Hello! So I just got accepted into The New School to do a Theatre BA program at Lang. Earlier this year I took a tour of the campus and everything is wonderful; the academics are to die for and the opportunities are vast; as a whole, the academic program is everything I’ve ever wanted. But I got the impression that it’s not a very community oriented school. I’m definitely not sporty and I don’t really care about football games or sororities or anything like that, but I would like a place with friendly faces and people who are somewhat talkative. I’m pretty shy and a little introverted, and because I’m not super confident and independent, I’m afraid of not making friends or being completely alone in NYC.
I also got into Emerson College in Boston for a Theatre BFA, and it seems to be super community oriented over there. Everyone seems extremely nice and welcoming, and they seem to have a touch more of the typical college experience. Like I get the impression that at Emerson, as a freshman everyone’s kind of scared and willing to band together over that like kids typically do in a regular college. But at The New School, I feel like everyone is on their own. I don’t need a typical college experience, but I don’t want to be left out because I’m shy and whatnot.
Basically, I feel like for four years at Emerson, I’ll be happy and have a fun time, but not know what to do with myself after that. At The New School, I feel like I’ll be socially miserable for four years, but have tons of opportunities afterwards. I don’t really want to put social life over academics, but I don’t really know anymore.
Maybe getting outside of your comfort zone and going to the New School will be good for you. If your ultimate goal is to be in NYC you will make a ton of contacts while living in the city. You said a “little introverted” so maybe the New School will help you to come out of your shell and pursue friendships rather than looking to others to fulfill that for you. Also, would you be living on campus with a roommate? Ask some current freshman how they made friends and what the social life is like. Good luck and congrats!
I think there are plenty of professional connections to be had at Emerson too- esp if you would be open to working in Boston (a fantastic theater town) after graduation. Do has had friends at both new school and Emerson who have loved the programs. Follow your heart, but there is no wrong answer
I know nothing about social life at the New School, but I did spend my 20s in NYC and found it easier to make friends in there than almost anywhere else, because there are so many young people, they’re all doing really interesting things and they’re mostly from other places. Think of it as a giant agglomeration of a million small towns, and you don’t live in your town because of geography but because of your own personal interests and passions. Join a club. Go to a lecture. Volunteer. Take an exercise class. You’ll meet people, even if it’s not at your school.
congratulations @shhhhh222. Both schools sound like an amazing opportunity! It looks like you have a safe choice (Emerson) or a choice that will take you out of your comfort zone. I don’t think either way would be wrong it’s just the approach to your future that you will be making I would write down the complete list of pro’s and con’s and see which one really pulls at your heart
I would write down the complete list of pro’s and con’s and see which one really pulls at your heart