Planning a College Visit to NYC 2/14 - 2/17
Feb 2nd, 2009, 01:18 PM
#21
KSWL- These college tours are always chaotic, so I wouldn't worry about overscheduling. Worst that can happen is you'll miss a tour, then come back that evening and at least see the neighborhood.
Like you said, this won't be his only opportunity to visit before actually accepting, he hasn't even applied yet!
Columbia will let you leave your bags in their office while you tour. If you are really tight on time, let me know. My daughter is a student there, and could possibly help you too.
I'd take the train to NB. It will give you some quiet time without worrying about traffic.
How great you can schedule in the service at SJD and the shows. Your son will be excited about NYC for sure. My daughter is in engineering, but one of her favorite classes at Columbia was a theatre class. Each week they went to a different show, then reviewed them. She loved the variety of them and it helped her feel comfortable with the whole process of theater in NYC.
I don't think you'll regret missing SUNY Purchase. That was on my other artsy daughter's short list till we actually got there. It's in the middle of nowhere, with the double negative of poor public transport. In addition, it had a very depressed air about it, and much of the campus seemed poorly maintained. She scratched that one within about 15 minutes!
Like you said, this won't be his only opportunity to visit before actually accepting, he hasn't even applied yet!
Columbia will let you leave your bags in their office while you tour. If you are really tight on time, let me know. My daughter is a student there, and could possibly help you too.
I'd take the train to NB. It will give you some quiet time without worrying about traffic.
How great you can schedule in the service at SJD and the shows. Your son will be excited about NYC for sure. My daughter is in engineering, but one of her favorite classes at Columbia was a theatre class. Each week they went to a different show, then reviewed them. She loved the variety of them and it helped her feel comfortable with the whole process of theater in NYC.
I don't think you'll regret missing SUNY Purchase. That was on my other artsy daughter's short list till we actually got there. It's in the middle of nowhere, with the double negative of poor public transport. In addition, it had a very depressed air about it, and much of the campus seemed poorly maintained. She scratched that one within about 15 minutes!
Feb 2nd, 2009, 01:24 PM
#22
I agree..car service to Columbia is about $60. I find it faster though to take the train in to NY Penn, then cab it up to Columbia.
Since you'll never see the same people twice, except at Tisch, you can travel very lightly! You might be able to share a wheeled bag or just a small rolling duffle or backpack each.
Since you'll never see the same people twice, except at Tisch, you can travel very lightly! You might be able to share a wheeled bag or just a small rolling duffle or backpack each.
Feb 2nd, 2009, 01:48 PM
#23
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Thanks everyone for the reminder about Monday being a holiday. I kept wondering why the school gave them those two days off (big duh for me).
Normally I plan and overplan this kind of trip, but it just came to my attention two days ago (read: I actually looked at his school calendar) that this holiday was coming up.
Our plane arrives at 8 am. I am hoping to at least make the campus tour of Columbia at 11am and will check out a car service. We'll have small carryons only plus one laptop and it will just be the two of us. When DH heard the proposed schedule he politely declined the opportunity to accompany us
MP, my husband and I saw The 39 Steps a few months ago when it was at the Marquis (my favorite comfy theater) and liked it so much that this trip was almost an excuse to take DS to it. We have heard from someone else that SUNY Purchase appears completely brown and depressing... no, thanks!
Adu, thanks for that list. We lived on the UES for seven years in the 80's and 90's and I remember Ess-a-Bagel from way back when. In all the times we've visited since I haven't been back... we're usually on a whirlwind theater trip. Several others sound perfect for us this trip too.
Butnotrmpt, DS was in NYC for more than a week during this past year. This is not his first time in the city (he was actually born while we were living there, but while we were on vacation elsewhere, crazy story), so we have wandered around the neighborhoods and have a feel for the geography already. This is just to get a look at the facilities, really, and make contact with the various admissions offices.
GoT, unfortunately we won't be going from Newark to New Brunswick or vice versa. I did try to work it out so that New Brunswick was our last tour and then we'd just leave from there for Newark, but NYU's only available info/tour was on Tuesday. We couldn't do Rutgers Tuesday morning, get back to NYU at 1 pm and then go back to Newark that afternoon... even I draw the line at that!
