<p>Okay, I'm currently at a school that offers a BFA program. I don't like the college much, but the the theater program is nice. I would like to transfer to another school in the city. But they have BIS in theater. I have talked to some friends and they like the theater program there. I will go for myself possibly in a few weeks. My question is this: Does it really matter which degree I have if I want to go to, oh say Yale or NYU for my masters I would have to get some degree--I'm sorry, did I say some? I mean A LOT-- of acting work (as said by NJTheatreMom, I think, in a previous post) under my belt not just dealing with college? I understand you have to start somewhere... Why better to start out in the city?</p>
<p>I think it simply depends on the individual. Some people shine in BFAs, but it is definitely not a must to attend a prestigious graduate school. Now, realistically, NYU and Yale are VERY difficult graduate programs to get into, BFA or not. That’s for anyone. In my opinion, and this is simply my opinion, your undergrad should be about discovering the path you want to take. I think there is unnecessary emphasis on “BFA and BA, what’s better?” when it just depends on you. If you have the right amount of talent and passion under your belt, any/no degree in theater will work to your advantage, with a degree being a better solution. ;)</p>
<p>I understand. I’m just really trying to figure out what to do. The theater program at my current school is nice. The teachers are good too. But, I just can’t stand the college. I have always wanted to live in the city. So, I’m thinking about transferring to Georgia State in Atlanta. It’s a BIS, but I’ll be able to do other stuff in the city as I’m also studying for acting and maybe other things that interest me. I just want to make sure I’m doing the right thing is all and that it doesn’t minimize my chances because I don’t have a BFA.</p>
<p>You’ll be fine. where do you go at this time?</p>
<p>Valdosta State.</p>
<p>ML: I am a big believer in transferring. Lots of people do it, and it can mean the world if you are in the wrong place.</p>
<p>If you were writing this in September or October, I’d say you hadn’t been at your school long enough to know whether you can be happy there or not. Even in the first semester, it can take a while to be comfortable. But if you are continuing to be unhappy, I would definitely agree you should explore your transfer options and do what you need to do to get that ball rolling. Even if you change your mind in a few months, it’s good to have that choice ready.</p>
<p>You don’t say why you don’t like your current school, except that it’s not in a city. We’ve been talking about the ups and downs of city access on another thread, which I hope you go over and read. Yes, a lot of kids at city schools have lots of wonderful opportunities, but those opportunities are not conversely limited to city schools. There are disadvantages, too. It depends on a lot of factors: the individual, the program, the cost, etc.</p>
<p>You say your program and department are very good. I glanced at the school’s website and to me, the theatre major looks excellent. I would say that if you like the faculty, if you respect your peers, and if the performance and training opportunities are as good as they look, you should think twice about going to a program that doesn’t offer as much. </p>
<p>If you have no friends, or if there is something truly odious about the university, I can see where you might want to find a similar program with a better overall fit for you. By all means, look for one and apply for transfer. But ask yourself if any of the aspects you don’t like about this school might exist at another one. Valdosta State is a plenty big school (10,000 students). It does look isolated. We have many public U’s here that are that size, and in a similar location, and it is absolutely possible to have a great program, find your “peeps,” and have great opportunities at a school like that. Sometimes it does take a while, though.</p>
<p>Another issue is cost. You’re at a very low-cost public U. How much more can you afford to pay? What about the other costs involved - city life can be more expensive (at least temptingly so), and perhaps you’ll have higher travel costs to and from home.</p>
<p>You’ve probably thought of a lot of these things, but I just felt compelled to say that if you really do like your program, and costs are low, it seems iffy to switch schools for more secondary reasons, especially when some of those reasons may resolve themselves with a little more time.</p>
<p>Don’t worry about the “usefulness” of the type of degree. Do the program you want to do. Be in a department where you will be inspired and supported. You will be happier and more motivated if you are studying what you want to study, and you will come out understanding what you really want out of this work.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>I can’t speak for NYU but as a recent graduate of Yale School of Drama I can categorically say that degree means little in terms of how your application is considered. While most actors had BFAs, many did not, and some didn’t have concentrations in acting. It’s mostly about your audition and interview. Now, that doesn’t mean that the training you get in a BFA program won’t be helpful, but talent is talent no matter where it is developed. I daresay NYU has the same approach.</p>