<p>I will apologize in advance for the probable length of this post, and the myriad of questions interspersed throughout, however, I have heard nothing but wonderful things about the helpfulness of this board.</p>
<p>I am currently a 19 year-old (turning 20 in January) actor living in Manhattan, and it seems every other week, the question of going back to school becomes an unobtainable obsession for me. I did in fact attend AMDA for musical theatre at the age of 17, however, more out of necessity than by choice, which seems to be a common story (My experience there is a whole other story, but if anyone is interested for a very fair analysis of the school, without the SCAMDA bashing, or the oblivious worship of the school, please feel free to PM me). Not only did I skip junior year, so my college decision making did not get the quality time it deserved, I also based my choice on avoiding my parent's wish to do something more practical. Long story short, I learned how to act, and sing, and dance, received training, and that is that. However, quality of actual education aside, I felt somewhat disappointed in myself, and unsatisfied for not attending the "college of my dreams," but instead choosing one as an escape route. The silver lining is, I do live in New York, and have worked in New York theatre in the year since graduation, and will be going on to do a children's national tour in November. </p>
<p>Despite this, as an artist, I am still craving knowledge and being educated. I continue private study with many of the teachers I have made living in New York these past two years, however, my mind always wonders to the benefits of attending an intensive four year program and obtaining a degree. Coming from a very strong academic background, a degree does hold a deal of importance to me, not to mention, while I do not bash the training I received, it was incredibly specialized, and no matter how you view it, still only two years compared to four. </p>
<p>It would see that I had already made a decision that going back to school was my goal, however, my main obstacle, which is not an uncommon one, is financing. I already went to one post-secondary school, in which I received financial aid, scholarships, and loans in my name and my parents. My parents also took out loans and applied for financial aid for my sister's extensive education. They're about maxed out to say the least. So you have a non-union actor trying to pay for school, and if I'm not mistaken, at 19, I cannot apply for financial aid without including my parent's information, is that correct? So even though, in reality, I would be attempting to pay for college on what could be a server's earnings, that would not be considered to the full extent (if I am correct. Please let me know if I'm mistaken).</p>
<p>So my question is this: financing an education is difficult for everyone, but are there resources available for students who have already completed some form of education and want to continue? I'm a high school student no longer, so I have no high school guidance counselor or advisor to help guide my way. Is it even feasible to get financial aid under my circumstances? Furthermore, how many of the top schools for musical theatre accept students who are not coming out of high school (in theory, if I were to apply this year, and were accepted, I would be a 20 year old freshman, almost 21. Young in the grand scheme of things, but young enough for the musical theatre programs?).</p>
<p>Also, more matter of opinion, but do you think at this stage it is important for me to consider schooling? On the one hand, I was not completely satisfied with the school I did attend, and I am still young enough where many of my close friends tell me that I can still go back. On the other, I did receive training that seems to be booking work, albeit varying qualities, wages, etc. However, the fact does remain that I have an undeniable thirst, dare I say, lust, for more knowledge, and to submerge myself deeper into my artistry and craft. </p>
<p>To summarize, my main question: is it possible to go back? And if so, what should I do next?</p>
<p>Again, sorry if this post in unnecessarily long, or unnecessarily personal (I tried to avoid intimate details to avoid the melodramatic sob story), but I really would appreciate anybody's advice, input, opinion, or guidance in the form of a reply or PM.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for reading. Look forward to hearing from you soon.</p>