Need some help planning

Colleges and Universities A-Z Fordham University
1

<p>I was admitted to the Rose Hill Campus for Fall of 2013 with a planned major in economics. Then as the year went on, I realized that I had a passion for theatre and I don't want to give it up anytime soon, I know that the arts are mostly at the Lincoln Center campus and I concocted a little plan in my head and I was wondering what other people's opinions on it are. </p>

<p>For my first year, I would take most of my Core curriculum classes at Rose Hill then possibly take the RamVan to Lincoln Center for some theatre classes, then at the end of Freshman year, audition for the Performance major, and if I get in, major in that and possibly have a double major in Performance and Economics or have a minor in economics, then transfer to the Lincoln Center campus for my Sophomore year. OR in the case I didn't make the Performance major, transfer to Lincoln Center with a major in economics and have a minor in theatre arts. Let me know what you think of this or if there is any advise you can offer.</p>

<p>THANK YOU SO MUCH!</p>

2

<p>It sounds like a plan, but with limited housing at LC (though a new dorm is under construction), not sure if you would be granted housing there, even as an internal transfer.</p>

<p>I believe you could ask now to be switched to Lincoln Center, no? Then you would avoid the internal transfer later on, and still pursue economics and/or minor in theatre, or switch to theatre major. Why start at Rose Hill if you ultimately want to be at Lincoln Center?</p>

3

<p>Woah. Sounds hard. Why don’t you ask for a transfer to LC now? You can plan to major in economics and minor in theatre arts. Then you’ll already be in the right place to pursue a performance major, if you are accepted to that program sophomore year.</p>

<p>(Cross posted with My3. Looks like we have the same suggestion.)</p>

4

<p>First congrats. Second, SLOW DOWN. You are a high school senior. No life decisions necessary now, nor even majors. </p>

<p>Core curriculum is designed to introduce you to ideas, broaden perspective etc.<br>
Rose Hill has theatre…its an avocation, not a major. The Theatre folks at LC are super talented. But even they all wont make it on Broadway and Hollywood. Think about that.</p>

<p>People take classes at Lincoln Center all the time, who are maticulated at Rose Hill. Upperclassmen. For many reasons. </p>

<p>So just chill and reflect and wait at least one semester, maybe two at Rose Hill. Talk to your advisors and professors. And come open minded and let the learning process/growing process take its path.</p>

5

<p>Hi, reallyradryan. Congratulations on your acceptance and welcome to the Fordham family! Since you asked, let me offer you my opinion on your plan as the parent of a Junior Theatre major doubling in Performance and Playwriting. I’m going to be very honest with you. </p>

<p>First, with Fordham’s extensive core curriculum, I just don’t think it’s possible to double major in Theatre and Economics and graduate in four years. It is extremely difficult for my S and his major requirements overlap, he came in with 24 AP Credits, he only needed two foreign language courses because of his placement AND he took summer classes at Fordham. He has been absolutely meticulous in his course planning but there are still tremendous difficulties. Theatre is an EXTREMELY time consuming major and requires not only classes but extra lab hours on top of preparation and production rehearsals. And because it is such a small program, you need to build your schedule of core classes around your theatre classes bc they are only offered at certain times and there are only one or two sections at most. </p>

<p>Second, since you will likely have to commit to only one major and possibly minor in the other subject, you need to do some reflecting on that. Personally, I would major in Economics as you intended and minor in Theatre for a number of reasons–an audition is not required to minor in Theatre and you are still able to audition and be cast in Main Stage productions, there are fewer requirements and you won’t be behind your peers the way you would if you audition for the major at the end of Freshman year. I don’t want to discourage you from pursuing the Theatre major but you should be aware that it is a highly competitive admissions process and even harder to come in a year late. That is not to say it is impossible–one of my S’s suitemates was rejected as a Freshman, came to Fordham anyway and auditioned at the end of Freshman year. He was still rejected so he took acting classes that summer, auditioned and was cast in a studio show that Fall (they are open to non-majors); he reauditioned after his first semester Sophomore year AND WAS FINALLY ACCEPTED! Talk about passion, hard work and dedication! </p>

<p>But back to reflecting on Theatre as a major or minor. You describe yourself as having a passion for theatre which is very nice but can be fulfilled in a number of ways so what you need to think about is whether you really want to STUDY it in college, why and what you plan to do with it. While it is true as SD points out, that most of the very talented Theatre majors will not make it on Broadway or in Hollywood, it is also true that there are many other venues for performers to work and provide for themselves. Additionally, a BA in Theatre from Fordham will not preclude you from graduate studies should you decide to pursue something altogether different in the future. And even an undergraduate degree in Theatre will give you some very valuable skills that will transfer well into many jobs and help you in different areas of your life–there have been several threads in the Theater forum on this that you may find interesting. On the flip side, there are also many other ways of becoming a performer without majoring in Theatre as an undergraduate. Many successful performers majored in other subjects; some haven’t attended college at all. </p>

<p>Finally, if after reflecting you feel that you want more than the extracurricular activities that are offered at RH, and you simply MUST be a Theatre major or minor, I would call admissions right away and see if you can transfer to LC. I would NOT wait on this if you are 100% committed to pursuing Theatre as part of your formal education at Fordham. You absolutely must be at LC to be a Theatre major and while I am not certain if you can minor and live at RH, I don’t understand why you would want to. I think it would unnecessarily complicate things for you and you would spend more time on the Ram Van and have less time to spend connecting with your peers–something that is VERY important especially for a Freshman! </p>

<p>If you really feel that RH is a better fit for you, then stay and major in Economics. You can take Invitation to Theatre there and pursue your passion by participating in theatre as an extracurricular activity. You could also take acting classes in NYC and even consider going for an MFA after you graduate if you still feel you want to study Theatre. </p>

<p>You have a lot to think about! I wish you the best of luck at Fordham! :)</p>