<p>Both schools are on my list for applied in the fall. I am familiar with BOSCO as I live in the suburbs west of Boston. University of the Arts seems like a similar school except it has visual arts as well. Looking for input from those know about the two schools. Is one a stronger program? I like how UofArts allows you to have a BFA Acting and a minor in Musical theater. Many Musical Theater programs don't have any Shakespeare. Also, any pluses or minues in terms of housing,etc.</p>
<p>My son is entering UArts in the fall, as an Acting major (he hopes to minor in some form of writing), so I have become very familiar with their programs. They differ from BoCo in many respects. UArts is not as focused on music, and their instrumental & vocal majors are jazz-based, not classical. What has impressed me with UArts is that it seems to be a collaborative arts community, despite inescapable divisions and rivalries between the visual and performing arts students. Actors do voice-overs for animators, musicians accompany dancers, etc. UArts might not enjoy BoCo’s prestige as a conservatory, but its Musical Theater and Acting programs seem to be growing in popularity and gaining respect. Philadelphia is a surprisingly, refreshingly, affordable city, which supports a thriving arts community. UArts is in a great neighborhood, accessible to everything. It was far from a first choice for my son, but they offered him a nice talent scholarship, and we have all concluded that it’s an excellent match for him. I heartily recommend visiting the school, if you are planning to tour the mid-Atlantic area this summer or next fall. They also have rolling admissions, and notify many (if not most) candidates pretty promptly, so you can get a non-binding acceptance notification by December if you choose to audition on campus in the late fall. Otherwise, they participate in Unified Auditions around the country. I don’t know how expensive BoCo is, but UArts is definitely less expensive than Emerson, BU, NYU, et al (although $47,540 for room, board, and tuition, without financial aid, is no bargain, it’s still about $10k less than the others). Feel free to ask additional questions.</p>
<p>I do not know too much about Boston Conservatory but UArts is a very good school for theater, and I am assuming that Boston is to but I am in no place to speak on their behalf. UArts is not for everyone, but their program is prestigious, and I myself am auditioning this fall. I say it is not for everyone because I have 2 friends who have disliked their experiences at UArts. One who claims that she just didn’t fit in with the personality of the school, and one who disliked her freshman year professors. At the same time I know many people who rave about the school, and the individual education you receive. This is completely word of mouth, therefore do not judge my statements and conclude your decision. I suggest you tour both schools and then decide which school fits YOUR child. They are both great programs, but offer different personalities. </p>
<p>Sent from my DROID RAZR using CC</p>
<p>As an actor who was accepted to both, I can easily say that Uarts is a better option. One, Uarts is special because when they want you there they’ll make you feel like a million bucks (Need-based and Merit-Based Scholarships). All the students I met there were very nice and seemed to have this open-mindedness that is hard to find in an acting school. Additionally, they focus a lot of attention on Meisner training which is a very successful acting technique. BOSCO is a good acting conservatory but it doesn’t have the same community feel to it like Uarts. On top of all that, Uarts is great because it is in center city Philly. Even if you didn’t fit in with your classmates, you could easily hop a ride to Penn, Temple, Drexel, etc and find cool people there. You’re right in the middle of this hub of theatre culture that is flourishing because philly loves the theatre. I think you should go to Uarts and say whats up to me when you get there!</p>
<p>People attend BoCo for Musical Theatre, not straight Acting. UArts has programs in both. </p>
<p>Every statement that Golanidude made about the theatre culture and diversity of institutions in Phila could also be made about Boston. The Boston area has more college students than any other city in the US.</p>
<p>There are individual subforums on both schools in the CC Musical Theatre forum.</p>
<p>^^^^^^Stagemum I have a recent 2011 grad from Boco and I think your assessment of both programs are spot on!!!</p>
<p>FYI: As NJtheatreMOM mentioned, there is far more college students in Boston. Also, overall much cleaner and safer. As a Boco student, you use Northeastern’s gym and cafeteria. My daughter has as many friends outside of Boco as from Boco including people who attend nearby, BU, BC, Harvard, Emerson, Berkeley, NE Conservatory, just to name a very few. She has attended hockey games, basketball games, baseball games, football games for all the schools previously mentioned.</p>
<p>beenthereMTdad, our son only wanted to go to one school – Boston Conservatory. He didn’t even apply anywhere else. No unifieds. Nothing but BoCo. He made it in, which was fantastic, but we were denied a Parent Plus loan. His scholarship is $10K. The leftover price tag after his financial aid is still $40K. They told us he can’t defer until next year. We’re considering high interest variable rate loans, but due to a remodeling disaster that escalated when the guy ruined the foundation of our house, we ended up having to give the house back to the bank. Rendered us ineligible to borrow for the next 3-5 years. With such a talented kid, we’re pretty discouraged. Any fundraising ideas? Know of any Boston area angels who might take a chance on a great performer whose parents trusted all the wrong people? He’s looking for a risk-taking cosigner for his loans, but we’re down in NC.</p>
<p>Sorry to hear you are in such a difficult position. The only thing I know of to bring the costs down is either a semi full time job and live off campus a subway ride away or become a RA. Good Luck and know you are not alone. I had to down size my home and change careers by redefining myself.</p>
<p>Creativepower – you are in an unexpectedly tough position. You may want to post on the financial aid forum [Financial</a> Aid & Scholarships - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/]Financial”>Financial Aid and Scholarships - College Confidential Forums).</p>
<p>I believe you posted you were denied a PLUS loan, so your S can take an additional $4000 or so in Stafford, raising that amount to about $9500 for freshman year. Add that to the $10,000 scholarship and it is close to $20,000… although a small dent in the $50,000+ COA. 
