Ok this is weird but I am basically in the same situation as @cgmt in terms of choosing between Pace and NYU. I have been accepted into and love both but I can’t decide. I am very interested in a breadth of things including acting and directing. This is a general post to anyone with input on which to choose but also a specific question to @cgmt. What did you decide to do and are you happy with your decision? Thank you!
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That poster has not been on CC since 2024.
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Which programs were you accepted into?
Im accepted into BFA Performance Making at Pace and I am not sure what studio yet at Pace
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Congrats! Two amazing acceptances! If they are the same price then go with what feels better to you.
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It’s May 6. Do these colleges not have the May 1 deadline for choosing?
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What is the COA for each program ?
Are both programs affordable for you without taking out any student loans or other debt ?
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This. Did OP get off a waitlist, perhaps?
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My next door neighbor had the same choice for theater, chose Pace due to cost (I think it was a big difference). She’s 35 and a working actor.
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My decision day is May 15th. I am a transfer student so even though the
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Hi Everyone! Thank you so much for taking the time to read this!
I am really hoping to get some insight, as my transfer decision day is rapidly approaching this week. I am looking to purse a BFA in acting, however I would love if there was the option to specialize in directing, make the switch to or get equal training in both. I am also interested in musical theatre, learning more about film and doing a study abroad.
I am aware that everyone has a different story, but I feel I have an unusual number of factors at play here. I am disabled (genetic conditions most simply explained as a seizure/migraine variant). Due to this, I took a circuitous path in life and will also be entering as transfer. I have my Associates in Fine Arts (in theatre) from a local community college in a different state, and although both of these programs ask me to start over, I am prepared to do so to get the training I want and did not receive at community college.
I am also quite the academic and have had to continuously advocate for myself to be able to do theatre as my test scores/ other interests indicate to my parents that I could do well in a more lucrative, stable field. However theatre is what makes me want to get out of bed in the morning, which with a chronic illness is a behemoth task most days.
Pace’s Performance Making BFA is an intimate new program that trains you for the first two years in both Directing and Acting before you decide what to specialize in during a semester abroad in Junior year. They also have an excellent film department and I’ve heard good things about their disability services.
NYU is a a massively respected school but also just a massive school which is a double edged sword in terms of all of the opportunities they offer. I don’t know what program I would be accepted to as they use the studio system, however I highly suspect it would be either Playmakers or Atlantic. I would do the studio training for the first two years before having access to NYU’s huge ecosystem with the opportunity to take many classes including mt, film and directing, as well as intern, study abroad etc. I have heard mixed things about their disability services.
I have a wide array of interests, but only so much energy and time in a day so I guess anyone who has any thoughts, informed or otherwise would be welcome to share them here. Especially if they have thoughts on being a transfer, disability or anything at all!
Thank you!
Is affordability an issue ?
Yes and no I’m lucky enough to have a college fund but I it may not be able to cover all of NYU or I couldn’t use it if I wanted to get an MFA in the future.
That should be a consideration. The other thing you noted was that at Pace you have time to figure which direction where to go. That’s a good thing.
I went to a monster in my desired field. At least 90% didn’t make it I’m guessing. I had that discussion with a college friend last week. - broadcast journalism.
Tons go to less reputed and have done very well.
Yes NYU is a monster but doesn’t mean it’s the right choice.
Good luck
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