<p>S has a friend who has been accepted to both programs starting in the fall. If she went to AMDA she would plan to do 2 years in NYC, then the last two years in LA so she would come out with a college degree. I have read some things about both schools over on the Musical Theatre board, but don't know much about either program for dance. The Musical Theatre reports for AMDA are definitely a mixed bag - seems like a lot of people drop out, some of the teachers are good, others not so much, etc. UArts on the other hand people seem to really like and generally have great things to say about. I was hoping that people with dance knowledge could comment on their impressions of the two options. S's friend is drawn to being in NYC, but it just seems like AMDA might be riskier. Thanks so much for the help!!</p>
<p>AMDA is not an accredited school. So, if she chooses it, she will not have a real bachelors degree. Most colleges won’t accept it, so grad school is out. U Arts is fully accredited, a real university, and a very good dance program. AMDA pretty much accepts everyone, they want the $. U Arts is far better. No comparison. at all.</p>
<p>Thanks @sopranomom92 - the mother of the D involved didn’t know that AMDA wasn’t accredited… Everyone is encouraging her to choose UArts, but she’s still waiting to hear what kind of financial package UArts can give her. AMDA’s already offered a nice talent scholarship, but she is still waiting to hear about FA. Keeping my fingers crossed for good money from UArts!</p>
<p>I would reiterate the same, accreditation and a degree are very important imo. It seems like a lot of great dancers are going to UArts this year! Philidelphia is still a city, and pretty close to NYC. The city will always be there for her after she gets her BFA too! </p>
<p>AMDA’s website states that it IS accredited. Here’s a quote from their site: “AMDA is the only accredited BFA Performing Arts College where you’ll get a unified experience, earning your degree in both cities.” Am I missing something here? <a href=“AMDA | Programs”>http://www.amda.edu/programs/dance-theatre/bachelor-of-fine-arts/</a></p>
<p>Apparently AMDA is accredited, but only by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), not by one of the main regional accreditors that accredit most colleges. It means that if you want to transfer or go to graduate school, the credits might not be recognized. </p>
<p>I want to thank everyone who weighed in here - my friend’s D has decided on U Arts over AMDA. She is thrilled and can’t wait to get started!</p>