<p>Daughter has been accepted for the BFA programs at Mason Gross School of the Arts and Towson University, was hoping to get some helpful information as to the pro's and con's of each.</p>
<p>What are your daughter’s interests and long-term goals? Mason Gross offers a 5-year B.F.A./M.Ed. program for those interested in modern dance performance and dance education, and the academics at Rutgers are strong. The proximity to NY is also a plus. My D is very happy at Mason Gross but didn’t apply to Towson so I don’t know much about it.</p>
<p>Probably the best bet is to visit both schools during class and take a couple of classes in ballet or modern (whichever is her interest), also setting up an appointment to speak one-on-one with a department rep/faculty member. This would also give her an opportunity to talk to current students. If you’re able to, go to the spring performances. Always very eye-opening. And she might also ask specifically about graduates and where they’ve gone. I would ask about actual companies (or whatever) not just “oh, they’re all employed”. </p>
<p>@MomDiana my D was accepted to the BFA program at Mason Gross and is in the process of learning more so she can make a decision. Just curious, did your D decide to live in Douglass Residential College? I’d love to hear more about her experiences and feelings about Mason Gross and Rutgers - NB so far. </p>
<p>MomDiana, D looking of course to perform but is looking at also the educational part. Mason Gross’s 5 year BFA/M.Ed is a viable option. Although Towson doesn’t have the Master’s program they do offer a 4 1/2 year K-12 teaching certificate. </p>
<p>You say your daughter likes Mason Gross, what does she like the most about the program? Do you know how many students are in the program and how many are Freshman? Does going to the school offer the college experience by being on Douglas. </p>
<p>DarwinKnew - Most freshman dancers live in New Gibbons because it is across the street from the dance building. I think your daughter could live there and still be considered part of Douglass Residential College, but my daughter didn’t go that route.</p>
<p>Jim 363 - I don’t know the exact numbers, but I think each first-year class has between 30 and 40 students. Because Mason Gross is part of Rutgers, the dancers do get some of that traditional college experience. They take a fair number of academic classes with the general Rutgers population, they go to football games, etc.</p>
<p>If you can attend the Mason Gross open house on April 5, I would definitely recommend it.</p>