My Experience: From First Semester to Graduation. The Truth about AMDA NY and LA.

[@leiaf9521]

This is a great video, tysm! I'm considering the BFA acting at AMDA and it seems like a very good school for me, but good to get as many alumni perspectives as possible!

[@theserenakashmir]

Awesome, glad I could help!

[@freya_sr]

Omg this video is soooo useful!!! you should make a document with basic things you should have or going to need + tips based on your experience to all the newbies out there!!! (Like me hahaha)

[@theserenakashmir]

I’m so glad it was helpful!! Thanks for the idea too :)

[@lunasespinosa]

as someone who has almost committed to amda la for bfa in acting, i’ve been searching far and wide for a video about the la campus, and this is the best thing i have come across so far! this video was extremely helpful, and so detailed. thank you so much for making this video and getting down into the nitty gritty. did you take any summer semesters? what information do you have on that? when you say “lay low” what exactly do you mean? how much free time do students usually get? i want to make sure i’m talking care of myself properly. thank you again, sending good vibes!

[@theserenakashmir]

I did take summer as well. I recommend it so you can graduate sooner. It's basically the same thing as other semesters. By lay low, I just mean don't get involved in drama and find ways to be independent and have a life outside of school. It'll help balance you and remember that any school nonsense is temporary. It depends on you. I had hardly any free time because after class I was taking workshops, dance classes, in rehearsals, and on weekends I was auditioning outside of school. Some people just have rehearsals after class. Some people work a job or two outside of school.

[@michelleng9452]

Great video, really helped me decide on whether I should take the offer from AMDA!

[@theserenakashmir]

I'm so glad!

[@kudzaimari]

This has been so helpful ...thankyou

[@victoriapdb]

Hey Serena! I was wondering if you ever came across "older" folks in AMDA, like, people in their 20's. I really want to attend but I'm afraid I might be way too old

[@theserenakashmir]

totally! I was 24 when I came so I felt the same way :) Most students are coming straight out of high school but a few go to community college first. I met two students in their 30s during my time there and about 10 students who were 22-25. Being older definitely helps to take things more seriously and with creating solid friendships I found!

[@SamWirde]

@@theserenakashmir Hi. You have no idea how thankful I am for this answer. I have been thinking about auditioning for amda and I am turning 30 this summer. I would have done it sooner but a lot of my life got in the way I was just really worried that I was too old for drama school but now I can confidently audition to amda so thanks :)

[@theserenakashmir]

@@SamWirde thats amazing!!! life throws up curveballs sometimes but its totally worth it. one of my favorite quotes is "its never too late to be what you might have been."

[@amardaulet-singh6947]

Hello, this is a great video. I begin my first semester at AMDA NYC this spring. Do you get the chance to meet industry professionals at the end of the 2 year studio conservatory program?

[@theserenakashmir]

I did the 4 year BFA program, but I do know that at the end of the Studio program, industry professionals are invited to your showcases.

[@FinallyFulfilled]

I went to AMDA in the 90’s and it was 10k a year back then. Yikes! We didn’t have dress codes. We also didn’t have that amazing building you all have now. It was a much smaller school back then with small classes. I loved it.

[@theserenakashmir]

so cool!

[@miassali9019]

Yh it’s like 50k a year 😳✌🏾

[@WahlVids]

Lol was 25k in 05

[@MutambaKumbi]

For the BFA, is it a must that you switch campuses. Like for example, if I apply for the a BFA in the NYC do I have to move LA at some point to complete it or can I finish the whole 4 years at New York?

[@theserenakashmir]

If you want an Associates you can start and finish in whichever location you prefer. If you want a BFA, you can start at either campus, but you must finish at the LA campus. What I did was 2 semesters in LA, 3rd in NY (the only semester offered if you start in LA), and then returned to LA for the rest of the time.

[@tsepom455]

I'm accepted to AMDA LA for BFA in Musical Theatre. 😁👍🏾 I'm from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@theserenakashmir]

That’s amazing!!! Congrats! When do you start?

[@tsepom455]

@@theserenakashmir Because of Covid and trying to get funding, I'm supposed to start in Feb. Do you perhaps know institutions that can help me with funding? 🙏🏾

[@theserenakashmir]

@@tsepom455 You can fill out the FAFSA. Did AMDA offer you a scholarship? You also apply for PLUS, subsidized, and non-subsidized loans. The Financial Aid department at the school will walk you through all the steps. Here is their webpage: www.amda.edu/scholarships-financial-aid

[@kimirose100]

@@theserenakashmir Did you receive scholarships and grants and it still cost over 200k ? What is the approx minimus someone would pay if they got maximum needs based and merit based grants and scholarships? Thanks

[@theserenakashmir]

@@kimirose100 For full details I would contact Financial Aid (I left their info above). I did receive scholarships and grants so it was not 200k after those. I know people who got full scholarships and people who received 6000/semester scholarships. You also apply to outside scholarships while you're in school and they have work/study programs too. My last semester I got approx 8.5k in scholarships/grants.

[@mandykayla4762]

I'm getting my bachelors degree in Musical theater in LA of Fall 2021. Yeah I just got the news that it'll be $50,000 for each of those 4 years which of course is $200,000 and I had know idea I thought it was just $50,000 for all 4 years together. How did you pay for all of that. This is my dream school I gotten accepted but it's just how am I going to pay for it?

