<p>In terms of teaching on the college level… unless you choose to go the PhD/ publish route, you will need to obtain an MFA in order to secure a tenured track, full-time teaching position at most universities (there are some exceptions – schools that will consider SIGNIFICANT professional experience in lieu of a “terminal” degree). </p>
<p>College teachers who go the MFA route often will have a fair amount of professional experience before and/ or after pursuing their MFA. </p>
<p>Inb terms of the BA or BFA… no two degrees are made alike… it is important to think about the kind of educational experience you would like in undergrad and to look for schools that will offer than experience. Depending on what you are looking for you may find that you have a combination of BA and BFA schools on your list. Is it important to you to also take general education classes outside of your major? If so, you will want to look for BFA program that require/ allow you to take classes in other academic areas, and BA programs that offer strong training within the liberal arts context.</p>
<p>Katie, D just finished her first year in Atlantic at Tisch. She is from a very slow-paced suburban environment in another area of the country. Her first visit was when she was 14. Did a college tour beginning of senior year, mainly to see if she wanted to apply ED to NYU. Liked CMU, intensely disliked Ithaca and Syracuse - too remote, isolated, small town for her tastes. When we got to NYC, wow! Her eyes lit up, she could feel the energy of the city and anyone could tell, this was IT! Loves NYU and NYC and her studio. I swear, she only comes back home because of the dog.</p>
<p>If you visit NYC with someone who’s scared of the city, their anxiety may very well transfer to you. (MIL is still freaked that D’s in NYC; only remembers the stories from the '60s.) Be sure to visit with someone who knows and loves the city.</p>
<p>What is your ultimate goal?
Are you (and your parents) willing to see it through to the end?</p>
<p>I found one common denominator at the selective BFA MT schools. The students are willing to eat, sleep, drink and eat MT 24 hours a day. Even if it means missing some of the fun things to do on campus (partying). This is not to say MT kids don’t have fun, it just means they are very disciplined and choose wisely where and when they decide to let loose.</p>
<p>I think if you start with your ultimate goal you will find the correct path to take.</p>