Doug, I was thinking that the 14th would be our easiest day We're really only hoping to make the Columbia tour at 11 am, which lasts one hour. Then we'll check into the hotel and catch Billy Elliot, have dinner and see Uncle Vanya. Unless Billy Elliot lasts four hours we should be able to do it, shouldn't we?
I am just hoping for the best on Tuesday. If worst comes to worst we'll just miss our plane and take another flight home. That's not a huge worry for me.
Smetz, is your son in drama and does he like his studio? I'm still not sure what to make of that, although the results are obviously good!
ICuy, I have a vision of us going to New York clad in four layers of thin, disposable clothing. As we run from one place to another we're flinging off the outer layer, molting into a new outfit on the fly.
Luckily, this is the kid who travels well and will eat anything, anywhere, and will watch any musical or play or movie. (Actually, Doug, I was thinking about adding a movie on Sunday night since we'd have nothing to do then!)
Normally I plan and overplan this kind of trip, but it just came to my attention two days ago (read: I actually looked at his school calendar) that this holiday was coming up.
Our plane arrives at 8 am. I am hoping to at least make the campus tour of Columbia at 11am and will check out a car service. We'll have small carryons only plus one laptop and it will just be the two of us. When DH heard the proposed schedule he politely declined the opportunity to accompany us
MP, my husband and I saw The 39 Steps a few months ago when it was at the Marquis (my favorite comfy theater) and liked it so much that this trip was almost an excuse to take DS to it. We have heard from someone else that SUNY Purchase appears completely brown and depressing... no, thanks!
Adu, thanks for that list. We lived on the UES for seven years in the 80's and 90's and I remember Ess-a-Bagel from way back when. In all the times we've visited since I haven't been back... we're usually on a whirlwind theater trip. Several others sound perfect for us this trip too.
Butnotrmpt, DS was in NYC for more than a week during this past year. This is not his first time in the city (he was actually born while we were living there, but while we were on vacation elsewhere, crazy story), so we have wandered around the neighborhoods and have a feel for the geography already. This is just to get a look at the facilities, really, and make contact with the various admissions offices.
GoT, unfortunately we won't be going from Newark to New Brunswick or vice versa. I did try to work it out so that New Brunswick was our last tour and then we'd just leave from there for Newark, but NYU's only available info/tour was on Tuesday. We couldn't do Rutgers Tuesday morning, get back to NYU at 1 pm and then go back to Newark that afternoon... even I draw the line at that!
Doug, I was thinking that the 14th would be our easiest day
We're really only hoping to make the Columbia tour at 11 am, which lasts one hour. Then we'll check into the hotel and catch Billy Elliot, have dinner and see Uncle Vanya. Unless Billy Elliot lasts four hours we should be able to do it, shouldn't we?I am just hoping for the best on Tuesday. If worst comes to worst we'll just miss our plane and take another flight home. That's not a huge worry for me.
Smetz, is your son in drama and does he like his studio? I'm still not sure what to make of that, although the results are obviously good!
ICuy, I have a vision of us going to New York clad in four layers of thin, disposable clothing. As we run from one place to another we're flinging off the outer layer, molting into a new outfit on the fly.
Luckily, this is the kid who travels well and will eat anything, anywhere, and will watch any musical or play or movie. (Actually, Doug, I was thinking about adding a movie on Sunday night since we'd have nothing to do then!)
Feb 2nd, 2009, 01:57 PM
#24
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The New Brunswick train station is across the street from the main Rutgers campus. You might have to walk about 10 minutes into the campus to reach the start point of your tour.
I'm with others: Julliard at 11:45am followed by NYU at 1pm is impossible. You must allow at least half an hour for the trip, between the trains and walking. Even by taxi I would estimate 30 minutes. I'd skip Julliard--you'd have to leave as soon as you arrived. Since the NYU part is more important, spend the morning exploring the NYU neighborhood instead. With your rigorous schedule, you'll appreciate the downtime.
I'm with others: Julliard at 11:45am followed by NYU at 1pm is impossible. You must allow at least half an hour for the trip, between the trains and walking. Even by taxi I would estimate 30 minutes. I'd skip Julliard--you'd have to leave as soon as you arrived. Since the NYU part is more important, spend the morning exploring the NYU neighborhood instead. With your rigorous schedule, you'll appreciate the downtime.