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<p>You mention that he cannot defer his acceptance, but if worse comes to worse he could plan on a gap year and reapply to BOCO (hoping for better aid/ the financial picture to change) and other schools that may be more affordable. </p>
<p>I think you mentioned you were in-state in NC… I know that BOCO was his first/ only choice school, but NCArts would cost about $15,000 a year. They don’t have MT as a major, but I know of many successful MT performers who have graduated from there/ are currently attending. I also have worked with talented and well trained students/ alum from many of the other fine state school options in NC that would be more affordable with the Staffords he can take, earnings from work, and a small family contribution.</p>
<p>Your family may also decide that for him moving to NYC, taking acting and dance classes, voices lessons, etc… and eventually going to a CUNY (once in-state residency has been established), or another NYC college could be a path. I have many friends who have followed this course and have been very successful. </p>
<p>I am not posting this to be discouraging… just to reinforce that as dire as it seems there are options. I remember what it felt like when it seemed like there were none :(.</p>
<p>For the student who wants to be in a large conservatory environment BOCO is a terrific school, but as you know, there are many paths to a successful career, and there are many terrific schools. Setbacks s&*k royally!!! But, your S will be resilient and be successful, regardless. He can continue to train in many different ways. Ultimately, there are successful performers coming from all paths. The school name can help open some doors, but training is key and that can be obtained many different ways. </p>
<p>I recently had a student who was not initially accepted into the program where I teach, (who was subsequently accepted as a transfer after working hard and putting him/herself out there again, and who has long since graduated) and is working very successfully as a professional performer, comment that (s)he was grateful that (s)he was not initially accepted because it helped him/her see how badly (s)he wanted to be a performer and that (s)he worked harder to achieve his/her goal. This is different than being accepted and not being able to attend, BUT the clarity to pursue the goal against all odds remains the same. There are successful working professionals in the business from all schools (and those who did not complete school at all). Your S will be successful and find his way. He is fortunate to have a family that is supportive of his goals and will do all they can to encourage him and his talent.</p>
<p>I hope a scholarship benefactor comes his way! Regardless, he will do terrifically if he continues to pursue his goals (particularly with the love and support of a family like you all!). GOOD LUCK!!! :)</p>
<p>Very nice post KatMT. I was thinking of posting something similar to Creativepower about there being lots of paths to get there but mine would have been just a general sentiment without all the details you have to backup the statement.</p>
<p>Thank you everyone, I plan on visiting U of Arts this summer. One of the things that appeal to me besides allowing you to major in acting with a minor in musical theater is that they also have Illustration and Creative Writing - which are also things I enjoy. I definitely was to act/sing as my primary focus. Looking at other schools besides BOSCO and U of Arts: Emerson, Muhlenberg, Carnegie Mellon maybe Amerian University in DC., University of Michigan. I prefer a school that is in a city or close enough to get into a city.
I am looking forward to seeing U of Arts - one of my favorite authors just spoke at their Class of 12’ commencement. Thanks again</p>
<p>Vivahg - have you watched Neil Gaiman’s speech? You can view it online - I watched video via UArts’ Facebook page, but I’m sure you can also access it from the Admissions website. It’s an excellent speech.</p>