<p>Tisch is #1: but it is difficult to start life as a creative artist $200K in debt because after you graduate you will not have time for your art, and will be forced to compromise your talent and time. You need to ask yourself which compromise will hurt you more in the end. It is a personal decision for everyone. But I can tell you, as a writer and editor myself, that nothing is more deadening to the creative spirit than being forced to take a job that robs your time and creativity. People from all walks of life, with all types of training, succeed. Writers need to study their art, and deeply, yet I have had writers come my way who were brilliant, without even a college degree; I published them. Others with the highest training didn't have the stuff. There isn't just a single path, but many routes to a goal. If you are going to get there, you will get there one way or another. Training is essential for a writer --but it is not the ONLY essential thing. It is understandable that the financial package be of concern to those who can't otherwise pay. This doesn't amount to bashing, but just reality.</p>
<p>btw the acceptance rate at Vassar is now 29% and I believe it is more selective and more difficult to get into than NYU CAS --but not Tisch.</p>