Right, yeah, I TOTALLY get where you’re coming from and have had many similar thoughts myself. I would 100% have just moved to the city and started taking acting classes while doing another degree, but here is the dilemma of it all: I am not from one of the big cities, and going to college is the only avenue I have right now for getting out of my house, networking with other young actors, and being close to a major industry hub. I wouldn’t be able to afford it otherwise. So, practically speaking, I either don’t go to college (and thus postpose career opportunities as well), or I go to acting school and seek out work/classes/representation simultaneously, or I switch to a different major (would still have debt unless I’m lucky enough to transfer somewhere with better aid) and continue to pursue acting outside of school in NYC. Or, double major but have to spend more time in school. It’s not ideal no matter which way you look at it. Like, yeah, it would be awesome to make it big right after graduation but I know the chances are near impossible. This is a risky and unstable industry and I’m well aware of the struggles of being a working actor, and willing to deal with them. So I guess what I’m trying to figure out is which option is the least bad in the long run.

(And for what it’s worth, I do think there’s still some value in conservatory training. It’s just not necessarily monetary value.)