<p>So I was discussing where I wanted to go to school with my parents, and they brought up a valid point: Why is that school better than the local one right here?. So I'm looking into Northwestern (I have the scores for it) and its really expensive. They wanted to know why it would be better than the local schools (University of Iowa and University of Northern Iowa). So what's better about Northwestern than those two? Why would I want to go there and spend more money rather than staying local. </p>
<p>Along those lines, does it really matter where I go? So if I have to go to one of the local schools, which one should I choose. I know Iowa has a good theatre program but I have a ton of friends at UNI. Does it really matter?</p>
<p>octavian133, could you clarify? Are you asking this for all fields or just for theatre? Would your parents ask if MIT or Cal Tech is better than your local school in math or engineering? I am asking this seriously as I want to know what sort of answer would help. So is this a general question, like, in any major, why is one school better than the other, and couldn’t I get just as good of an education in any field right here locally? Or is this a question specific to theatre? Thanks.</p>
<p>The big name schools have great networks. I once saw a pitch letter I’d sent to a major bank with two things highlighted – the last place I’d worked and the college I went to. That was all they cared about and the only reason they had called me in for an interview. Theater seems, if anything, even more subjective and relationship-based than other professions, so if you have a chance to make connections at a first-rate college (of which NU is one, definitely), do it. </p>
<p>NU is a fantastic theater program. Just look at the long list of famous alums. I don’t know anything about theater at the other schools. In any case, you should have a backup plan in case your acting dreams don’t work out.</p>
<p>If you’re interested in playwriting, U of Iowa has some great resources. It is home to the world famous writers workshop - an MFA program that attracts some of the worlds best creative writers. For undergraduate there is a competitive creative writing track within in the English Dept., which I think has ties to the workshop. One could double major with creative writing and theatre. It would be a great combination.</p>
<p>Based on my research for my own daughter, I have concluded that Northwestern is the best undergrad BA in the country for preprofessional theatre training and job placement. IMO.</p>
<p>First of all, don’t assume that Northwestern would be more expensive for you than your state schools. They are known to be generous with financial aid and could end up costing the same or less than your state schools depending on your family’s financial situation. I would encourage you to apply and compare offers.</p>
<p>Second of all, I would encourage you to think about which program might be the best fit for you. I’m not familiar with your state schools but am familiar with Northwestern. I see from your postings that you are interested in acting, MT, and possibly teaching as a backup. Northwestern has a quarter system which makes it is easy to major in Acting and do the MT program (auditions for it are held at beginning of freshman and sophomore year). Even if you do not do the MT program, voice classes are available. In addition, you could also do their Theatre for Young Audiences module (<a href=“https://society.northwestern.edu/node/3/content/about”>https://society.northwestern.edu/node/3/content/about</a>), for which they are well known, if that is of interest to you. I encourage you to research the programs at the various schools and compare them in light of what you want.</p>
<p>Third, consider the power of connections. At Northwestern, because of the nature of its theatre program, in addition to the faculty and extensive alumni network, you will be working along side future actors, directors, producers, casting agents, and other theatre professionals. These connections can be invaluable.</p>
I agree with everything mentioned in prior posts, and would add to the above list the connections NU students make with current theatre professionals. D has had many opportunities to work with notable directors, writers and actors visiting campus, and some of these contacts have already resulted in professional contracts, even prior to graduation.</p>
<p>Another consideration is the caliber of faculty. Northwestern is able to hire and retain top-notch Theatre folks, in part due to history, location near Chicago, financial resources, facilities and strong students. </p>
<p>There are also many examples of NU Theatre grads going directly on to law school, med school, to work in the White House, etc based on the strength of their 4 years at Northwestern, so the opportunities the school can provide are varied and powerful even beyond the Theatre world. Similarly, there is benefit to spending 4 years among very bright peers, including those beyond the Theatre department.</p>
<p>1) Most kids at strong schools turned down Merit money at other schools, often including full-ride alternatives. They apparently have decided the extra cost is worth it for them.</p>
<p>2) I would never advocate taking on much debt to get an Arts degree. So if need-based aid won’t make a school like NU possible without borrowing a lot, I might opt for the state school (remembering the difference between what a family CAN pay versus what they would prefer to pay). ;)</p>