<p>I am looking for a great college to study acting (for film and TV more than theatre) and fine art. I would like a place with a great reputation in those areas but that isn't too competitive academically as I am not a great student. I have made a preliminary list and would love to have my choices ranked from best to worst in terms of their reputations (and difficulty of admission) in those departments that interest me.
Ithaca
Emerson
NCSA
SUNY Purchase
University of the Arts
Chapman
NYU- Tisch</p>
<p>I am a B student with very limited extra-curriculars. I was a child actor and model. I did two summer acting programs (ACT in San Francisco and Idyllwild in Los Angeles) but I attend a boarding school that has not drama department so I have very limited recent credentials. I think I could give a strong audition but do schools put more weight on past experience than native talent? If yes, which ones more than other?</p>
<p>I can say with absolute certainty that what you bring to the audition is going to be way, way more important in most cases than what is on the resume. I know students who got into top acting programs with very little on their resumes except their school shows (and in some cases, those were limited to a few plays and a few "scene nights") and students who had wildly impressive professional credentials who did not get into the top programs for which they auditioned. It really is a case of "What have you done for me lately?" in addition to, for many colleges and universities (perhaps less so for conservatories) your grades, transcripts, test scores, essays and so forth.</p>
<p>One thing I wouldn't worry about is having a ton of diverse extra curricular activities. Some kids on College Confidential have resumes of activities that are three feet long and include everything but the kitchen sink, which is great if that is what they wanted to do. But in general, I have heard (and believe that) college admissions counselors would far prefer to see a student who has committed to one of two things that he or she is truly passionate about. </p>
<p>In the end, you have to do the research on the admissions requirements and emphasis of the colleges/conservatories to which you plan to apply/for which you plan to audition, and figure out which ones fit your interests, strengths, finances and so on. Some places put most of the weight on the audition, whereas others weigh the audition and academics equally. </p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for the encouragement!</p>
<p>Hey!</p>
<p>I was a B-/C student and I was admitted into SUNY-Purchase, CalArts, DePaul, and wait-listed at Juilliard, and I only applied and audition for those four schools! I will be attending Purchase this fall! If you believe in yourself and you have the talent, drive and an amazing personality. YOU ARE FINE BRO! Most BFA programs on that top level like Purchase, Juilliard, CMU...ect acceptance is mostly on talent.</p>
<p>(oh yeah make sure your drama teacher and libriel arts teachers write amazing things about you! lol)</p>