<p>Hi everyone!
So I have narrowed it down to two schools: University of Michigan and Boston University. I am an acting major, and being accepted to both schools is a huge honor. I am leaning strongly towards UMich. The program only accepts 16 people( versus 100 at BU to yield 40-50), the academics at UMich are superior, and I can double major. The issue is naturally financial aid. At UMich I was offered 29,540 out of 51,000. At Boston University I was offered 42,500 out of 60,000. NOW- At UMich I would have to pay 20,000 and would be acquiring 6,500 in loans per year. At BU I would have to pay around 16,000 and would be acquiring 5,500 in loans a year. Travel expenses would be about the same( I live in New York, and if I am good about booking early I should be able to get good deals). Looking at the packages, I don't see much of a difference- I'm virtually paying 4,000 dollars more at Mich and have 1,000 more in loans. Is it a bigger difference than I can see? What do you think I should do?
Thanks :)</p>
<p>In this case, given the excellence of that particular program and the difficulty getting accepted, I feel your assessment is correct.
Is your family comfortable with the differential in cash contribution? Was UMich your “fit” feeling - top choice? Did you connect with faculty at the audition? – I feel connections in the performing arts are very germane to future success.</p>
<p>Also, Umich has an awesome alumni network and a good grad track record out of its SOM BFAs. So in terms of student loan differential - totally worth it in my mind. If your folks are comfortable with the 4k cash difference, go for it! </p>
<p>My son is in music but works with a lot of the performing arts/acting/dance students on projects and hears nothing but great things. He himself loves SOMTD.</p>
<p>The other advantage to Michigan is that it has a tremendous amount of art, performance arts, and culture. When I was at the school, I spent more time than I should have going to plays, concerts, and the like. The city of Boston, as I recall, isn’t brimming with theater; although there’s some. All of the schools there put together may have as much as UM but it’s all spread out. Of course, I’m from NY so I’m spoiled in that regard. It’s also a beautiful campus so if you are artistically included, you’ll appreciate that.</p>
<p>Incredible how much money they are giving you. Good for you. Remember also that the cost of living is lower in Ann Arbor than Boston.</p>