I’m going to say that financials are a big consideration. She already loves the school she’s committed to, and it’s near your home, AND it’s a top school in itself. If CMU is able to make the money work, then certainly consider it! BUT if it would require enormous debt, then don’t fall into the trap of thinking “But it’s CMU! We can’t turn it down!” Your D is amazingly talented and will do well wherever she goes, and already committed to a top tier school.
But DO tell her and see what she thinks! It definitely requires a lot of discussion!
To all above, this just feels like a never ending unfolding of tough choices, did we make the right choice, are we doing the right thing, and a lot of “what if”… As a parent, I take comfort knowing I am not the only one with this type of thinking. Because now that we are past May 1, I thought all would feel settled. But, that is not the case. My S let go of great programs with great scholarships. We traveled so far and he developed connections with faculty, students, and the schools. It is so weird and who knows if he made the right choice. He is heading to a top school where he will either sink or swim. However, he seems really good with his choice, it is just me the old mom that looks through the lens of someone with so much more life under my belt!
@ginaf1102 I would not want to be in your shoes right now. Like, at all!! If your D is happy and excited for BU(Which is amazing and a dream for so many) then hopefully she will have a feeling as to the direction she should go. I would leave it up to her and try to keep it as neutral as possible on the parent end. Best of luck!
Amazing @ginaf1102 ! I am very happy for you and also would not want to be in your shoes. Unfortunately, D was released from PWL for MT this morning so her decision is settled. They may match $$ if you call them!
P.S. @ginaf1102 It’s good that they told you that you’ll find out on Friday, so you and your D have time to discuss it and decide what to do. At least you won’t be blindsided and have to make a split-second decision!
@ginaf1102 Wowowow! Giant Congratulations!!! That is something to consider. How do you not!! Financials and your girls feelings I think? It’s a win win so it really is phenomenal either way. It’s worth a pause for sure. Amazing- it could be an opportunity worth changing course for. It’s so personal but it’s a great problem to have!
@ginaf1102 I would find out exactly what “viable candidate” means. Are they offering her a spot or not. I would not appreciate ambiguity at this point. Even from CMU- but if it’s an offer that is wow…
@actorparent1 I took copious notes at Pace’s on campus auditions, because S went through every path offered since Pace was a top pick for him. I say this because he had at least 2 masterclasses with professors there, including Wayne. He really wanted an offer from them.
FTVC graduated its first class 2017, so it’s a new program. Specific detail - FTVC is “focused on that media”. Pace programs have “no cross-sharing, each degree has their own Acting track”. And on offers of acceptance they were clear that “ALL selections are made by 5/1”, so I guess they really meant it 8-|
Lastly, and I made a point to write this down specifically, word by word, because I found it compelling…the program head quoted Amy’s (head of MT) characterization of Pace: “We style ourselves as the land of misfits.”
I think that mirrors your thoughts in your original post. And in a very positive light, I can see what they mean. I base this on an acquaintance who is a Pace BFA Acting sophomore. The characterization sort of fit his personality, speaks to his uniqueness in a positive way. To contrast, while my S and he are friendly, they weren’t besties in HS. Makes sense that Pace was not a fit for my guy, since he is more the wear-your-heart on your sleeve, lovable guy - not a unique artistic, creative type. That seemed to sum up, for us anyway, where Pace fell on the spectrum of fit. Maybe this will help confirm your D choice.
@#booknerdmom, that was a very insightful post! And I know exactly what you mean. My daughter’s singing teacher said the same thing, that Pace has a kind of contemporary, “edgy” vibe, while my daughter is a very “classical” type of actress. In fact, the whole reason my daughter was somewhat tempted by Pace FTVC was because it was so “out of her wheelhouse,” and she thought that taking the TV and film classes would broaden her skill-set and teach her things she doesn’t know. I told her that’s a good point, but that’s a reason to take an on-camera CLASS, not MAJOR in film and TV for four whole years. It’s definitely good to stretch yourself and go “out of your comfort zone” sometimes, but you don’t want to do it for your entire college career!
@ginaf1102 - Wow. Okay, I echo the “what a wonderful dilemma and I’m glad I’m not in your shoes” - on one hand, what a great piece of news and on the other - she already loves BU. I would focus on the differences rather than the name brand. If she does get accepted to CMU… is she going to enjoy that very small cohort as much as or more than the larger (while still intimate) BU program? If so then - yes, keep your options open and be ready to think hard (or hop on a plane) on Friday. Excited for you both and hoping the decision is a clear one.
@ginaf1102 That is a tough situation. I am trying to make a list of pros & cons for my S IF he gets off NYU WL as they only give a short window to decide. He loves BU too!
CMU IS a dream school! The education is priceless no matter the major. It is a well-known name all over the world. She could take her theater degree and get a job in business if she wanted. Many marketing firms love acting majors. Or she could go to LA/NY and be an actress. The name would help land agents. I don’t know what to tell you honestly. Just have her make a list. That is all you can do. Crossing my fingers for you. Good luck and keep us updated.
@ginaf1102 - WOW! What thrilling news!!! You girls better have a few hours to chat tonight! Looking forward to hearing what may come next. Please keep us posted!
@actorparent1 - I agree with @HopeinMT - it’s not right when they call you at the last miniute that you have to respond that day. Most schools give you a few days. I think i’ve Heard that CMU has you visit in advance so you can decide quickly. Pace didn’t do either of these. Its too much money to be pressured like that.
@actorparent1 - one other thing. You know when you REALLY have two good choices when you morn the choice you didn’t pick. When my S was down to the last two- I knew I was going going to be a little sad either way.
@ginaf1102 - it sounds to me like your D is up next and the offer is coming. They want a quick response, so this is their way of giving you time. First thing you need to do (after telling your D and assuming she wants to take this opportunity) is call the FA office and see if they will match BU’s offer. BU is a great program- but CMU is a program that will always make her wonder. If you can make the finances work, she ought to go for it. She’ll meet great people there too. Congratulations!!!
@ginaf1102 - oh my goodness congratulations on CMU! I do agree that you are likely to get the call on Friday. Since they want a quick decision this is your heads up. How exciting! It’s a wonderful problem to have. I’d get the pro and con list going. Include reputation but also dig on curriculum, and spell out size, distance, casting, whatever is important. Both are top notch programs where she will thrive!