Is the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts Worth It?

I'm passionate about acting and thinking about pursuing it seriously after high school. I've heard about the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. Does anyone have any insights on whether it's worth applying to or not?

Deciding whether a program is "worth it" or not heavily depends on what you're looking for in your arts education. The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts (NYCDA) can provide you an intensive practical education with ample opportunities for networking and acting in real-world situations. It's not just theoretical; they offer on-camera training and personal feedback on performances, which can be incredibly beneficial for aspiring actors.

One main appeal of the NYCDA is its location — being in New York City, a key hub for theater and film, can offer significant advantages in terms of exposure to the industry and potential networking opportunities. You'll be surrounded by like-minded individuals, professionals, and a city that lives and breathes performing arts.

However, keep in mind that it's not an accredited degree-granting institution, but rather a conservatory. This means you'd be getting a professional training certificate rather than a traditional bachelor's degree. You might want to consider this fact in terms of your long-term educational and career plans.

Also, conservatory training is intense. The focus will be almost exclusively on your craft, in this case, acting. If you’re interested in a more well-rounded educational experience that includes basic general education requirements (English, Math, Science), you may not find that at NYCDA. If you’re 100% certain you want to commit to acting, this focused approach can be an advantage, but if you’re still exploring your interests, you might feel limited.

Investigate their alumni network and see where past students have ended up — that could give you an indication of what type of opportunities might be available for you post-graduation.

In short, be sure to consider the training you want to receive, location benefits, and career objectives before making a choice. NYCDA might be the perfect fit for you if you're looking for a focused, hands-on, intensive training in acting.