<p>I've cried for a week straight, so it's time to move on. I've been accepted to Bates and UIowa each with about the same amount of money. I want to have a very good education in a good environment. At the same time, though, my interests lie in music, theatre, and playwriting. Prestige matters a lot to me, but so does getting the most from my education. Quality of life matters to me, but so does strength of programs.</p>
<p>Hmm they are both good choices, but much different places. What kind of life to you want to live for the next 4 years, the Big 10 experience or a small LAC. Maine or Iowa? How much is money a factor? etc etc</p>
<p>The thing is, I see pros and cons to small LAC and to Big 10. I’m scared of both!
I prefer Maine to Iowa, but I prefer Iowa City to Lewiston.
Money is about the same at both right now.</p>
<p>Yes, Bates has the reputation. I love that! I’m just concerned that reputation won’t make up for inferior programs in the creative and performing arts.</p>
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<li><p>Bates has a theater program so there is surely some of what you are looking for available.</p></li>
<li><p>There’s no better training for the creative and performing arts (especially playwriting) than a great liberal arts education. You don’t need an undergrad degree in playwriting (save that for grad school MFA, if your interests remain). What would be far more valuable is an understanding of history, philosophy, literature, classics, sociology which can inform your art down the road. A solid liberal arts education would be the foundation. Also the focus on producing students who can write well, think critically and creatively that great LACs like Bates (as well as Amherst, Bowdoin, Bryn Mawr, Carelton, Grinnell, Haverford, Kenyon, Macalester, Oberlin, Pomona, Smith, Swarthmore, Wellesley, Weselyan, Williams, etc.) are so well-known would be invaluable for your current interests (and other interests that may develop). </p></li>
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<p>I’m sorry you were disappointed, but Bates is an excellent institution. They produce wonderful, impressive students. It’s a gem.</p>
<p>I’d vote for U of Iowa because of the theater facilities. BUT you need to check out just exactly what is happening with them. I understand that Hancher was one of the buildings damaged by the floods in 2008, so some of the performance spaces may be under renovation right now.</p>
<p>You can get a great LAC equivalent experience at Iowa if you choose your major and your coursework well.</p>