<p>Hello! I have narrowed down my choices to Rutgers and Pace but I'm having a really hard time deciding. I'm leaning towards Mason Gross because I absolutely love the program, however I have always pictured myself in a city. I feel Pace may offer some advantages because of it's location and opportunity to take classes such as writing or directing. However, I'm concerned Pace's program might not be as rigorous (it's hard to find much information about the program because it is new and evolving). Would anybody be able to offer me some insight, opinions, or advice? (I visited Rutgers this weekend and attended the call back weekend and I'll be visiting Pace next weekend). Thank you!</p>
<p>If it were me, I’d say Rutgers. You have the rest of your life to be in a city and really at Rutgers you could take a bus and be in the city in an hour. </p>
<p>Rutgers is close to the city, more of a campus feel, and you get to study in London. Check out the faculty. My D was more impressed with the faculty at Mason Gross over Pace BFA. It depends on what you’re looking for in a program. </p>
<p>Rutgers. Its a very well established program with excellent teachers and an excellent reputation. It is very close to NYC with many ties to the city. Pace’s program is still evolving. </p>
<p>If wanting to get a more well-rounded theater experience that include directing and writing I’d choose Pace. They have AMAZING award-winning guest lecturers (seriously I’m pretty jealous of some of the people who taught my friends). You’ll leave the school with great contacts in the city plus it’s a lot easier to be involved in the city because you are in the city! My friends at Rutgers say that even though NYC is only an hour away they barely go (maybe 2 times a semester) because they don’t have time. Pace is the place to be out of all NYC schools if you want the city and wonderful theater/tv/film opportunities on and OFF campus (seriously, teachers encourage students to be apart of the theater community during college).</p>
<p>If you visited Rutgers and didn’t fall truly love with it, you shouldn’t go. A school like Rutgers requires you to think, sleep, and breath acting. If you’re having second thoughts about a school it probably isn’t the school for you no matter how reputable it is (something I wish someone told me last year.) Follow you heart and it’ll steer you in the right direction (cheesy, but true.) Think about where you want to be/do 10 years from now, then look at both schools again and determine which one fits your goal.</p>
<p>(forgot to add this…)
I have a feeling you know where you need to be but a school’s reputation is clouding your judgement. Don’t let complete strangers on CC determine where you should go, only you can figure this extremely important decision out (after all, they aren’t paying your tuition).</p>
<p>@hopenest that wasnt the impression I got with Rutgers over the weekend at their Open House. Current students said that they went to the city most weekends, and that on the weekends they’re pretty free. There’s also an opportunity to receive free bus tickets to get into the city. I’m a dancer, but I was extremely impressed with Mason Gross the programs are all very strong and they seem to keep trying to do more to improve them and make them even better. The opportunities are endless and I think it’s great to have the “traditional college experience” while training in a strong arts school and still being able to have access to the city. It is a tough choice between Mason Gross and Pace though for different reasons. Best of luck to you on your decision.</p>
<p>@JDancer Was this the acting (not dance) program you visited? Everyone I know is too busy to go, but I guess everyone has different priorities.</p>
<p>@hopenest the open house was for all Mason Gross accepted students, the day started with info on all programs and then you went with your respected program for more information. The staff stated multiple times that on the weekends is when students have free time and that’s when they have other obligations, jobs/work, go to city, etc.</p>
<p>Well I guess we’ve been speaking to different people @JDancer. The actors I know personally don’t have anytime to go to the city. The Dance and Acting programs are different when it comes to free time. The life of an actor at Rutgers or any school is very different than other majors.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the input! Does anybody know if at Rutgers you could get involved with improv or other pursuits? Also how does casting work with the BFAs and MFAs at Rutgers? And for Pace, are all the actors are invited to the showcase? Thanks!</p>
<p>I’m also very anxious to hear any specifics about Pace - it is hard to find much information as it seems their program has been rapidly changing and growing. Good questions, maybe someone knows a current student at either school? </p>
<p>Just visited Pace with my son. A few things really struck me.
In my meeting with staff, they talked about being student led and the core teaching philosophy seems sound.
I also know my S was offered " a bowl" while on campus and we heard stories that the dorms there are raided occasionally for ?? I’m assuming drugs given his experience.<br>
We were impressed with the guest lecturers and the faculty do seem to be working and highly skilled.
Facilities are nice too. </p>
<p>I know nothing about the other school. </p>
<p>Good luck! </p>