<p>Okay, so my D is a graduate from SUNY Purchase (BFA Acting) and got phenomenal training - LOVED IT - but 2 of her friends were cut and I remember how devastated she was. We've been talking about programs again (her B will be auditioning for schools soon), and she believes the school didn't want to cut her friends because Purchase starts with a small class (she said that's why it takes longer to finalize their picks; they want to get it "right" and they have to wait for offers they put out to accept before they can extend offers to others).</p>
<p>Now, about cuts: she said there was so much work, but she was glad there was, because she wanted to be competitive after she graduated. Some kids didn't read the plays, rehearse much, practice the voice and speech exercises and work on their own things given to them by the faculty. She said it was intense; not like regular college. Some kids don't get what "conservatory" means. They're not ready. They party too much and don't sleep, or they spend too much time on Facebook, or drink or smoke too much (everything) and it messes them up. I asked her why the school doesn't warn them and she said they GOT WARNED, but first they didn't believe they were gonna get cut, and then they got too far behind to catch up in time. </p>
<p>I'm glad my S's been hearing this from big S!</p>