My DS was lucky to get into several top acting schools (UCLA, USC, Emerson, SMU, Fordham) but has narrowed it down to Michigan or NYU as he wants a BFA with the flexability to major or minor in creative writing and study abroad. We just visited Michigan and he loved the program. It is more selective than NYU but NYU has an incredible alumni network. I’m wondering what others think about both programs. NYU is always rated at the top for acting schools and Michigan is further down on this list. Plus NYU has an amazing network. Yet, my son seems to think it is a better program as it is more selective to get in. This is nor my field so I have no idea which is best to actually have the connections to work in acting after college. Thoughts?
My daughter is finishing her freshman year at NYU. I would make an argument that it is actually not “less selective” - yes, they take a larger number of students than Michigan, but I believe they also audition more students than any other school in the nation (at least from numbers I have been told- Nearly triple the number apply to NYU as opposed to Michigan for acting). NYU is also unique in that there is an entire studio system - where a wide variety of acting techniques are taught, giving students an opportunity to work in multiple disciplines. (No direct knowledge of Michigan’s curriculum, but it is common for schools to teach in one style.) Plus there is the advantage of studying theater in one of the world’s great theater centers. My D has seen a show (every style under the sun) at least once a week this year (with student ticket opportunities it is sometimes cheaper for her to see a bway show than a movie - no joke!)
While it’s obvious that I am a fan of NYU- Michigan is a strong option as well. Just trying to give some insight and info into the program I know best
If you have other questions feel free to ask!
While NYU is a good program, I have a problem with the way they run their program. If you want a real conservatory, don’t go to NYU. They stick you in a studio that determines what method of acting you will study the next four years. Also, it’s a crapload of money and honestly NYU is kind of looked down upon undergrad in the business. Don’t get me wrong- it’s a great school, but nothing compared to Michigan, Fordham, UCLA, USC etc. However, it would allow for flexibility to minor or even double major. Good luck!
It’s my understanding that you can switch after two years at NYU to a new studio. My daughter did not like the way things were run either at NYU and also didn’t like the fact she couldn’t sit in on classes. She elected not to apply to NYU for those two reasons. It’s hard to get a feel for a program if you can’t see it in action.
@ilikeacting - You are correct that NYU is not a true conservatory -there are more “non drama” requirements there than one might find at other programs. For some that is a plus (the opportunity to learn about other interests, broaden horizons etc) for others that is a minus (they want to study ONLY drama- and that is fine) Again, I have no knowledge of curriculum/class requirements at Michigan, so @kobitheevee would need to do a direct comparison. I can also tell you that Minoring/Double Majoring is technically possible at NYU- but very, very difficult. I know 3 students who had doubles or minors and dropped them due to the time commitment of BFA classes. Another point you addressed is cost. NYU is expensive (as are MANY other schools) I don’t know anything about FA packages offered in this situation- but I can tell you Michigan isn’t cheap for out of state residents- it wouldn’t surprise me to hear that there was not a huge differential in costs. My kid was accepted to 4 really strong programs well known programs last year - and NYU was the 2nd cheapest for us. (we do not qualify for need based aide)
@Bisouu - I understand the negative aspect of not being able to sit in on classes when you are trying to learn about a school. For my kid it was unnecessary as she had already been in the summer program and seen/been a part of the various studios, but that makes her an exception, rather than the norm. But think of how many kids apply to NYU (as said on this and other threads- could easily be 3x the number of other programs) how could you schedule all those kids into ALL of the studios? (wouldn’t your D have wanted to see multiple to compare?) Logistical nightmare - and disruptive to the very intense student process. NYU is not a school that “courts” students. They figure you want to be there or you don’t- and they have a LONG list of people who want to be there. They are confident in their product, and have the track record to prove it.
I do want to add that NYU is far from perfect - perfect doesn’t exist. Just trying to address issues raised in earlier posts.
kobit, has your son received his studio assignment yet? That would likely be the determining factor for most students. If it’s the studio he definitely wants, then the choice should be an easy one. If it’s not, then he has to decide if it’s one that he’d be willing to study in for two years, then switch to his first choice. And no, you are not ‘stuck’ in one studio for four years.
I know very little about Michigan’s acting curriculum but I’m guessing that you and he have compared it with Tisch’s. Which appeals to him more? It’s true that students can minor or double major at Tisch. My D did as did many of her friends and studio-mates. I think it may also be possible at Michigan. I know there was a mom here a few years ago whose son was double majoring with Engineering at Michigan.
He has two very nice options and, in my opinion, it should be his choice. Where he feels more comfortable, what curriculum he prefers, etc. I wouldn’t worry too much about comments on NYU ‘being looked down upon’ in the business, especially when they’re coming from a junior in high school. 
I’ve said this here before but will repeat it for those who may be reading and applying in the next cycle. Sitting in on Tisch classes can be arranged privately and this has always been the case. If you are in touch with a Tisch student, they are able to get permission for you to attend a studio class. My D did this innumerable times when she was a student there and I know of many applicants who have done so in the intervening years. It may take some ‘legwork’ to arrange with a current student but it certainly can be done. With over 2000 applicants, most of whom audition in NYC, it would be impossible for the school to arrange classroom visits for all of them. And given that there are multiple studios, deciding which one for which student would be equally impossible. In my opinion, a classroom visit, while interesting, doesn’t really add much to the research that most applicants will have already done.
