@Sammy8028 - yes it’s the same school. I think it’s exciting how the school plucked someone from their “apply next year” list (not a true rejection). They clearly pick their class carefully. I wonder if something unexpected happened to an upperclassman causing them to unexpectedly need that particular type.
@Sammy8028 and if you are curious. I just wanted to share about a bit UNCSA acceptances. My heart broke for the family whose offer was made in error, but I just want to clarify that it was from the Design and Production school, not the Drama program. It’s still heartbreaking. But the drama program acceptances are personal phone calls from the recruitment director and would never ever be in error. This is the person who auditioned the students. In addition, as I understand it, the rejection letters that include “please audition again next year” that went out late, were essentially the alternate wait list. This year they lost four to Juilliard. UNCSA takes great care in selecting the class, they seemed to identify talent that was in high demand.
Be wary of one anecdote (one person’s story)!
I have found these boards to be full of wonderful information. However, I always “get” and appreciate that one anecdote does not a school make. Read everything, then go kick the tires yourselves. Ask questions on the board but also in private and in the real world. I have had great luck in establishing private discussions (PM) to dive deeper regarding any program we are seriously researching or considering. Most everyone in this community is well meaning, for which I have been very grateful!
I agree @FourStars. I am also wary of posts about what people have heard second hand or what they have perceived about a program with no actual knowledge. There are also some “sour grapes” postings/posters. Deeper research is almost always warranted. I did find the UNCSA Design and Production error heartbreaking but assumed it was an anomaly.
Wait, am I misremembering? I thought the person had gotten a phone call for acceptance, that is part of what made it so heartbreaking when they called back and said it was a mistake. It just all seems so non transparent
I do agree that it seems like there are certain people who have grudges against particular programs, but then, they are all so different, aren’t they?
Has anyone heard of any movement on the Syracuse Acting WL?
@Sammy8028 the tech student got a letter of acceptance. Not a phone call. Don’t know that dept’s regular process. It was a terrible error and they fixed it. Still unacceptable. But NOT the norm for uncsa or any school that i know of.
Drama kids get phone calls.
As for drama calling someone not officially on WL -the WL is short. And it may not have included the right fit for an opening that came up as the class started forming with kids accepting or declining. Not usual for them but how amazing for this student!
Two totally different departments and scenarios. Both unusual.
I guess it just goes to show that it ain’t over til it’s over
I met the Tech Student/Parent who experienced this mishap at UNCSA recently, She is feeling just fine after this mishap and the school has attempted to right their error. I think they are still keeping this school on their list and they also have some other great choices. Hope to hear about their choice soon.
I agree with @FourStars and @artskids everyone will have a different experience everywhere. You have to find your fit and be true to you when it comes to the program and what it is you’re looking for.
This includes the program, location, price, faculty, curriculum. Most of us are proud that our kids have some great choices and of course we will all be partial. If you hang out with us enough, you’ll think we’re the spokesperson for the school because we’re excited with what our child’s personal school has to offer. You have to just find what fits you. do your research. Visit if you can and look outside of CC as well. This includes Public reviews… Niche
I am sure this is an unpopular opinion but I think some of the parents on CC are so partial to their kids’ schools that they drown out honest commentary. Just because your kid is/was happy and successful doesn’t mean someone else can’t honestly and legitimately find things to criticize in that one program. I have seen parents leap to the defence of one school or another (and it’s not just one parent or one program) at the slightest hint of negativity on anyone’s part towards that school. Some long-time posters are almost repressive towards new voices. I think people should chill. CC should be for the primary benefit of the new families and students which means their viewpoints should be respected. Yes, it’s valuable to add your experience but it shouldn’t be taken personally if someone else’s fresh perspective disagrees with yours. No school is perfect, everyone’s experience is different (YMMV) and no school doesn’t have some downsides. My 2 cents.
