I understand that by more “academic” (when comparing NYU and BU) you mean that the kids can take more classes outside of the BFA curriculum. First, Lawstreet, your D will have to choose between the Acting BFA and the Theatre Arts BFA at the end of freshman year - she has been accepted into only the BFA at this point. The Theatre Arts BFA would allow her to take those extra “academic” classes if she so chooses. And as far as the level of “academic” goes, my son is in the Acting BFA and he has TONS of writing and homework to do that is squeezed into a full day of classes and a full evening of rehearsal and/or tech. I just didn’t want you to think that BU is easy - LOL!
Sorry if I gave that impression! I know that BU is a very challenging school- and a most excellent program, D was thrilled to be accepted there.
Lawstreet, congratulations on your D’s options so far. My suggestion, if she hasn’t already done so, is to familiarize herself with the various studios at Tisch, so that she is prepared once a decision does arrive as to whether or not that studio is one she’d consider. I know that they don’t do it anymore but when my D applied/auditioned, students were able to indicate a particular studio that they wanted. There was only one that she was interested in, after much research, attending classes, speaking to past and current students and faculty. It’s where she ended up and she loved her time there. As far as the academics go, it is entirely possible to do this at Tisch with the second major being in the College of Arts and Science. My D did this, as did several of her studio-mates.