Elon vs Ithaca?

College Majors Theater/Drama Majors
1

<p>I know it seems so horribly late to be posting such a question, but recent events have thrown things into question and distress.</p>

<p>I was rejected from Ithaca (musical theatre) and was informed of this via phone, when I called them asking after my application status. My letter hadn't arrived. So they told me I didn't make it over the phone. I was disappointed, crushed, but pulled myself together and moved on. That was in early April. I was rejected from Elon musical theatre but accepted academically in February and I paid my deposit there. I plan on pursuing Theatre Studies at the university, since I didn't make it into the audition-based programs but still want to act.</p>

<p>Now.</p>

<p>I just got my official rejection letter from Ithaca. It's the end of April. Inside, they tell me that my rejection was based on my choice of major and that if I had chosen something else, I would have been accepted, as my grades are more than good enough for the school. They told me that they would be happy if I contacted them as soon as possible and provided an alternative area of study because they'd love to have me. I don't know if this means if I'm waitlisted or not (it didn't specifically say) but... </p>

<p>I don't know what to do. I've distanced myself from my other schools, have grown attached to Elon, have a roommate waiting for me there already, family, friends. The weather is something I can bear in North Carolina, because I know I would be miserable in a New York winter. But as I still want to do musical theatre, the exposure is higher in New York. But this letter from Ithaca was sent at the beginning of April and only arrived now. If they truly wanted me, wouldn't they have said so over the phone? I can't withdraw my deposit from Elon past May 1st and it's the 30th here. If I withdraw, I lose my place in housing and course selection.</p>

<p>Ithaca College was my first choice. If I go, I'd take the Theatre BA, which has essentially the same courses as Elon's Theatre Studies major. The only positive point I can see in attending Ithaca (if it isn't too late) is its proximity to New York City and thus, theatrical mecca, as it were.</p>

<p>I never thought I'd have to make such a decision. I'm 90% sure I'm still going to push on through with Elon but... I don't know. I want to break into the business and friends of mine seem to think it will be far more difficult for me to do that in NC. I understand where they're coming from. But in terms of where I'll be happy? I've already decided Elon. But there's that 10% that's still uncertain.</p>

<p>... has anyone been in this situation, either as a parent or student? Should I contact Ithaca and thank them for their offer and move on, or should I, as my Mom keeps telling me, "keep my options open"?</p>

2

<p>Ithaca is very far from nyc and the only way to travel to new york city is by car or bus. 6 to 8 hours each way and the weather is very cold, snowy and icy</p>

3

<p>That’s what I was thinking… Being in Singapore and all, I know I can handle and enjoy the weather in NC a lot more. I didn’t realise Ithaca was quite so far from NYC so that does change things.</p>

<p>Thanks for the reply. :)</p>

4

<p>and travel is very difficult in the winter which is from about the begining of Nov. to the end of Apr. my nephew is at Ithaca. GOOD LUCK!</p>

5

<p>Elon is a better school academically. Go there.</p>

6

<p>Not only is Elon better academically, but I believe the MT program at Elon is MUCH stronger than at Ithaca College. I hope this helps. Best of luck to you!</p>

7

<p>I disagree with BrownEyes about which musical theater program is stronger. Both schools’ musical theater training is among the best. But Elon is a more selective school academically, and as the OP did not get into the BFA, the academics are what are important. Had the OP gotten into the BFA at both, there would have been other factors to consider certainly, as Ithaca’s program has been established longer than has Elon’s, though both are very good.</p>

8

<p>As for location, Ithaca is so far from the city that it really shouldn’t be a deciding factor. My D was rejected from Elon’s MT and would have considered their BA Theatre Studies if she hadn’t gotten another BFA offer. When we visited the school she LOVED it. The faculty seems to embrace their BA Theatre kids as well as the BFA’s so they don’t feel second rate. They were also rather fair about casting policies and allowing BA’s to take music and dance courses. I would quickly look at curriculum as a big factor. See what courses you will need to take and which one suits you best. And remember…if ALL turns out equal-Elon is rated as one of the most beautiful campuses in the country and the weather blows Ithaca away!</p>

9

<p>Firstly, my apologies for the late reply! Timezones are a ridiculous thing sometimes…</p>

<p>Thank you, everyone, for your replies! They’ve been such a great help in, well, helping me decide what to do. I guess I just got all caught up again and forgot the great factors to going to Elon for a while, namely, the academics. And Pohsmom, what you said about the BA Theatre kids being just as embraced as the BFA is wonderfully encouraging, thank you.</p>

<p>So… yes, thanks, everyone! I’ll email Ithaca and notify them of my decision and thank them for the offer. Elon it is. :)</p>

10

<p>Good choice, My D and I visited both campuses and I totally agree with Pohsmom on all counts. D got into Ithaca MT, and Elon only academically. If she had gotten into Elon MT, I think that is where she would be going! Alas, she did turn down Ithaca for a warmer, prettier, friendlier campus elsewhere.</p>