<p>O C’mon NMR. I find them amusing as we have the same discussion every year and the conclusion is always the same-it is about that mysterious fit. The concept that a program and its components just feels right for your kid and they seem to know it the minute they set foot on campus. I know that your D felt it and so did my S. There were schools on that list that may be acclaimed but he would have been miserable there.</p>
<p>Yes, jacksdad, but that (fit) was not what the original poster was asking about. :)</p>
<p>The original poster wanted to know how to rate the various programs, and he or she <em>must</em> have been talking about quality of training and rep, because fit is a very, very individual thing, is it not? </p>
<p>Had the original poster said “I would be interested in hearing how people who had multiple acceptances last year decided on the program at which they are now training and why,” well, that would be a much better and more useful question, imo. In answering that question, kids and parents could discuss everything from hours of classroom contact with faculty and overall reputation in the industry and the community to the cost of tuition and scholarships and financial aid offered to the role of academics (if any) at their program. </p>
<p>But just saying “How would you rate these programs?” is, in my view, not only an exercise in futility but also impossible to do with any degree of accuracy. </p>
<p>The bottom line is that very few kids (no matter how talented) are admitted to every single program at which they audition. Some are luckier than others and have multiple acceptances, and some are just as talented but less lucky and only are accepted at one place. </p>
<p>So, in the end, the place that accepts you and that you feel you can afford and thrive at is the “top rated school” for you.</p>
<p>Kitkat - by now you see that thoughtful folks don’t get into “rating” schools. I would like to add that you have a list with mostly outstanding programs listed. That being said, you should rate these programs - for yourself - based on what you are looking for in terms of program emphasis, type of campus (or lack thereof), campus setting, geographic location, size of program, and so on. Your preferences in these areas are your own - so the ranking would also be unique onto your self. God fortune to you as you begin your adventure!</p>
<p>Kitkat - by now you see that thoughtful folks don’t get into “rating” schools. I would like to add that you have a list with mostly outstanding programs listed. That being said, you should rate these programs - for yourself - based on what you are looking for in terms of program emphasis, type of campus (or lack thereof), campus setting, geographic location, size of program, and so on. Your preferences in these areas are your own - so the ranking would also be unique onto your self. God fortune to you as you begin your adventure!</p>
<p>mtdog71, I think your post was meant to have been directed at the OP, I was simply posting my opinion of the specific schools based on merely reputation. I definitely agree that it’s silly to try and rank these programs because everyone’s list will be different, but I do think it’s fun to see what everyone else’s opionion is. Great advice though! :)</p>
<p>Yeap - you are right, I was scanning things too quickly.</p>
<p>Come on everyone admit it we like other peoples opinion’s so we can find out if the school yourself or your child got into or want’s to get into is top of everyone’s list so we can validate our or our kids talent. My reply is all in fun so don’t get me wrong, but it is kinda like a brag board!</p>