<p>Appreciate anyone who can compare or contrast the 2 MT programs.</p>
<p>The only negative thing I can think of that would not make we want to go to Emerson is their horrid cut system</p>
<p>Extremely terrifying</p>
<p>Keep in mind that Syracuse does not have a cut, but the program does separate those whom are allowed to go on in the BFA track from those that will do the BA track at the end of sophomore year. Some kids do decide, on their own, that they <em>want</em> to pursue a BA, which allows them to take more liberal arts courses. But some do not want to pursue a BA and are routed that way by faculty due to their evals/juries. But a real plus in the Syracuse column, in my mind, would be the fact that it's part of a very well respected comprehensive academic university. Plus, the drama dept is first rate and is associated with Syracuse stage. On the minus, it's hard to compare Syracuse as a city to Boston. Bottom line: each program has serious benefits and drawbacks, as does every program! Having to choose between those two great programs is a win-win situation!!</p>
<p>On a programatic level, Syracuse also has a far superior dance program for MT students than Emerson. The head of the dance program at Syracuse has great professional credentials and is a very good educator. Emerson's dance program is, frankly, weak and if you speak to those there who are willing to be candid, they will advise you that to get strong dance at Emerson you need to cross register for classes at BOCO.</p>
<p>NMR is partially correct about the Syracuse sophomore evaluations. Generally, students that fail a portion of their evals are given the opportunity to re-take a class. For example, if they fail the acting portion, they may choose to re-take the required acting part of the curriculum. Likewise for voice and dance; or they could be given the option of switching to BFA Acting rather than MT. It is only in the worst case scenario, i.e. failing all three areas, that a student would be asked to leave the program. They could then transfer to a theater major, which at Syracuse is actually a B.S. degree.</p>
<p>My D is gearing up for her sophomore evals right now! So we can give you a more personal report in about 2 weeks.</p>
<p>Syracuse was on my D's original list of schools and sadly, we eliminated it back in winter when we became simply overwhelmed by the number of applications. The decision was based on distance from New York City and the cold weather (I think the annual snowfall is about 60 inches.) But it seems a wonderful program!</p>
<p>Thanks for the correction/clarification, onstage! I truly am glad to hear that students who do not pass their evals have a variety of options even as I completely understand that schools/programs <em>must</em> have a way to deal with students who, for whatever reason, are unable to perform to a standard. I feel sure that Syracuse's program is administered fairly and students are given every chance to succeed. There is no question it's one of the very top programs and one any student would be thrilled to be admitted to! Best of luck, onstage, to your child who is approaching those evals! I feel sure you will have happy news to report. (Yes, Syracuse gets LOTS of snow. But they know how to deal with it there.)</p>
<p>My D tells me that unless a snowfall approaches 2 feet, everyone just goes about their business -- roads are cleared quickly, and no one freaks out over a mere foot of snow. I believe this year, school was closed only one day because of snowfall.</p>
<p>silly posters; Syracuse gets about 150" of snow a year but as onstage notes, we share the “flinty toughness” of our new president and don’t stop for a little snow, ice, sleet, frozen rain, blizzard or other cold precipitation! Just bring boots and gloves and you’ll be fine.</p>
<p>I grew up there and never knew any different until we moved south of the Mason-Dixon Line and – ahhh! – warmer weather! But yes, Syracuse not only gets a ton of snow (two feet is nuthin’!) but it’s also considered one of the cloudiest cities in America. It’s often overcast. As kids, we thought it was enormously hot when the thermometer reached 76-degrees and we would beg to go in a neighbor’s pool. LOL! In October a year or so ago, it was 78-degrees when my D and I left home one morning to go visit SU. Hours later, when we crossed the Onondaga County Line, the temp dropped 20 degrees at least and freezing rain was coming down. </p>
<p>Bottom line: lousy weather in general. But GREAT program. And you will be inside most of the time. Plus, beautiful in the late spring.</p>
<p>When I was a student at SU Drama something felt “weird” when you would go outside and the sky was blue… generally it was snow drifts fading into gray sky. They days when the sky was blue and the snow sparkled in the sun like diamonds were few and far between! However, it was a terrific program, and a great place to spend four years of college. You adjust to the weather pretty quickly. </p>
<p>Although I do now live south of the mason dixon line and today it was 35 degrees with minor snow flurries… I felt hostile… I grew up in NH, went to SU, and should be used to cold weather in April… I guess the adjusting goes both ways…</p>
<p>Not to mention beautiful crisp fall days with brillantly colored leaves and clear blue skies. Let’s not frighten the OP. Besides, with global warming, we now see lots of hot, steamy days in central NY. And then, there is the pleasure of three ski hills within half hour of campus and this year, excellent ski conditions from January till early March!</p>
<p>Fall is also beautiful in Syracuse – spectacular fall foliage and generally warm weather through October.</p>
<p>YES! Spring is beautiful in VA, but fall is THE season in the Northeast! I do remember snow on Halloween on more than one occasion while at Syracuse, however! But is was the early snow… sort of like the flurries we had in VA today… :)</p>