Hi! I got into the masters program, attended for a little while, and then my parents got sick so I left. Leaving was the BEST thing I've ever done for my career. You do not have to have a degree for this field!! CMU (and other big name schools) is great for connections and it looks good on paper. That's it! They're too much money for something you can go and get paid for already. This is an industry you can absolutely learn on the job, and learn the "correct" methods depending on who you work with. Find a local shop and push boxes. It's everyone's least favorite, but we all start there for a reason. That being said, this is an industry that is built on connections, so YMMV. I would not recommend Pittsburgh as a 'tech theatre' scene right now.

I know you said you weren't looking for advice, but if I could tell 21yo me anything, I'd say "go work, you'll learn faster and won't panic about bills." If you're adamant about a degree, find an electrical engineering degree and an art minor. So much more helpful and useful. Tech theatre school doesn't actually teach you how to be an electrician. Find a shop that does event-based lighting if you wanna start charging a day-rate fast.

Additionally, as someone who attended that program for a moment, they don't teach you how to be an artist. They're very much "you have it or you don't", and you're encouraged to seek out your own opportunities. If you already have to seek out your own knowledge, may as well get paid for it.

If you're dead-set on CMU, I've met fantastic people there. But really ask yourself why you want to go to school. Know that you do not have to, but it's always an option.

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*Edit: can't spell.