<p>In making decision for final choice: S has visited; spoken with profs at interviews; compared curriculums/opportunities to have compositions played/and continue private study of horn & piano; compared cost; and still seems like decision is a tough one. Not complaining and happy he has good choices but am wondering if forum could comment on some aspects? Is reputation worth evaluating? Have heard rumors that Eastman does not have the reputation it used to have, not sure if that is true. I am not really asking about reputation in regards to applying to grad. school as I know that will come down to portfolio. I think reputation = quality of education/quality of talent attracted.What might I be missing in this thought. What about MSM - would anyone like to comment about the "reputation"? He also knows and has been told that time in college is made worthwhile by friends he makes and experiences had. He has heard from friends that attend Eastman that say they love it there and have heard it is a warm and supporting atmosphere - what have you heard or experienced at Eastman, MSM, or NU. Of course location, location, location we have some big differences here. S can rationalize both isolation of Eastman and stimulation of MSM. We are suburban Chicago dwellers so NU location is attractive, but the price tag makes it less so. Anyone have comments on locations of his possible future schools? Any and all comments welcome, especially if knowledge of school or composition departments are known.</p>
<p>If your son is drawn equally to the three, then I say go with the cheapest. He’ll be fine with all three. (Of course, NU is not a conservatory - which makes it the outlier.)</p>
<p>My son graduated from Eastman in 2006 with a degree in cello performance. He loved the school. He found it very supportive. He took classes at the river campus and enjoyed the break from music. Eastman has many more undergrads than grads - about 600 undergrads to 200 grads. The area right around Eastman is not the best neighborhood but the dorm is right across from the school and security is really great.</p>
<p>All these are great choices, IMO.</p>
<p>Thank you all for your responses, have also been reading posts from Mom asking about BoCo/Eastman/Peabody and got many good comments about Eastman.</p>