<p>It's worth it to at least ask. But make absolutely certain that any scholarships/money you are given will be renewable for all four years, as long as you stay in good standing. That is really important.</p>
<p>Just an opinion here, but it is always fair to negotiate. I would let CMU know the kind of offer you received from CCM and see if they can match/beat/approach it. If not, the decision is a no brainer. No kid should be coming out of college, particularly with a BFA, with $100,000 in debt. Either school is well-equipped to develop your already tremendous talent. Congratulations on having such an enviable dilemma!</p>
<p>I completely agree with the fact that $90,000 dollars in savings is significant and I never really thought that it was a viable option. I just wanted to see some opinions.</p>
<p>But the money I've received from both schools is preliminary/first offers. Hopefully I can negotiate, and as some of you have said, I have heard that CMU can be particularly accomodating if it is handled correctly. And living in Pittsburgh I am familiar and have worked with multiple members of the MT faculty so hopefully....</p>
<p>Wherever I end up I'm sure I will be happy going into this field. Thanks for all your help. If anybody has anymore comments just in general about CCM or CMU, things you've heard good and bad.... I'd still love to hear them.</p>
<p>Thanks again!</p>
<p>Also, if you live in Pittsburgh, you could think about living at home rather than on campus (not ideal, I know, but a thought) to cut down on room and board. Might be worth it.</p>
<p>You say you're sure you "will be happy going into this field," jts1090? Those are rather mild words compared to the passion many musical theatre people express for their craft! :-)</p>
<p>Your accomplishments seem awesome already and more than likely your future will be bright. I hope you will post and let us know what happens with your decisions. Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>I meant more like... I'll be happy wherever I end up because I'm going into this field. haha the "happy" went with the college not with the fact I'm going into Musical Threatre. I couldn't be more ecstatic</p>
<p>I think it was fishbowlfreshman who wisely said that it takes a performer approximately $20,000 not including a car to get started once a student gets out of school. This does not include the costs of studies. If you are looking at $100,000 at CMU above and beyond that $20,000, you will have over $120,000 when you get out. That's a big burden you will be facing. Fishbowl said something very wise.... you are basically starting a business and you are the product. Starting a business costs money. If you can keep some of that expense down by keeping your education down at CCM, that's a big deal, particularly given the fact these are both fabulous schools. </p>
<p>Another thought is this: you live in Pittsburgh.... does a little tiny bit of you want to get out of your hometown and try something new?</p>
<p>S is now a rising jr at CMU and visited both CCM and CMU, including attending classes during high school senior year. While the difference in your calculated costs should definitely be weighed as an important element, you also need to know if you'll be happy studying at either school. If you can devote a day to sitting (and you likely WON'T just sit!) through classes at each in the next few weeks, you should be able to tell. It was surprising how clear the choice became for S after doing this. (That is not to say CCM wouldn't turn out to be your preference; it is that the two schools are quite different.) Hope this helps!</p>
<p>My son is a sophomore actor at CMU and we had a somewhat similar dilemma. He was also accepted at SUNY Purchase, which is a whole lot cheaper. To let you know - CMU is open about their willingness to negotiate. My son got a nice scholarship from them, and we suspect, although we're not sure, it might have come about because he told them he had been accepted at Purchase. Use your CCM acceptance to your advantage if you think you would like to go to CMU.</p>
<p>My daughter is a sophomore MT at CMU and they were very clear on saying that they would match (or try to match) competitor school scholarship offers. Bring them what you have...it doesn't hurt to ask. I'm sorry I missed if you were a male or female, but if you are a male, you definitely have a shot of getting some nice scholarship money from CMU. We were told day one that good girls are easy to find but good guys aren't and they try to keep them! It would definitely be to your benefit to talk to CMU and tell them your decision is between CMU and CCM. Good luck to you!</p>
<p>jts1090 you asked for a personal opinion so here is mine. $90k is a lot of money and would give me pause. But I have say if the price got to where I was paying $10,000 yr more for CMU over CCM I would give it to my daughter and not blink.</p>
<p>Before anyone takes on large amounts of educational loans they should calculate late fees and penalties. Because they occur and accrue. I read once that there is no such thing as bankruptcy for student loans. I read that they are the only loans outside bankruptcy laws, (perhaps rightly so, but I won't get into that). The fact is these loans will follow you when you try to buy a car, a home, rent an apartment. I even read in a prior thread that they can effect your getting an agent because agents expect you to be available for auditions daily, not doing menial labor to service excessive debt!</p>
<p>My son made was presented with the same choice 4 years ago and chose CCM. the program and facility is beyond compare. he has had his equity card since his sophomore year and has worked "equity" for three summers. The vocal coaches are top tier ( the grad students are opera student for first year are exceptional) and if match is not right student has alternatives.</p>
<p>In keeping with the schools objective to train "triple-threat" performers all students receive in depth training in acting,voice, and dance. The senior showcase performed last week and scheduled for Broadway 4/16 was outstanding....My son has friends at CMU and given his experience he happy with his decision to go to what he considers to be the best in the country....</p>