Feb 2nd, 2009, 02:16 PM
#25
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The 1 pm info session at NYU is NOT important.
We are going to a Tisch info session the day before at 4PM that IS important.
The NYU tour at 2pm IS important and I think we can make it from Julliard to NYU if we leave at 1pm.
Downtime? What's that? We'll have downtime on the flight home. After we land we have an hour's drive just to get home!
We are going to a Tisch info session the day before at 4PM that IS important.
The NYU tour at 2pm IS important and I think we can make it from Julliard to NYU if we leave at 1pm.
Downtime? What's that?
We'll have downtime on the flight home. After we land we have an hour's drive just to get home!
Feb 2nd, 2009, 02:59 PM
#26
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sounds like you're ready to take what comes . . good for you. One heads up - the day before you leave check
http://www.mta.info/
for service alerts on weekend travel - the mta does major construction work almost every weekend, and many trains are rerouted, or stops skipped. They post the weekend advisories by Thurs., so you'll have time to adjust. they post them by line, so if you know approximately what you need, you'll be OK.
http://www.mta.info/
for service alerts on weekend travel - the mta does major construction work almost every weekend, and many trains are rerouted, or stops skipped. They post the weekend advisories by Thurs., so you'll have time to adjust. they post them by line, so if you know approximately what you need, you'll be OK.
Feb 2nd, 2009, 03:14 PM
#27
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kswl - yes, my son is in drama - he's in the CAP21 music theater studio. He likes it very much because it's more intensive than you get at many other theater programs. He's at the studio 3 days a week, from 9 to 6, training the whole time, plus he has voice lessons outside of the studio. The other two days of the week he gets in the other two academic classes needed for the semester. What he likes about it is that he's in a separated environment that is more professional, and being in New York, he's making contacts with lots of people who are already pretty established in the business.
Feb 2nd, 2009, 06:07 PM
#28
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Cap21 is the studio everybody wants, smetz, he must be wonderfully talented!
DS is also going to look at SMU and Cinncinati Conservatory, NCSA, UMinn(Guthrie), Northwestern and UMich in addition to Emerson, NYU, Julliard, Columbia, CMU, etc.
We'll see... he also has an intense and abiding interest in science. .... I'm just arranging the trips
DS is also going to look at SMU and Cinncinati Conservatory, NCSA, UMinn(Guthrie), Northwestern and UMich in addition to Emerson, NYU, Julliard, Columbia, CMU, etc.
We'll see... he also has an intense and abiding interest in science. .... I'm just arranging the trips
Feb 2nd, 2009, 06:14 PM
#29
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kswl - just a thought - if your ds has a passion for science too, maybe a conservatory program isn't the way to go. A good friend's dd went to Northwestern for that reason - she's a gifted singer, but her mom wanted her to have a strong academic background 'just in case.' I know a few kids gifted in science and the arts - makes them very interesting kids to say the least.
Feb 2nd, 2009, 06:19 PM
#30
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That's our thought behind looking at Columbia, CPG, and why I think CMU would be a good fit for him if he can get in. He could get a full scholarship at Georgia Tech and just concentrate on science and do theater as an extracurricular, also. There are many things to consider and I'm glad its not me making the decision. He may start off on one path and change his mind. That happens too.
Feb 2nd, 2009, 06:37 PM
#31
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Well I wish him the best, kswl.
My son's got a one track mind, and he doesn't intend for anything to get in his way, even reality. To some extent it's a crap shoot, but even if it doesn't work out, he's a smart kid and will do just fine. Something I appreciate about NYU is that they stress the intellectual aspect of acting - even though my son's talented, he had a 4.0 GPA in high school, and I think that's what put him over the top for admission. Actually, his second choice was engineering (are there many gay engineers?) so he's similar to your son in the respect that science is an interest too.
One thing I will say, though, is that if your son has a strong drive for theater, it does seem that there are a host of benefits a student gets from being in New York that can't be replicated anywhere else.
