Which to Choose

[ruby95]

A couple of months ago I posted a series of threads on this site about whether to apply to drama school or to university (to study history).

Partly due to all the helpful responses I received on this site I decided to go down the university track. I have now received a few offers and have to decide which to choose and part of this decision will be based on the acting opportunities available at the universities as I do probably want to continue acting professionally after university.

I have received offers from both Cambridge and Durham which I am thrilled about.

At Cambridge I could try and join the famous Footlights Dramatic Club which includes in its alumni Stephan Fry, Hugh Laurie, Emma Thompson, Rebecca Hall, Dan Stevens etc.

But at Durham I have been offered a prestigious drama scholarship.

Which do you think will give me a better dramatic education and which will be more highly regarded by drama schools, agents and casting directors when I leave?

Also, if anyone has any information about how easy it is to get into footlights once you get to Cambridge it would be much appreciated.

Many Thanks

[sapphire]

I can't help with your specific questions but just wanted to say WELL DONE on those fab offers! I am sure someone else will be able to give you some advice .... let us know what you decide!

[missmoneypenny]

No, I'm afraid I don't really feel to have the experience to comment but just needed to say wow!! Fab job!! You (and your parents) must be very proud


Loads of luck, I am sure you will do well in either direction x

[2dancersmum]

Well done on some fab offers from 2 very good universities and on the drama scholorship from Durham. I cannot give any advice on which is best viewed by agents etc for drama. I would suggest, however, you visit both if possible and choose on which university you feel most at home in, as well as the details of the courses you would be studying. They both have very different characters and atmospheres. I think you need to choose the one that suits you overall the best as that is probably where you will gain most from the drama offered, as well obviously as the academics. Once my DS had offers from universities he got invited to visit his department and was able to ask lots of questions about all aspects of life at those particular universities. If you are not able to visit, see if you can contact footlights and Durham drama direct to ask your questions. Good luck on making your choice but it sounds like a lovely choice to make.

[ruby95]

Thank you all

[Welsh Mum]

Well done on getting offers from 2 excellent unis

I have known students in both places and they have all enjoyed their experiences there. Both have an excellent reputation - what are you going to study?

I would say go with your gut feeling - it is usually right. My DD was in a similar position having to choose between 3 very good drama schools. She actua;;y thoiught she had made her mind up, then slept on iyt, woke up the following morning and realised it was the wrong decsion and she changed her mind . But the second decsion was the right one!! So you could try a decision on for size and see if it suits

[ruby95]

They both have very different characters and atmospheres.

2dancersmum what do you mean when you say this? Just thought it might help me make my decision.

[2dancersmum]

I just mean that every town and every university is different. I think you will have excellent drama opportunites at both places so go with your gut feeling of where you liked best overall.

[Nicola]

Nobody seems to have yet mentioned the obvious, which is that if Durham are offering you a scholarship...which means MONEY...or should I say less student debt, this has to be a HUGE incentive. OK it's not Cambridge, and the drama isn't going to be "Footlights", but if you want to do a postgrad drama course afterwards, they're going to be swayed more by your audition than where you did your first degree, and less debt in an undergraduate capacity would help fund the postgrad dream?

And you might also think about the fact that Durham obviously really love you, which suggests you'll have plenty of chance to perform as part of their drama "scene", whereas you may be a smaller fish in a big pond at Cambridge.

Remember too that from what I've read on here, acting schools are looking for people with raw talent so that they can mould you, so where you'll get the best "dramatic education" isn't perhaps the first consideration?

[francescasmum]

Another thing to consider is that is probably alot cheaper to live in Durham than Cambridge (unless your parents live in Cambridge of course ).
what a fabulous quandry to find your self in. Well done

[Hecouldshine]

Congratulations. So lovely to hear of 2 great offers

As everyone says, I think you need to feel comfortable with your choice. Oxbridge isn't for everyone (but remember Oxford and Cambridge are in the top 10 universities in the world) http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/w ... ld-ranking
I'm not sure that a bursary at Durham would make up for the earning power of a Cambridge degree if you did something other than drama after uni

[Nicola]

'm not sure that a bursary at Durham would make up for the earning power of a Cambridge degree if you did something other than drama after uni

it might if it was the avenue into paying for the drama post-grad course - after all, life isn't just earning potential, especially for those mad on the arts!

I think it's difficult to discern the value-added by a "Cambridge" degree versus the same from Durham, as you're not comparing apples and apples. Moreover, I can't find any stats suggesting that there IS a measurable financial benefit? I would say because Oxbridge hand-pick their students and can choose from the best, it's unsurprising if they go on to earn more over a lifetime, but is that necessarily as a result of their pedigree, or just because they're super-committed students?

In Ruby95's case, she's the same student, whichever uni she ends up at, but an expensive Cambridge degree may not lead as easily into a post-grad drama course, if that's what she's got her heart set on.

By the way, I'm not affiliated to either place (in case I seem particularly opinioned!), it just that I'm going through the process with my son at the moment so am especially focussed on statistics, league tables, costs etc etc etc!!

[Welsh Mum]

Actually it is no more expensive studying at Cambridge than anywhere else. Acoomodation in both Oxbridge unis is heavily subsidised and a lot cheaper than other places eg London unis. They also have a lot of their money at their disposal for grants, bursaries etc and I know of several students who have applied for and got substantial hardship grants when they had financial difficulties when at Oxford. One even told me the college used to pay for their taxis after a night out Lots of money available for societies and clubs eg Footlights You also have to factor in transport costs etc to both places. Shorter terms at Camb may mean opportunities to do stuff in holiday times.

[Nicola]

It's going to be more expensive in this particular case, as there's no scholarship available at Cambridge!

[Welsh Mum]

Yes I agree but it depends how much the scholarship is for - what I meant is that the money could be cancelled out by other things. Not all scholarships cover the full tuition costs. Great if it does though - then ot would be a no brainer