<p>Several in state schools made things interesting for my son's final decision (well at least in his mother's mind). The people at JMU were great and offered a scholarship that would incresas every year - I really think this is going to be an up and coming program. Christopher Newport head of the department recieved his MFA from Cal Arts and he received a President Scholarship for leadership. But ir was UVA who jumped in with the offer of making him part of the Arts Scholars that made us go - Hmm. (I know every one might not get this but UVA is the "Big Daddy" in Virginia. Moreover USC wrote and offering more money.</p>
<p>Yesterday we took a day trip to Suny Purchase (he awarded him a bit [and by bit I mean little] in scholarship money) - it was great. From us speaking to the adminstration to him sitting in on several classes - too viewing one of the best plays (put on by the current joiner class I have seen in several years (well we did had to leave at intermission). He felt like he was being treated like family. Hell I almost didn't mind having to drink 5 cups of coffee and dealing with the road construction on the NJ turnpike getting back to VA. Hmm well you got to take out loans (Purchase type of loan not a NYU type) - you might as well do it for what your (child, young person, young adult - whose Boo-Boo diapers you use to change and now doesn't want to hang with you unless yor are paying their way into the movie - but I digress) is passionate about.</p>
<p>Thank you everyone for your thoughts and insights on this journey. </p>
<p>Peace</p>
<p>I have been in your shoes and have bitten the dust to turn away large scholarships for the school my kid loves best that fits the best (just did this last week for my kid for grad school). It just feels priceless when the match is perfect. :)</p>
<p>By the way, I have a nephew at Purchase, but not in acting, but in another arts field, and he is finishing his first year and loves it. He also was made to feel wanted at his interview.</p>
<p>Wineguy - I’m sure I met your son this week. So glad he enjoyed his visit and SO glad you guys got to see Mother Courage. Looking forward to seeing him around next year and welcoming him into the Purchase family.</p>
<p>wineguy, it’s lovely that you have this opportunity to give your S something he truly wants. Clearly many people think he’s quite a cool kid. I wish him all the best!</p>
<p>This is really interesting, but we share many similarities. My son was offered the Madison Achievement scholarship at JMU (sounds the same as what you described, increases each year) and he has been named an Art Scholar at UVa. But rather than SUNY-Purchase, he had a full ride offer to a top LAC. I can’t offer you advice, only your son knows where he truly belongs, but do wait until the “fairy dust” has settled a bit. Visits to schools, as helpful as they are, can also cause wrong decisions to be made when caught up in the emotion of the “wooing”. In the end, my son has chosen UVa and turned down the full ride offer. Good luck! It’s an honor to have their talent so noticed (gush ;)), but also really complicates the decision making!</p>
<p>I’m a little biased, jkiwmom, but I’d pick UVa (in-state) over full-ride to Denison any day! Good choice 
I’m figuring our sons probably know at least of each other’s existence, since we’re both NoVa moms with male actors! Wishing your son all the best!</p>
<p>Wineguy, you’re to be commended for your willingness to sacrifice for your son so that he can attend the school he feels is the best fit. My son was in a similar position – was accepted to CCM, visited, sat in on classes & rehearsals, absolutely loved the school, felt like “family.” Unfortunately, they offered him only a little talent $$$ (and he missed the deadline for an academic award), and as an out-of-state student, it would have meant taking out loans (again, not the NYU type, but hefty nonetheless) to send him there. In our case, though, we were unwilling to do this, so he selected instead a very good program that costs far less. Son was a bit disappointed, however, he’s excited about his choice and is looking forward to attending school there. BUT, I find myself secretly feeling guilty and selfish all the time, and this is something I guess I’ll have to live with. I just hope I’m not going to spend the rest of my life second-guessing and wondering “what if?”. You, on the other hand, will always be content knowing you did all you could to support your son’s decision. In my miind, that’s “priceless”, and I envy you. Good luck to you and your son.</p>
<p>MTguyMom,
It’s just like “buyer’s remorse” - trust me, if you’d gone with CCM you’d have done plenty of second-guessing! There’s always grad school.</p>
<p>^^^Thanks OV, you’re probably right. And honestly, now that S has put his deposit down at the other school, completed his housing application, scheduled orientation, etc., he’s even more excited about going there and has never looked back. Which makes me feel a whole lot better about it. Whew, I’m glad it’s over…Best wishes to wineguy and all the kids/parents who have just made tough decisions!</p>