I have to commit to theatre at Cal state Northridge or Cal state Long Beach by May 1. I feel like CSULB is the better school but CSUN could have a better program. (I am Wait listed at NYU and LMU where I’d rather attend) If anyone has any info about the theatre programs at either school it would mean a lot as I have no clue what to do
@CaMom13 - I actually like hearing from the parents whose kids go to the school. Sure the opinions tend to be positive, but I liken that to the tour guide you get at every school visit (they tend to do EVERYTHING at the school). Then I’m free to think about whether my kid’s personality will equally jive. It might not, and IF my kid has choices, we might go another way- but better to at least hear about what makes the school great.
I have seen folks ask about problems, etc, and get PMed regarding those. I think that’s fair. Many times a problem isn’t only the schools fault and folks are reluctant to tarnish a schools reputation just because of one experience- particularly if it’s not representative.
It’s not the positive opinions I mind at all @momofj5 - it’s the repression of criticism. People have a right to say “I saw a performance there I didn’t like”, “I’ve seen graduates from this program who were weak”, “Some of the students seemed poorly trained”. Those are legitimate and honest opinions but BOY - the response they get here! It’s like you called their baby ugly! Seriously - it’s a school, it’s not your child they are criticizing. Praise a program all you want but let people offer up their own experiences without needing to shut them down.
congratulations @angelaxoxo I haven’t seen a post on either school you’re inquiring about. Hoping someone can chime in
@angelaxoxo - I responded on your original thread. I know people who attended both schools for similar programs but neither were pursing a BA in Drama. If you can tell me what you’re interested in studying beyond “Drama” - is it musical theater, film, straight acting, tech, education…? I might be able to provide some feedback. I can certainly ask around.
@CaMom13 - you make an excellent point. And I may or may not be one of the people you feel are repressing other’s views. If so, I want to apologize - my purpose has only every been to explain my child’s school which operates very differently from others. But I must say- in the last week, I have seen students from 2 different schools in two different threads referred to as “mediocre”. (and yes, one was my kid’s school, and yes, I responded) To ME - that is not fresh perspective, or pointing out positives and negatives - which ALL SCHOOLS HAVE - as you point out. To ME, that is disparagement, and I don’t think anyone should have to take that in their stride. As you say YMMV
I met the Tech Student/Parent who experienced this mishap at UNCSA recently, She is feeling just fine after this mishap and the school has attempted to right their error. I think they are still keeping this school on their list and they also have some other great choices. Hope to hear about their choice soon.
I agree with @FourStars and @artskids everyone will have a different experience everywhere. You have to find your fit and be true to you when it comes to the program and what it is you’re looking for.
This includes the program, location, price, faculty, curriculum. Most of us are proud that our kids have some great choices and of course we will all be partial. If you hang out with us enough, you’ll think we’re the spokesperson for the school because we’re excited with what our child’s personal school has to offer. You have to just find what fits you. do your research. Visit if you can and look outside of CC as well. This includes Public reviews… Niche.com
@CaMom13 - I actually totally agree with your point, and it almost prevented me from making my post to correct some misinformation about UNCSA admissions because I did not want to sound defensive. However, I proceeded, with caution, because I felt there were two specific factual inaccuracies to address.
I then attempted to broach the “please don’t generalize a whole school based on one piece of anecdotal evidence.”
Chiming in here on the “who’s program is better” discussion @CaMom13 @artskids @toowonderful @actingdreams
Keep in mind that not only are everyone’s experiences & expectations different, but the programs are not static. Things change from year to year. Administration, instructors and curriculum are constantly evolving to adapt to the needs of the students and the current industry demands.
I think it’s fine to post briefly to correct misinformation. I think that’s helpful, in fact! What I don’t like (personally) is when someone posts a criticism of a school, and then multiple people jump in with huge, novel-length posts in that school’s defense. I personally find it kind of overwhelming. But that could just be me! YMMV!
I feel that if you (general “you,” not aimed at anyone specific) want to post a response to a criticism of your school, go ahead, but just try to keep it brief and factual, and also very respectful of differing opinions! Again, just my own personal opinion!
Am I the only one? I had to google what YMMV stood for! LOL