<p>gjh3115 wrote "go with the more selective. Almost by definition, you’ll be happier at a better school "</p>
<p>OK, wow. more selective = Better. </p>
<p>gjh, care to rephrase that?</p>
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<p>You are likely to get more aid from the school with the biggest endowment. Apply to all of them and see what happens. Don’t paint yourself into a corner before you even start.</p>
<p>Another factor to consider is the freshman retention rate of each school. According to USNews’ America’s Best Colleges, Point Park University loses about 30% of each freshman class by the beginning of the sophomore year. Compare that to 3% for Northwestern University & 6% for Carnegie Mellon University.</p>
<p>Under no circumstance should you choose a school just because it is more selective. Go to the one you want. You are only an undergrad once, you may as well enjoy it. You should also realize that the ability to make a meaningful choice independent of the mainstream thought speaks far more about your character than simply going to an Ivy League school that is less selective or “better.”</p>
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Partially as a result of this attrition, a mere 37% of Point Park students graduate in four years. Given six years, that number rises only slightly to 46%.</p>
<p>Here is what i like about Point Park to answer the question
I love the way that Point Park has their program is set up for stage management. I love the fact they are connected with a dance company as well as several theatre companies.
I love downtown pittsburgh and the fact that i could afford to live in an apartment if i would so choose
i love the fact that their program only has five students per year and that the Conservatory only has 600 kids total…</p>
<p>But…at the same time, i realize a big name like CMU or Northwestern could really get me places(assuming i could actually get in) and that maybe the name would get me further…</p>
<p>Once again thank you all for what you have said, esp. IBClass06…The graduation rate is shocking and a good thing to consider</p>
<p>bumpp…</p>
<p>I usually tell people to go with their heart and select the school they really love over the school they don’t want…</p>
<p>…but this is kind of a different situation. I would say most people have not heard of Point Park (I have, but only vaguely) whereas everyone has heard of Northwestern and Carnegie Mellon. Prestige and reputation need not be the most important factor in selecting a school, but considering the job market, it should be considered at least.</p>
<p>My other concern is resources. Both CMU and Northwestern have FAR more resources than Point Park. Unless PPU is paying for everything or there’s a substantial difference between what you are offered at PPU and what it would cost to go to NU or CMU…</p>
<p>IDK, in this case I would probably try to love Northwestern and Carnegie Mellon more 
Honestly, sit down and talk to yourself. What is it about PPU that you love more? What does that university have that NU and CMU do not?</p>
<p>In the end, though, go with your heart – you’ll be a lot happier.</p>
<p>But you’re selling yourself short – you’re a great candidate for noth NU and CMU.</p>
<p>GAdad’s advice does not seem to be true. This sheet at the CMU</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/db4r/public/CMU%20School%20of%20Drama%20Info.pdf[/url]”>http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/db4r/public/CMU%20School%20of%20Drama%20Info.pdf</a></p>
<p>Shows that production technology majors take several non-drama electives (and are required to).</p>
<p>I also disagree with JGH3115. It’s not true that you’ll always be happier at a better school. I turned down higher-ranked (and more selective) schools for my second-tier liberal arts college and never looked back. I had an awesome time, and I loved my classmates, and I was challenged appropriately, and I graduated in the middle of my college class anyway.</p>