<p>So today I found out that I was accepted into Purchase...but I had already been rejected from 4 other schools and had just decided to go with the Guthrie Program. I've already made myself official at the University of Minnesota, but now I'm worried that I made the wrong choice! I'm confident that I'd get great performing arts educations at both schools, but I'm curious to see what some of you guys think as far as where you'd decide to go and for what reasons. Let me know!</p>
<p>MRK: Congratulations on gaining admission to 2 of the best BFA Drama programs out there. You should be VERY proud because both programs are highly selective. </p>
<p>In addition to reaching out on this discussion board, and connecting with current students in both programs (for example, via Facebook or this forum), you may also want to contact the Drama Dept heads at both UMinn/Guthrie and Purchase to request their honest input. I am a firm believer that honesty is always the best policy, and the Dept Heads from both programs are probably in the best position to point-out the similarities and differences between the 2 programs, and to help you determine which may be the best fit for you … and it probably won’t surprise them to know that an accepted student is now in a position to choose between the two. I mean, these things happen. </p>
<p>Having said all of that, you probably already know this, but one difference between UMinn/Guthrie and SUNY Purchase is UMinn’s strong affiliation with the renowned Guthrie Theatre, including the opportunity for graduating UMinn seniors to audition for 1 out of 5 contract spots at The Guthrie during senior year. Another difference that sets UMinn/Guthrie apart is UMinn/Guthrie’s Junior semester abroad, where the entire class and faculty actually travel (and work!) together. </p>
<p>Of course, SUNY Purchase is a “true” conservatory with few if any GenEd courses required; and you may find its location closer to New York City to be appealing, although you would probably be so busy with classes, etc. that you wouldn’t notice, after a while. </p>
<p>Anyway, I hope you find these comments helpful, and that you will embrace my suggestion to speak to the Department Heads from both programs in addition to reaching out to others (students, etc.) if you haven’t already finalized your decision.</p>
<p>Congratulations again on your AMAZING accomplishment; and best of luck with such a difficult decision … I hope these comments helped! Please let us know what you decide!</p>
<p>Wow, thank you. That is very exciting. I think I just need to draw up a pros and cons list. I was aware of all of those things, but didn’t really lay them out in front of me. I appreciate your feedback though. I know I’m going to U of M, but I just needed the extra reenforcement. I’ve already made my admission their official so, I’d feel like a huge prick if I went back on my word. :)</p>
<p>Just wanted to clarify a couple of things as a UMN/Guthrie graduate. Regarding the student contracts: students in good standing are usually able to audition for the Guthrie’s student contracts (5 per year) starting in the second semester of their junior year. In rare cases underclassmen may be considered for roles at the Guthrie if they would be appropriate. All graduating seniors do an “exit audition” for Guthrie artistic staff at the end of their four years. </p>
<p>It is true that the entire class travels to London in the first semester of junior year (just as the entire class is together for all four years of training), but the faculty does not travel with them. The London faculty is separate and drawn from many respected institutions in Britain, and has included artists from Shakespeare’s Globe, the National Theatre, the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, the London International School of Performing Arts and Ireland’s Gaiety School. </p>
<p>Feel free to ask any more questions, if you have them.</p>