<p>I’ve heard a lot of talk about how Syracuse is ‘rated’ third or fourth in the country for musical theater schools. The ‘list’ I heard about was supposedly by Princeton Review, and went something like this:</p>
<li>CCM</li>
<li>CMU</li>
<li>Syracuse</li>
<li>Michigan U</li>
</ol>
<p>It went on- I don’t remember. Does anyone know where this rating list can be located? I have tried to find it, with no success.</p>
<p>My own advice is don't get caught up in the ratings thing. If you must, go back to an earlier thread that dealt with these things in general. There are lots of different "lists" out there. Go with the school you like and that likes you.</p>
<p>I have never heard of rankings of musical theater programs by Princeton Review (or any others for that matter). I'm not sure it exists. I think there is a "bunch" of schools that are top ones and "another bunch" that are well regarded and likely another "bunch" that are good but not as well known or perhaps not as competitive of an applicant pool. They are all selective, that's for sure. I guess I think in terms of these "bunches" but they are not clearly formally defined. It is kinda a grey delineation and even then, it is not "ranked" or ordered.</p>
<p>I've NEVER been into rankings of colleges. My kids were not and they simply applied to programs that appealed to them. Sure, they wanted good programs and selective challenging programs. But which was ranked this or that did not matter. In fact, they went with best fit. I recall when my oldest had all her acceptances in hand and had to narrow them down for re-visits, she chose two "non-Ivy League" schools from her list which I suppose were ranked "lower" (if we were to look it up in USNews which we don't have) over one of the Ivy League Schools she had been admitted to, because she liked these two better for HER. While she did end up at another Ivy, it was never because she wanted an "Ivy" but in the end after re-visits and overnights, she liked that school as the most fitting one for her but was thinking of it equally with two other non-Ivies at that point in time. </p>
<p>Most kids have reaches, matches and safeties but sometimes kids like their matches better than their reaches. That's all that matters. Reputation and level of challenge count as a consideration. But there is more to picking a college than simply reputation. </p>
<p>Also, I don't think the order you have listed is anything I have heard of before. Find out from others what they think of schools. Find out for yourself what you think of the school. Go with the ones that fit you best and consider whichever criteria matters most to you. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>I'd just say to be prepared for a student or faculty member at just about any school you audition for to make claims that their school is in the "top whatever." I have seen something in the Princeton Review that gave ratings, though it seemed to be based on how popular theatre groups were on campuses. It had nothing to do with the training or how they're regarded in the industry.</p>
<p>Hi, </p>
<p>There has been much written on rankings and/or lack of rankings. I just wanted to say, although my own personal list of schools I'd like to attend would have two or three differing, the list of about 30 schools listed at the top of the Musical Theatre heading is a pretty good list of great schools for MT. You can get the training you need at any of these schools. The rest depends on you - what area of the country do you in - sometimes a state school (if your an in-state student) can be an amazing value - and believe me - you will be glad for the extra cash-in-hand when you begin paying rent in the Big Apple area. Do you want a large school atmosphere - or are you more comfortable in a small college setting? What are the academic requirements both for admission and for the degree? Are you, as an undergraduate, going to be competing for roles and resources with graduate school students? And so on....</p>
<p>Rankings, percieved or otherwise, do not matter - they won't get you a job. Your talent, personality, preparedness, and work ethic will get you a job. </p>
<p>So, once again, my mantra is spend the time, do the research, make campus visits, see their productions, talk to the current students and faculty - and find the fit for works best for you.</p>