<p>rossji, my D is a sophomore at Tisch (not in Cap21) but I do know that she has friends who are MT majors who are minoring thru CAS. She’s double majoring herself, so it can be done, if you get your advisor’s permission. I’m not sure who told you about a 45 minute ride to a studio but I don’t think it would take you 45 minutes to get from one end of Manhattan to the other on the subway! Freshman year, my D often walked to and from her studio with other friends and it was a 25 minute walk door to door, a little more than if she’d taken the subway. What you have to remember is that the subway isn’t necessarily going to be found right outside the dorm, so the total commute will be more than the subway ride but still doubtful it’s 45 minutes. They do have to get used to commuting, though, it’s a fact of life for Tischies for all four years, three days a week. And don’t forget the cost! 
I believe Cap is on W. 18th so the Union Square dorms are probably the closest. You should really check the Housing site in addition to a map of lower Manhattan and see which is best. There are other considerations for a dorm, too, though, so it’s best to go through the features and see if the one which is closest has what your D wants in a dorm.</p>