<p>Agree that Vassar would be a dream school for many theater students. It is definitely very high on the BA end of theater colleges!</p>
<p>First of all, you are absolutely correct, SoozieVT. I went into the process pretty rashly, and if I was determined to go to a BFA program my list would have been a horrible mistake. Even as it is, I would have been foolish to simply expect an acceptance from Vassar. I had a conversation with Christopher Grabowski (the chair of Vassar’s drama department) today, though, and I’m almost certain that I’ve found the right place for me. I’m not sure if Princeton could even lure me away, if I got in. So with 20/20 hindsight, I’m really satisfied with my process.</p>
<p>But here’s an interesting thing (and this is where parents all across the boards will shake their heads and sigh): I wouldn’t for the life of me have compiled a safer list this year, for two main reasons:</p>
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<li><p>If I had gotten into a BFA program, I almost certainly would have attended. From the outset I was determined to go to a training program – so much so, in fact, that I ignored my love of pretty much every academic discipline. I also became fixated on myself as a product. The BFA mentality is very career oriented. This has its merits, of course, as every actor wants to be a working actor. But the effect of such a mindset – and I’m speaking solely from experience – can sometimes be detrimental to one’s mind as an artist.</p></li>
<li><p>I’m going to preface this one with a great big disclaimer. Everyone is different. What I’m saying here only applies personally. This is anecdote, not advice! Okay: As an actor, I have a tendency to “play it safe”. Sometimes I have trouble committing to decisions. Sometimes I assume that my luck in life implies infallibility. I recall very vividly a conversation I had with my father as I entered the college process. I told him that I “needed to teach myself a lesson”. If I got into conservatory, great. If not, I needed to know that I had the wits to separate myself from my ego and to carry on and forge my own path regardless of my previous successes and failures. I was perfectly willing (and before getting into Vassar, almost ready) to take a gap year and figure things out. I wanted to prove to myself that I could commit to something that unsettled me (i.e. not going to a BFA program, not applying to a safety school, or maybe not even going to college). And I’m proud of myself for listening to my own advice. With a more forgiving list, this year would not have been the same learning experience.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>That said, if you’re determined to go to college right out of high school, do not emulate me! But then, you all already know that.</p>
<p>I think in the end, you have found your place. I truly believe that Vassar is going to fit exactly what you seek. It is really well regarded for theater and then has the academic slant that I think you will also crave. I think it will end up to be a perfect combo for you. And getting into Vassar is a major achievement! It ain’t easy. In no way is it remotely a fall back. It also likely fits you better than Princeton. I’m glad you went through this process. It is like you went full circle and landed in the right spot. I think you’ll soar wherever you go. I’m glad you talked to the director at Vassar. It’s all pretty exciting once you get past the admission phase. So much to look forward to. It isn’t gonna matter at all to you in a few months about any of this admissions stuff, trust me!</p>
<p>My contribution to the Bogface lovefest (not to imply that it is undeserved!) is to say congratulations for the Haverford acceptance. </p>
<p>The Vassar acceptance is of course totally awesome, but getting into Haverford is no small feat either. I thought someone should give Haverford its due…even though it’s not a theatre school. :)</p>
<p>Haverford is awesome. Agree…no easy feat to get into it either!! Vassar is better known for theater.</p>
<p>I’m feeling the love here! Wow. Thank you guys so much. I’m headed up to Vassar tomorrow to scope things out and hopefully seal the deal emotionally. If all goes well, I’ll be able to sit in on a tech run of their upcoming production of Hamlet (the First Quarto version!), which should be really freakin’ cool. I’ll keep you all posted!</p>
<p>Chiming in my congratulations to bogface! Please let us know how things are going over the next months.</p>
<p>As mom of a Jr D who can learn a lot from your experience, I want to thank you for your honest expression of how you did what you did and what it has meant to you. My D wants very much to do a BFA, as you did, and like many loves CMU and BU. Luckily from what we’ve learned here on CC, she also is looking for the “less tippy top” BFAs that soozie describes. AND she’s looking at BA schools - including Vassar (except for her it’s more of a reach than for bogface, so she’ll have Bard, Sarah Lawrence and some safeties, too) - because fortunately she can imagine herself in that path if necessary, especially where theater is strong. </p>
<p>I am impressed with anyone, at any age, who can know what they did, why they did it (right, wrong, or otherwise), stand by their choices, live with the outcomes, and move forward so positively. We see this time and again in this forum, and I never cease to be amazed. Best wishes to you all!</p>
<p>Definitely keeping in a range of BA programs is critical! For a theater girl, Vassar is a really tough admit! Bogface is a male, I think, so the odds were more in his favor, although he clearly had the stats for the school. Frankly, I think that students can get a great theater education even at schools that aren’t so “known” for their programs. These schools have professors who are active in the theater world and give personalized attention. Also may be easier to get roles in productions. A friend whose D is at Skidmore said that auditions go on for days because so many kids try out!</p>