I know this is Acting thread, but this applies.
School One has really good training in acting, MT, and a little dance. Not many performance opportunities (4-6 over four years). Good studio work. D is not MT so it would be for acting. Acting not really cast in MT, if so, maybe one show. No voice lessons but chance for work with professors on the side after first year. Good exposure to the “real” world with some Master Classes, guest artists, etc. Summer work but you need to look for it. Not very large productions. Not a gentle approach to handling the students and communication. Few (2-3) student directed work, no directing major.
School Two has good training in acting, MT, and a little dance. Many performance opportunities (3-5 per year). Not as much studio work. D would be MT so it would allow for musicals. Voice lessons in curriculum. Not as much exposure to the “real” world…Master Classes, summer work, etc…Many large productions and smaller, intimate productions. More gentle in the approach to the actor. A lot of student directed work since there is a directing major.
D is torn. Thoughts?
Why is D Acting at one school and MT at the other? Does she have a preference of acting or MT?
How much difference is there in studio work between school 1 and 2? You said school 2 has “not as much studio work,” but what is the actual breakdown in terms of hours?
Has she visited both schools, and if so, did she get any sense of which one she would be more comfortable at?
Is there a difference in cost between the two schools? Obviously that would depend on what financial aid and scholarships you get, but is there a general idea?
How much does the “gentle” approach towards instruction matter to your D and how much does she value performing as part of her training vs. professional exposure? I think it all depends on the student - where will she thrive? Many students would find school B to be far preferable because of the performing and nuturing environment. Others would be happier at School A because they’d value the real world exposure. I think professonal contacts and exposure to the industry is really important… but not at the expense of the student’s happiness and well-being. if she doesn’t like a program, she won’t stay in it anyway so the question isn’t which is better… it’s which fits her better.
I’m of the opinion that college teaches how to learn for life. It’s just the start. In four years I’m looking for a young adult that understands themselves better, knows how to develop an action plan to chase after their goals, gained some skills, and has a few rock solid friendships to weather life’s storms, and maybe a mentor or two to aid in early adulthood. Agree with @CaMom13, its all about an environment where the student will thrive. Understanding your personal goal for college, and expectations after college, helps in selecting the college.