<p>I'm making a list of colleges to apply to in the fall and need some help.</p>
<p>I love acting and definitely want to major in it - specifically a BFA programme rather than a BA as I hope to have a career in acting and feel that the intensity will help me to better prepare for the future. Also BA programmes are usually less competitive to get into and are looked down upon by casting directors who favour the BFA. However I am also academically talented and consistently achieve the highest grades and actually like to study. So I'm searching for a university that's highly ranked both academically and is also renowned for its acting programme. </p>
<p>I have looked at conservatory-style programmes, for example Carnegie Mellon and SUNY Purchase, but neither leave enough time for general studies and I would like to take a minor in a different field such as business studies, creative writing or philosophy along with my BFA in acting as I am also interested in these areas. </p>
<p>If possible I would like the programme to include some form of screen acting as my true passion is acting for the camera as supposed to theatre. </p>
<p>So far the only university I can seem to find that fits all of my criteria is NYU Tisch - which is my first choice as it is located in New York City (my favourite place in all of America). I've heard that the programme is extremely selective so I need to apply to several other universities in addition. </p>
<p>I would prefer to study in New York but am willing to look at different states providing the university is a good fit - although there are some places that I would not choose to study in such as Texas, Ohio, California and Los Angeles (personal preference - I don't mean to offend anybody!). </p>
<p>Before anyone suggests Boston University, it does not offer financial aid to international students and, although I am originally from the US, I am now a British Citizen. My family are not extremely wealthy but we can afford $40,000 a year without difficulty (including housing etc.). But I am still going to apply for more expensive universities that do offer financial aid, so please suggest any universities that sound good for me and not just ones that are within my budget.</p>
<p>I know you said you don’t want a BA, but perhaps you should consider Fordham Lincoln Center’s theater program. It is a BA program but the theater major is highly competitive/audition required and from what I understand is quite well respected.</p>
<p>I have heard of Fordham’s programme but I thought that it was only for Catholics (or the majority of students are Catholic anyway) and as I am Jewish and quite religious that could be a problem. Do you know if there are other Jewish students there and how many?</p>
<p>Fordham is a Jesuit college affiliated with the Catholic church. But by no means is the school only for Catholics. The Jesuits mission is to educate, not to push religion on people. The school does have a core curriculum which includes 2 theology and 2 philosophy classes. The Lincoln Center campus (where the theater program located) is known to be quite liberal and diverse. Here is the website for the theater program. [Fordham</a> University Theatre Program](<a href=“http://www.fordham.edu/academics/programs_at_fordham_/theatre_department/]Fordham”>http://www.fordham.edu/academics/programs_at_fordham_/theatre_department/) </p>
<p>My son graduated from Fordham- Rose Hill campus a couple of years ago and while I"m sure there was a higher percentage of Catholics than at some other colleges, he had friends who were Jewish/Muslim/Atheist and they were all happy at Fordham. I would suggest that it is worth a visit to Fordham to see if you are comfortable there.</p>
<p>I have heard that NYU offers terrible financial aid but unlike BU they do offer aid to international students. Whether or not I’m likely to get the aid is a different question…</p>
<p>I’m sorry to inform you, but if you have the money to pay $40,000 cash a year, then you will not be qualifying for any aid. Being international just makes it ten times more obvious.</p>
<p>You should really post your question on the Theater/Drama Major forum (here: [Theater/Drama</a> Majors - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/theater-drama-majors/]Theater/Drama”>Theater/Drama Majors - College Confidential Forums))
And while there you might want to focus on whether how feasible is is to do a minor while in a BFA program at various schools, given their heavy time commitment. I think you should also ask whether it’s true that “casting directors…favor the BFA.” I think you’ll get a lot of feedback on that one. Finally, be aware that the audition will be key to acceptance into any BFA program (and some BA programs), and audition prep should an immediate priority. (Lots more on that subject on the other forum.)</p>