Taking a gap year, need help picking schools!!!

College Majors Theater/Drama Majors
1

<p>So I graduated last year from high school and was all set to go off to college, but ended up taking a year off instead. I'm for sure going to college next year, but I really don't know where to apply. I know I want a B.F.A. not a B.A. I also would really like to go to a school that has a conservator style program within a 4 year university. My list of schools so far is:
1) Rutgers (MGSA)
2) Elon University (but I pretty sure I'm not smart enough to get into the school...)
3.) University of Minnesota</p>

<p>The thing is I'm not rich. I can't afford to go to really expensive schools. I was thinking about auditioning for Carnegie Mellon because that is the only school I would ever go in debt for. Any suggestions? </p>

<p>Last year I was accepted into the Hartt School, Cornish College of the Art, AADA, Utah University, Northern Colorado, central washington university and a couple others... the only school that denied me was Evansville. I'm only telling you this to give you a feel for my talent range.</p>

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<p>Hi :slight_smile: I’m in the same position as you in taking a gap year and like you I also really want to study Theatre.</p>

<p>For a while i thought all I wanted to do was acting but now I’m realizing that I also want to do playwriting and directly (mainly to get a more broad perception of theatre). As a result I’m applying to some BFAs and BA programs that have a strong acting emphasis.</p>

<p>Here are some of my choices :</p>

<p>The more expensive -
Fordham (BA with a performance specialization which requires an audition)
Boston University (BFA )
Syracuse University (BFA as well as BS)
Northwestern (BA)
Loyola Marymount (BA with a performance specialization that also requires an audition)
Ithaca College (BFA)
Southern Methodist (BFA) </p>

<p>The less expensive :
Temple University (BA with a performance specialization)
*The only issue with Temple is that it is a State School and it might not give great financial aid</p>

<p>Depaul University (BFA)
*It’s private and as a result might give better financial Aid. Plus, it’s a very well known, conservatory-like, program in a great theatre city (Chicago). The only issue is the cutting after the first year</p>

<p>Florida State University (BFA)
*It’s a state school but not outrageously expensive and it’s a well known program</p>

<p>Penn State (BFA musical Theatre/BA acting specialization)
*A good school at a decent price with a reputable theatre department</p>

<p>You could also consider:</p>

<p>Pace University
*It’s actually very expensive but from what I hear they give great financial aid and have a very high acceptance rate. The only issue is that I don’t think it has a really great reputation</p>

<p>Texas State
*It looks like it has a decent program and it isn’t too expensive</p>

<p>University of Arizona
*It has quite a good program at quite a decent price </p>

<p>Cuny Brooklyn
*I think it has a BFA and it has an excellent price as do all the CUNY schools</p>

<p>Marymount Manhattan
*It does have a BFA but I’m not too sure about the price</p>

<p>Webster University
*Good program, good school and I think it has quite a decent price for a private school</p>

<p>Point Park
*I’m not too sure how good the program is but I do know they give quite good financial aid</p>

<p>SUNY Purchase
*Very well known program at a good price but I have heard some mixed reviews </p>

<p>Those are the only ones that i can think of right now but I hope that helped :slight_smile: Also, there are a lot of parents/current students from a lot of those schools on these boards and so hopefully some of them could give you some more information regarding the actual programs :)</p>

3

<p>Hey I’m in the exact same boat as you two as well! I’m just popping in to say that DePaul actually doesn’t have the cut program any more!</p>

4

<p>Hello all!
I was in your shoes just last year.
I was in a bind that made me take a year off and gather myself for the next audition season. The main thing you want to do regarding finances now is go on scholarship and grant searches NOW.
Yes, a lot of schools are really expensive…and out-of-state tuition kills. But, if you take the time to start seeking out help now you will have a greater advantage.</p>

<p>If you have questions at all about any schools or anything in general, feel free to ask!</p>

<p>Best of luck with your auditions! :)</p>