Read Angela Duckworth’s “Grit: the Power of Perseverance and Passion” for what it takes to succeed in ANY endeavor. Talent is only the merest spark. A good coach/support network can be essential, but who says that can only take place in a college program?
There are some big-name schools that probably cause some to give you a second look. Yeah, maybe Juilliard, CMU, UMich - if they are even looking.
BUT there are kids from those schools who are waiting tables. I know of a few.
When my daughter was a high school senior, she ultimately had 6 MT choices. All good schools, all auditioned, some programs older and more well-known than others.
While we were in the agonizing-over-what-to-do stage, I called upon 2 very old friends who had never seen my daughter perform, but knew the business professionally in NYC. I asked them if they knew anything about the word-on-the-street about these programs. They not only gave me their opinion, but also talked to directors and casting people in the field. What they came back to me with was SUCH a hodgepodge. People had both good and terrible things to say about the more well known programs. If they had experience with the newer programs, they based it on whoever they knew of who had been in that program, or if they knew a faculty member there. Bottom line, it was so all over the place that we decided my daughter should just pick the program she liked the best, because there are no guarantees anywhere.
If you get out there and pound the pavement and get working, the contacts will eventually come.
@halflokum What I was referring to was that a lot of Western Michigan grads are working and auditioning in NYC. I was quoting an actor who is on Broadway that exact quote. So my take is that it is a thing. True, I really don’t think it matters where you graduated from if you have what they want. I was just sharing something I was told.
@tymgirl, I quoted you but really my comment wasn’t targeting you. I was trying to make the point that my kid (who graduated and went to school in NYC)… is now working with many a crazy-talented peer whose school had nothing to do with NYC. And no, many of them were not exposed to the Broadway resumes that she was (by virtue of the fact that these folks live in NYC and can teach and do their other jobs)… but the great equalizer is ultimately felt in the room and the people in the room are those that are prepared to do what it takes to get there.
And I’m sorry but nobody is going to give one an express pass to the front of the line or wait for someone anywhere in the line and decide… well that audition was meh but hey… they have a degree from Western Michigan (or for NYU or or and or.) That’s just not how it works. That’s my point. I hope you understand what I mean and people reading this thread do too. Because it’s important. I think the OP thought otherwise and I wanted to push back on the notion… this despite the fact that I could cite plenty of other reasons for wanting to attend NYU for drama etc. Just saying that contacts is not the right reason. The training, academics, etc. on the other hand…
@halflokum While starting a network is important to me, I feel like I have made it appear that it is the only reason I want to leave… Which couldn’t be further from the truth. I want to be in an environment that is academically challenging for me that can also provide outstanding MT training.
I have applied to NYU, U-M, and FSU. I missed a lot of the deadlines for other schools since you must meet regular decision deadlines for MT programs and most schools.
Thanks for all of your feedback! I’m going to wait and see what FA has to offer me, which I’m hopeful that it may be high since I did fairly well this semester at MSU.
Break a leg, @KevinPriceBoM !
@KevinPriceBoM , as we have PM’d I know it was more than that. Wasn’t saying what I said for your benefit. I think you know what you are doing and have a reasonable plan. Go get 'em!
Thanks you guys! 
@halflokum I could not agree with you more!!! I was just quoting what was told to me from a guy on Bway referring to the people coming out of Western seemed to be prepared, that’s all. Just wanted to let him know.
@tmygirl, that speaks volumes about the program then. As does the fact Emsdad’s daughter (from Texas, not Michigan) chose that school because if anyone knows how to research the heck out of a program and look for red flags, he does! I hope @KevinPriceBoM takes a look since it sounds like a great option for someone instate especially.
Also, for out of staters they offer instate after first year