Now that you/they got in, it ain't over

College Majors Theater/Drama Majors
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<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>

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<p>Wow, btdt - am I correct in reading that you have D who graduated from Purchase and a S who is starting there in the fall (according to the Final Decisions thread), or is he just now applying? Or are there 3 of them? Goodness!</p>

<p>Thank you so much for the insight and perspective. I think kids going for a conservatory, or any intense degree, probably any BFA, need this kind of reminder over and over. And anyone in any program can flunk out, any kid in any college (or job, or relationship) can screw up and lose what they’ve been offered.</p>

<p>Almost all of the programs my D has talked to have told her that they review people, that people can get let go. She’ll hear it again and again, from them and from us. I’d like to believe, though, that percentage-wise, this is rare, and that kids who are screwing up are pretty obvious to everyone (even to themselves, in their honest moments). </p>

<p>Schools where 30-40% are let go, though, have to be dropping kids who are not “screwing up.” It doesn’t make sense based on percentages, in my opinion - I can see a graduation rate of only 50-60% when the program is hard (you see this in other majors, kids changing from pre-med, engineering, etc.), but the cut programs take them out after just one year. But that’s more a comment for the other thread, I guess.</p>

<p>You are very right in making sure all of these kids understand what they’re getting into, that they pay attention to how it’s going while it’s happening, and they listen to advice, warnings, etc. Some kids are going to want “out,” and they shouldn’t be ashamed of it. Anyone can find themselves in a place they thought they wanted, or that they could manage, and learn differently. But no one can pretend that it can’t happen.</p>

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<p>My son is entering his third year at SUNY Purchase and thinks the program is brilliant. (Good to know because I’m paying for it) He is one of the only BFA actors who was invited to join the Chautauqua Theater Company this season. I’ve been talking to him and he is really setting himself up really well up there. Getting connections with New York finest. He also said that the students from the MFA programs like Yale, NYU and Juilliard are good but they’re just like the kids back at school.</p>

<p>I saw this and asked him if this was true (your post). He said you’re totally right. You will only be asked to leave if you don’t take care of business. The program is insane and demanding. They have so much work. I don’t understand how he gets it all done. His company started off with 16 and by the third year they are at 12. </p>

<p>They don’t want to cut actors. They just want the best graduating from the program. The chair A. Dean Irby who was there while Israel Hicks was head in the early days is really working hard to keep the program and bring it back to the “glory” days it once was.</p>

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<p>Yep, complexlife! If they graduate actors who didn’t do the work, the school can’t keep it’s high reputation. But only 12? Hooooly, that must have been tough on everybody! My D says Purchase is still in it’s glory days, but only as good as the actors who graduate. My D did the showcase for agents and professionals in NYC, and also in Los Angeles. What an amazing experience!!! Emmybet, my S isn’t ready yet, but soon so we’re thinking ahead, looking and talking a lot to be sure. If so, he’ll audition for a whole list of schools b/c the best have such small odds for acceptance.
Complexlife, CONGRATS to your son – that is FANTASTIC. I love hearing good news and success stories.</p>

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<p>Oh, I see … did you maybe post on the “Final Decisions” thread as having one at Purchase because your D is there? That would make sense. </p>

<p>Good luck to both of your kids! I still can’t imagine having 2 do these programs. Wow. My other D is in a totally different field. But I guess you do get pretty knowledgeable for the second time around, at least. I feel like I’m in a completely new ballgame.</p>