprised at his prompt, thoughtful and thorough response. Not only was the information helpful, but his response helped alleviate worries that the school and program were too big and impersonal. I have not heard back yet from an email I sent to someone at a smaller school. I know there are many reasons people can not always answer emails promptly, but this experience put a big “+” in the column for the state school.</p>
<p>When we set up a chart comparing schools, it was not simply a metrics based ranking of different criteria. We left space for comments and subjective impressions. The “numbers” are no substitute for more detailed descriptions of what you liked or disliked or why you scored a criteria the way you did. It was funny though; at the very end, as with Mainstage’s D, all the charts went by the wayside, all the analytical process was tossed out the window. My daughter made her final decision based on feel, intuition, sense of fit - whatever you want to call it. Having the opportunity to sit in on classes after the acceptances were in gave substance to her gut feelings, however. </p>
<p>I also agree very much with MusThCC’s comments about putting too much reliance on what others have to say. In our case, many people thought we were nuts to give our daughter the latitude to to pick a BFA program at an “arts” university instead of choosing to attend one within a more traditional academic university structure. Now, almost at the end of her first year, my daughter, in looking back, has absolutely no doubt that the choice she made was the right one - nor do we.</p>
<p>Speaking from my experience last year, my D had a “pull” towards a certain college, a little offbeat but excellent. Got less $$ there…and went to the big name college that offered more $$. She is not particularly happy there - not completely unhappy and could stay, but chose to pursue transferring to the one that she felt drawn to in the first place. Her year has not been a loss…she has met great people and had some excellent experiences. She just knows that this is not the <em>best</em> fit for her…it could be better. I trust her judgement and we are waiting to hear on her transfer acceptance…or not. I think intuition and that “gut feel” speak volumes.</p>
<p>Haven’t been on CC for 6 days because yes we are in deciding mode. S is in agony trying to make a decision. We are revisiting colleges - last weekend cost over $800 for one visit - Yikes!! S is very specific about what he needs and wants. I have decided no one college can give him exactly that as they would need to double the courses offered. He wants Juilliard quality acting and CCM quality voice and dance. The schools that are heavy acting, of course, can’t fit in heavy, heavy voice and dance, too, and vice versa. Mom trying to stay out of it. Hoping he gets a “gut feel” after he makes his last visit. He has to decide soon. Meanwhile, the acid is eating a hole in MY stomach.</p>
<p>Newbie - I have lived in No. Calif, spent a lot of time So. Calif, had relatives in Oregon, lived in Denver, worked in a corporation of nothing but NYers and live in Kansas. While you can say “people are people” it’s more true that “birds of a feather flock together”. We saw it at the different campuses and at the auditions we attended. There were different types that gravitated to different places and different schools. </p>
<p>I think this is reflected in the posts in this thread. Kids feel most comfortable being around others that are like them. I think all the things you are doing are great but also caution about listening to others that either state they are happy or disappointed where they are - it could just be THEY aren’t a fit for that place where it could be a perfect fit for your child. I know my D liked some of the curriculum better at one school over another. FA also played a part. But I think at the top of the list has to be this social consideration of what feels like ‘home’ for the next 4 yrs.</p>