<p>You have heard of the final four...well, what about trying to compare two very good programs in MT. </p>
<p>If money is taken out of the picture (which is my first false statement in this post), how do you decide? What are some criteria that can be compared and how do you uncover information to help? </p>
<p>I know we can compare the obvious letters after the degree, but I want to know how to choose - it is a classic head vs heart... so those who have been down this path before, what are the words of wisdom????? :confused:</p>
<p>Thanks in advance!
MikksMom</p>
<p>I recommend that you compare curriculums of the 2 programs, which can sometimes be very different. After that, follow your heart.</p>
<p>Here are the factors my daughter and we are using. What weight to give to each is, of course, subject to individual determination. It's all in the details. The more info on each, the better. Scour the websites, talk to students on visitations and on CC and Facebook.</p>
<p>Performing Arts - number of courses, emphasis and balance<br>
Acting<br>
Voice<br>
Dance<br>
Other</p>
<pre><code> Faculty credentials
Semester Abroad
Physical Facilities - Theatre and other
Showcase/Contacts
Cut Policy
</code></pre>
<p>Liberal Arts<br>
Dual Major/Minor - can you do it and in an area that interests you </p>
<p>Number of Classes<br>
Required Core </p>
<p>Performance Opportunities<br>
In School<br>
Outside/Other </p>
<p>Location/Weather </p>
<p>Housing<br>
Dorms<br>
Apartments </p>
<p>Food<br>
Meal Plans<br>
Restaurants<br>
Markets </p>
<p>Social/Cultural<br>
Religious/Culural Organizations<br>
Campus Activities<br>
Off Campus - what's available</p>
<pre><code>Will you fit in with a segment of the student body
</code></pre>
<p>Size and Ratios<br>
Students - # undergrad, graduate<br>
Teacher/Student<br>
Class sizes and accessiblity of professors </p>
<p>Scholarships </p>
<p>How does it feel - can the student see him or herself living there for 4 years and enjoying life outside of classes. Does it feel like a place where you can develop a rapor and relationships with professors and fellow students.</p>
<p>mikksmom = we also added distance from home and distance from NYC to the above list and put it all on a spreadsheet that D could rate. Also left room for the intangible (gut feeling).</p>
<p>Yes, distance from home was on our initial list but we used that as part of the initial filter to come up with a list of schools to apply to. At the end, all of the schools under final consideration are within the distance limitations for us.</p>
<p>Distance does not always mean difficulty. We are in the Boston area and it is more difficult for us to get to PSU, Ithaca and SU than Washington DC, Raleigh/Durham, or even Detroit. Even though we can drive to Ithaca, it's a long and difficult drive, we can fly from here to Balimore for $49.00 both ways (even at the holidays) if we plan ahead.</p>