[@theserenakashmir]

Have you talked to the financial aid department? They offer scholarships and help you get grants and loans. You can also continue to apply for scholarships while you're in school and you can work too. If you get hired as an R.A. you get free housing! I know someone who did that and they graduated with only 40k in debt.

[@mandykayla4762]

@@theserenakashmir I definitely heard about the residential adviser job I’m definitely trying to get that but thanks for the tip💗😭

[@mandykayla4762]

@@theserenakashmir Oh and one more question how do I get a Job as a R.A??? Should I apply before I get to the school. Where should I go and who should I talk to???

[@theserenakashmir]

@@mandykayla4762 im not sure if they let first semesters RA or not, but you can ask the Housing department (or start with Education) and they can refer you to the right person. After your first semester, interview for a position as an Orientation Leader too. That pays really well.

[@ohenhope6059]

Hi I want to take the performing arts because I want to have the flexibility that you had but I also want to be very good at my acting because I have zero experience acting, so would it be better I take performing arts or acting program. Please answer soon

[@theserenakashmir]

Performing arts. You can choose all acting classes if you still want to.

[@ohenhope6059]

@@theserenakashmir thank you so much 😁

[@ohenhope6059]

@@theserenakashmir that was extremely quick thank you

[@ohenhope6059]

@@theserenakashmir if you don't mind I still have a lot questions should I ask them here or can you tell me your Instagram handle so I can message you privately

[@alexc3374]

I got accepted into AMDA for fall 2021 but now after this video I'm wondering if this is the best for my mental health 💀

[@theserenakashmir]

Fair enough. I can tell you that the school offers mental health counselors (but if you can, getting one outside of the school is best!) and theres now a "meditation room" that you can reserve for 5-10 minutes. You'll need to ask yourself why you want to get a BFA or AA? If its important to you, you'll be fine. Also, some people stress more than others. Overachievers and perfectionists like myself will have a harder time than the one who parties all the time. If I had to offer some tips to lower your stress it would be: try to rent an apartment ASAP rather than dorming (lots of drama, and its hard to get a room change), find ways to get as far away from the school and people as possible regularly so you can remember what makes you unique and what is fueling your passion, make friends but don't get involved in any drama/gossip/dating. After graduating I can say it was SO WORTH IT! I'm very happy I did it even though it was hard mentally. Ultimately you know yourself better than anyone and you will find the best solution :)

[@alexc3374]

@@theserenakashmir thank you sm 🥺 I'm unsure about amda for different reasons. But I noticed that for dorms its with 3 other ppl and I have to have a service dog for medical reasons so I'm not sure if that'll be the best fit and amda in general is just so much money. Thank you for replying I appreciate it! ♡

[@theserenakashmir]

@@alexc3374 gotcha! While I was there, there were two other people who had service dogs that went with them to all classes. You may be able to negotiate a room by yourself because of it! Theyll just ask for medical documentation. It is expensive unfortunately. Thank YOU!

[@mandykayla4762]

OMG same I start fall 2021 and yea this made me think about is it worth it especially since she said it cost her $200,000 and I thought it was $50k or $60k.

[@amandaamevor6459]

Can you go in depth about the whole safety issue cus I’m a little worried about that

[@theserenakashmir]

safety as far as its location or as in their covid protocols?

[@chloekauaie]

@@theserenakashmir could you do location safety please!

[@theserenakashmir]

@@chloekauaie sure thing! Ill make it my next video!

[@chloekauaie]

@@theserenakashmir thank you !

[@theserenakashmir]

@@chloekauaie safety video is up!

[@montlekoka]

I am from South Africa and I’ve done my audition and I have a good feeling I will be accepted, I wanted to ask how do you suggest I fund my studies?

[@theserenakashmir]

Talk to the financial aid department. They can advise you on getting student loans and applying for scholarships.

[@Oarabile__M]

Hey I'm also from south Africa and I am under an application process, did you pay for the evaluation of your high school transcript? That's the one thing that I'm trying to do now

[@marikahough1778]

This is very helpfull thank you so much!

[@theserenakashmir]

Glad it was helpful!

[@heyheyho2966]

IT was helpfull THANKS

[@bayandamathebula]

Just got news that I've been accepted, and I received 15k scholarship. But it's still quite pricey, do they perhaps do full scholarships?

[@theserenakashmir]

They do! For my first semester, 2 people got full scholarships that I know of. Your scholarship is better than mine was, congrats! You'll need to get loans for the rest and you can apply for outside scholarships while youre in school.

[@bayandamathebula]

@@theserenakashmir Any recommendations on where to apply?

[@theserenakashmir]

@@bayandamathebula google and you'll find tons of sites. I'd recommend applying to local/niche categories as much as possible. The financial aid office will also give you links.

[@alicehellewell2304]

hey bestie, i got the same scholarship and they told me that you just gotta take out loans etc

[@lunasespinosa]

@@theserenakashmir does a full scholarship mean a full ride? like, you owe $0?

[@alyxlouise778]

I’m going back and forth between the studio program in New York and the associate of acting for camera in LA. I have pros and cons for each. I’m wondering if at the LA campus, can you get private coaching for singing? Also do you learn accents in the VPS class? There is an accent class on the NY campus but not with the program I looking at in LA.

[@theserenakashmir]

Yes you can get privates both in LA & NY, thats what I did. You learn accents & dialects if you take the electives for Intro to Dialect, and Advanced Dialects. They are optional classes. They are offered in both NY & LA.

[@malitman]

Wtf. 200k? I love your top btw

[@tsepom455]

First to view 😁👌🏾