<p>Hi! Ok, learning as I go here… Could someone explain to me what a ‘cut system’ is?..</p>
<p>A cut system is when a school intentionally takes more students than it intends to graduate and then cuts a set number from the BFA program to reach that goal. Some people feel that it makes for a cut-throat and competitive atmosphere. But, not many operate this way, anymore. </p>
<p>The auditor from Emerson explained during Chicago Unifieds that 1) their cut system was eliminated and 2) he wasn’t happy about it. He was also the only auditor in Chicago who made some of the kids cry. It seemed to be a sport for him. I know that there are many fans of Emerson, but based on how my D was treated I am not one of them. </p>
<p>Millikin has had the cut system called “The Hurdles” for many years. It seems to be very stressful for the kids. We know of a girl who was cut between junior and senior years, which effectively ended her MT education.</p>
<p>Marymount Manhattan has a dance minor now not sure if that changes anything about the dance component </p>
<p>It seems like all these programs are continually being developed, so you probably need to find really fresh info about each and also get a sense of where each program is trying to head. Seems like even year-old info is too old! </p>
<p>If you’re seeking institutional prestige (SAT/ACT stats, etc.), you probably should go with Emerson. If that’s not so important to you, then it seems Columbia and MM would be great for you. Emerson and Columbia are a lot alike in terms of being full-bore arts/media schools. </p>
<p>I think at Columbia the BFA MT students have about three general education course requirements fewer than the BA students. They also have a lot more MT requirements, but that’s a good thing, right? There are minors that are synergistic with MT, such as Arts in Healthcare, Arts Management (Live & Performing Arts track), Teaching Artist, or Stage Combat, which might be of interest to an MT major, although you might want to take some gen eds at community college in the summer to transfer in to make more room for a minor. Depends on what you’d bring in from HS (AP, etc.).</p>
<p>I’m sure wherever you land, you’ll dive in deep and love it. </p>