My D had a friend (who is currently a junior in HS) spend a whole day with her in studio just a couple weeks ago. But as alwaysamom described- it was arranged privately.
I think once she got in (which is a huge feat I know) she would have liked to sit in on classes. The two programs she was admitted to she did have the opportunity to observe and participate in two acting classes. It would be a logistical nightmare for sure scheduling all those kids into classes and I am sure very disruptive. That’s what’s nice about this process, what works for one kid doesn’t for another.
kobit - I sent you a private message. Feel free to contact me with specific questions. My son graduated from Michigan last May (BFA Theatre), with a minor in Creative Writing. He’s currently in NYC. Congratulations to your son.
Thanks for all of the great info. He hasn’t received his studio assignment yet which will be a huge factor. Both programs are similar in that they are BFA’s,have the flexibility to double major or minor and study abroad. They are both expensive as we are out of state. He loved Michigan when we visited. We will tour NYU this weekend. I appreciate the clarification on selectivity. I figured that NYU must get the most applicants which explains a lot. I wish I knew how recent graduates are faring as they leave Michigan. I know the program seems great but are the acting graduates finding work? I know it is a fantastic MT program. I’m trying to gauge whether it has the same cache for acting. NYU’s list of alumni is obviously very impressive. Visiting may be the answer in the end, I hope!
One more question. My son thinks he wants Stella Adler or the Atlantic studio. Is one studio better than another at NYU? We don’tknow if one studio is more highly regarded than another.
The “which is the best studio” question is a little bit loaded. (not unlike “which is the best school” ) All of the studios have excellent and experience faculty- a myriad of opportunities, and a respected approach to theater. BUT- since there are many different approaches to theater the studios are very different.The NYU website is horrible- not just the Tisch studio section- the whole thing. You have to dig to find info there. My kid is at Adler and loves it. (and studio was a dealbreaker for her - I can’t believe it is taking this long this year - last year it came 4/10!) I will freely admit that exactly how NYU decides on studios is a bit of mystery- often compared to the sorting hat at Hogwarts. They did ask D about it during interview process at auditions to gauge her interests.
One of my favorite ways to describe NYU studios is this joke (many variations exist- this is the one I found to copy/paste)
HOW MANY TISCH KIDS DOES IT TAKE TO SCREW IN A LIGHTBULB?
How many Stella Adler kids does it take to screw in a light bulb?
“I am the light bulb.”
How many Atlantic kids does it take to screw in a light bulb?"
“How can I get you to screw in the light bulb?”
“How many Strasberg kids does it take to screw in a light bulb?”
“The light bulb was warm, my mother was there…”
“How many ETW kids does it take to screw in a light bulb?”
“Orange.”
“How many Meisner kids does it take to screw in a light bulb?”
“How many Meisner kdis does it take to screw in a light bulb? How many Meisner kids does it take to screw in a light bulb?” How many Meisner kids does it take to screw in a light bulb?"
“How many NSB kids does it take to screw in a light bulb?”
“I don’t do tech!”
“How many Tech kids does it take to screw in a light bulb?”
“Its a LAMP, and F&#% You!”
“How many Playwrights kids does it take to screw in a light bulb?”
“I can do it! and in addition if you need anything, I can also hang and focus the light, and when I’m done with that if you need me I can build the set and sew the costumes. But let me give you a conflict schedule because I’m also acting. Oh and do you know of anyone who needs a dramaturg? Because I’m not doing anything on Wed. Nights between 7:52 and 8:37 and I would really like to fill that time slot up.”
You may even get lucky and be offered more than one studio to choose from 
Bazaarshopper I tried to reply to your email but it said undeliverable for some reason. Anyway, thanks for reaching out. My son is also looking at the double major or minor in creative writing. He loved Michigan when we visited but we are concerned about Michigan’s connections coming out compared to NYU. Your son has graduated. How has that process been?
Also you can private email me at kellyprue2@comcast.net. Thanks
@bisouu - choice is exceptionally rare in initial placement. Possible, but very much the exception
The Atlantic Studio is my favorite.
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@toowonderful I never said that I don’t like NYU, I said that I have a problem with the way they run their program, how much it costs, and a lot of the faculty at some studios. I did a summer program at Atlantic and adored it. It’s attached to a great theatre company and I met wonderful friends. I don’t like the random studio assignments and studios like Lee Strasberg I highly disagree with. And it doesn’t showcase students well and the industry looks down upon undergrad NYU acting.Never once said I didn’t like NYU, don’t make assumptions.
Does your son have the ability (know someone attending NYU) where he can sit in on a class or two to get the feel of their program? Was he able to sit in on classes at Michigan? Meeting the students and getting a feel for the instruction may be a great way to help him make his decision. Funny how the kids just know what’s right for them.