Wondering if anyone has experience with either of these programs? Pros? Cons? My DD was accepted to both and it’s a tough decision
There is a Forum specifically for MT, although since the site format changed, categories by major are now tough to locate
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/
Good luck.
Congratulations! MT is sooo competitive 
she must be very happy and proud that she got two programs to choose from!
Is one less expensive than the other?
@pjjones Congrats!!! SO EXCITING!!! Those are both FABULOUS schools!!! My DD was accepted to BFA Acting for both Coastal and Millikin last year and we did a full comparison of the programs, facilities, and campus… But since my DD wanted a strong acting training program with dance and voice, we had the added challenge of finding one with cross-over available to her.
These are VERY different campus experiences. Coastal is more of a “city” in of itself (much larger campus, about 10K students), and Millikin is more of a “village” experience (beautiful small campus, about 2K students). My DD felt a much closer connection with those at Millikin and the voice and dance options were more readily available to her there as a BFA Acting student. Dance Minors are available to all MU students (even MT’s). Every student is different with what they need or want. For my DD she wanted control and flexibility with her program to challenge herself with what she felt she needed each year. MU allows students a ton of cross over and although there are core classes that are required for all BFA students, there is freedom to take subjects/classes that are of most interest to them. My DD is in the Honors Program there and that allows her to take up to 21 unites, where usually they cap units at 18.
Coastal’s director (at the time in spring 2019) told her that she would be on a strict Acting track and if she wanted to train in dance and voice this would not be the ideal program for her. He said it was possible, but would not be guaranteed as available to her depending on enrollment and approval. I’m sure that goes both ways (Acting for Film, for example, would probably not be available for Coastal MTs). While Millikin allowed her a lot of flexibility and ability to control her own schedule. This semester (2nd semester of Freshman year), in addition to core GE classes and her BFA Acting requirements, she is taking Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Private Voice and Choir included in her enrollment of 20 unites. She is a highly motivated student and she is THRIVING at Millikin because of how many opportunities are available to her.
I’ve heard great things about Coastal’s MT program and for someone who is happy with the specific class outline they have laid out, it would be a better fit. MY DD, however, really needs the ability to assess her needs each year and have flexibility to take what she and the faculty thing she needs most.
I hope this helps. Please feel free to PM me or ask any questions here
@pjjones And by “better fit” I mean better than it was for my daughter - not necessarily better than Millikin