My son's got a one track mind, and he doesn't intend for anything to get in his way, even reality. To some extent it's a crap shoot, but even if it doesn't work out, he's a smart kid and will do just fine. Something I appreciate about NYU is that they stress the intellectual aspect of acting - even though my son's talented, he had a 4.0 GPA in high school, and I think that's what put him over the top for admission. Actually, his second choice was engineering (are there many gay engineers?) so he's similar to your son in the respect that science is an interest too.
One thing I will say, though, is that if your son has a strong drive for theater, it does seem that there are a host of benefits a student gets from being in New York that can't be replicated anywhere else.
Feb 2nd, 2009, 07:48 PM
#34
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Take a look at www.hopstop.com
With your busy schedule it would be good to plot your transportation on hopstop in advance so you know which trains, which stops and where to go from the train (fyi...train is nyc for subway). Then no panic as you rush from place to place. Good luck...all members of our family went to Columbia, loved it and got great education. None were drama majors.
With your busy schedule it would be good to plot your transportation on hopstop in advance so you know which trains, which stops and where to go from the train (fyi...train is nyc for subway). Then no panic as you rush from place to place. Good luck...all members of our family went to Columbia, loved it and got great education. None were drama majors.
Feb 3rd, 2009, 03:30 AM
#35
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One thing it might be helpful for your son to know, if he chooses to audition at Tisch, is that becuase of the large number of applicants, and the closeness of the program to the real profession, they seem to be much more mechanical about the process than all the other schools my son applied to. Whereas all the other schools may fawn over him and tell him how good he is, at NYU it will go something like this:
What's your name?
OK, do your monologue.
OK, now sing your song.
Why do you want to go to NYU?
NEXT!!!
After the audition, my son didn't think he got in, because they didn't seem too impressed.
So if your son has a similar experience, tell him not to lose hope, since it's probably them, not him.
What's your name?
OK, do your monologue.
OK, now sing your song.
Why do you want to go to NYU?
NEXT!!!
After the audition, my son didn't think he got in, because they didn't seem too impressed.
So if your son has a similar experience, tell him not to lose hope, since it's probably them, not him.
Feb 3rd, 2009, 07:01 AM
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smetz - your story rings so true for me. When my daughter did her music audition at McGill, she thought it went horribly. She thought they weren't nice, she didn't like their attitude, etc. She came home saying she would never get in, and she wouldn't go anyway. PS - she got in, and she graduates this May. Go figure.
Feb 3rd, 2009, 07:04 AM
#37
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Thanks for that bit of audition wisdom, smetz and butnot I have a feeling he'll need it.
Question: not that we could shoehorn anything else in, but did either of your kids consider Fordham? I don't know anything about their fine arts program but the college counselor suggested we at least swing by while we are there. We could try to at least see it before Julliard.
I have a feeling he'll need it.Question: not that we could shoehorn anything else in, but did either of your kids consider Fordham? I don't know anything about their fine arts program but the college counselor suggested we at least swing by while we are there. We could try to at least see it before Julliard.
Feb 3rd, 2009, 07:31 AM
#38
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No, he didn't look at Fordham. For him, the other programs that were most attractive were Syracuse, Emerson, and Catholic University. Syracuse rejected him, Emerson accepted him, and Catholic offered him a huge scholarship which he didn't take (sigh!). If he's interested in a religious affiliated program like Fordham, then Catholic might be worth a look.
Feb 3rd, 2009, 07:39 AM
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butnot - that's great, and I'll be she's loved it there. Funny, I've noticed that the first impressions that the kids have of the colleges & programs, which parents rightly listen to, often don't pan out. I know lots of kids who went somewhere reluctantly and ended up loving it, and others who were initially thrilled with their choice but transferred after 1 or 2 semesters.
Feb 3rd, 2009, 08:16 AM
#40
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Our son isn't looking particularly for a Catholic university experience; we're actually Episcopalians But he's being encouraged to at least look at some others schools that don't have a BFA (Fordham, which does have the audition only performance track within the major), Skidmore, etc.
Right now we're just in the information-gathering stage. I just hope my brain can contain it all.
But he's being encouraged to at least look at some others schools that don't have a BFA (Fordham, which does have the audition only performance track within the major), Skidmore, etc.Right now we're just in the information-gathering stage. I just hope my brain can contain it all.
