<p>Can anybody comment on the strengths and weaknesses of both schools besides the fact that one will have an urban environment and the other is in the burbs. I would really appreciate it.</p>
<p>My D is a soph in the MT program at Syracuse. I can tell you that the location of the school doesn't really matter to MT students. The program is so time-consuming, that students have very little spare time to do anything else. There are many events on and off-campus on a weekly basis -- concerts, lectures, etc. I don't think my D has been to more than one or two in her two years there.</p>
<p>There's another thread on the main part of this forum, that has been discussing Syracuse vs. Emerson. If you can't find it, try a search -- the discussion is quite current. I don't know anything first-hand about Emerson; there are others on this board who do. If you have any specific questions about Syracuse, feel free to PM me.</p>
<p>I wouldn't say Syracuse is in the burbs. It's a mile from downtown.</p>
<p>When we visited Syracuse, I also consider it near downtown. It has a beautiful campus on the hill. More of a traditional college setting than an urban one but we think that is a plus. I think one has the rest of their lives to live in a big city....only 4 years to be a part of an amazing college with a real campus. Both are in extremely cold windy places in the winter, but it sounds like Acting and MT kids are inside a lot! The walk to the theater is longer at Syracuse but that always helps keep off the freshman 15! And rides are provided by campus security at all times. Emerson is a great place and my D loved it. But they do have to use hotels right now for some dorm rooms. And smaller can be better. Great school, but no matter where you go (we live in Georgia) everyone knows about Syracuse! Emerson seems to have wonderful internships after college. If that is a deciding factor, I think they consider that a strength. Good luck to you.! We are on spring break and her letter came from Emerson today! We will wait to open till we get home!</p>
<p>I don't know much about Emerson, but Syracuse offers its BFA MT students the opportunity for: (1) the Tepper semester in NYC where students are networking and taking classes; (2) the Sorkin semester in LA (same principles as Tepper but emphasis is on film acting in CA); (3) earning equity points through collaborative opportunities with Syracuse Stage; and (4) the benefit of renowned alum (alum Taye Diggs is speaking at SU today) plus a lot of successful working actors out there. </p>
<p>PLUS, I really like the fact that Freshman in SU's BFA MT program aren't performing, so there's an opportunity for the class to bond without the competition of casting getting in the way.</p>
<p>Best of luck to you with your decision! I hope my input helps!</p>
<p>Syracuse also offers a semester in London. </p>
<p>And Taye Diggs, in addition to speaking, conducted 2 dance workshops for students.</p>