BA programs and resumes

College Majors Theater/Drama Majors
1

<p>My daughter will be a senior next year (2013-2014).</p>

<p>She will be busy soon with a summer conservatory program and a local outdoor show, but in between times, will be trying to get ahead with essays and parts of applications and supplements (as well as ACT prep, pshew).</p>

<p>Our question: if she plans on applying to <mostly> LACs with good theatre programs, what type of resume is included with applications? A performance resume (hers is solid and year 'round for the last 5 years with performances, stage managing, and assistant directing) or a "regular" college resume listing ECs (practically non-existent except for theatre and speech). She has never held a job and she has had little interest in clubs, because she is either doing training, shows, or something else theatre-related.</mostly></p>

<p>Here are some questions:</p>

<p>-- BA students: did you provide resumes with your college applications? were they theatre-specific?</p>

<p>-- Are you able to upload resumes or other supporting document when submitting most applications?</p>

<p>-- Because of your intense focus on only theatre-specific endeavors, did you ever feel this hurt your chance of acceptance into a BA program in a liberal arts college?</p>

<p>-- Did you talk about theatre experiences in your college essays? if so, how were they received? </p>

<p>I'm always appreciative of your thoughtful responses. Thanks in advance for any guidance on these topics :-)</p>

2

<p>My daughter applied to more BA programs than BFA programs, so she had some experience with this. Her ECs were all theater and performance (music and movement) related. Every application is different. For some schools she was able to upload resume material (she sent her theater resume) and other schools allowed her to mail in supplemental materials. Some schools said nothing or asked that no supplements be sent. Unless specifically requested not to, she mailed in a supplement with resume, writing sample, and a DVD. </p>

<p>Yes, she talked about theater experiences in her essays. Who knows how they were received, or if they were even read? :wink: </p>

<p>My belief is that her theater-focused application and essays helped her applications tremendously-- she was admitted to reach school, and I think that by demonstrating her focus on theater and performance she showed herself to be someone who would be a good addition to the college community.</p>

3

<p>Thank you, glassharmonica, for this thoughtful reply. It’s very helpful, and I have learned much from your posts and responses in my short time on CC.</p>

4

<p>FWIW, my D applied to 8 BA LAC programs and did arts supplement with extra theatre resume, video with contrasting monologues and 2 extra theatre oriented recommendations (these were not requested but she had to have them for one theatre scholarship to which she applied so she went ahead and sent them).</p>

<p>She discussed performance / volunteerism in her main Common App essay (she has a theatre oriented community service EC) and for at least a couple of school specific supplemental essays focused on theatre. </p>

<p>Almost all of her ECs focus on performance in some way - music, theatre, movement (and competitive figure skating). I think that consistent story certainly didn’t hurt her and probably helped her.</p>

<p>She got into 5 of 8 schools plus 2 waitlists and 1 rejection (those latter 3 were at extremely selective LACs with under 20% acceptances).</p>

5

<p>Just to piggyback on what momofzag said: my impression is that LACs and universities are looking to build a class from a collection of focused specialists more than a class of generalists. </p>

<p>Of course, if you are a wunderkind who does everything at a super-high level, you should not hide it. Anecdotally, I’ve watched some very high-achieving generalists come up snake-eyes (unjustly, for sure) while focused specialists tend to do well, as momofzag demonstrates. My daughter had similar experiences. She did get into three audition-based programs, but my guess is that her performance resume were what piqued interest in her application for the non-audition LACs and universities.</p>

6

<p>Thank you, both. Very helpful. I have worried about this for her entire high school career…she’s invited to Beta Club - doesn’t join. She has an interest in newspaper staff - doesn’t join. She has gone to the state tournament in speech team every year since 6th grade, but this year does not participate…why? no time. in order to maintain decent grades (decent, not 4.0) and be in productions year 'round, she has no time for anything else. on Sundays, or days with no rehearsal, she is doing homework and seeing other shows for the papers/reviews due in her Advanced Theatre classes for her high school major.</p>

<p>And then I think to myself, “well, maybe colleges will see her as someone who is just focused on what she loves to do” … hopefully, that will be the case.</p>

<p>Thank you both for demonstrating that this could be the case!</p>

7

<p>Remember that there are no real rules for a resume.</p>

<p>Decide what information you want to put into your resume, then invent a format that makes that information look neat and professional.</p>

<p>It sounds to me as though chaptertwo’s daughter should go for a sort of “hybrid” of performance and academic. If she has never had a job or non-theatre ECs, this will give her more space to put more information (and folks are definitely going to want to know what she does with her free time!).</p>

<p>If she is planning on majoring in theatre, then of course she should include her theatre work, and talk about it in her college essay. It always looks good in a college essay to show some interest in the subject you are planning to major in! If she isn’t planning on majoring in theatre, she could also mention it just to show what her interests are.</p>

<p>I’m curious why she has already decided to apply only to LACs. I think she should look at some of these BFA programs, she might find one she likes.</p>

<p>KEVP</p>

8

<p>My son submitted an Activities Resume which he uploaded online with the Common App which included sections on Honors and Awards, Theatre experience, subdivided into type, and Training. He left off activities not related to his major interests. I would recommend you include your daughter’s speech experience, especially since she made it to state. </p>

<p>The Common App allowed him to submit two short essays along with the longer personal essay. The first short essay asked him to tell them about any activity that you were especially involved in; the second invites you to talk about anything else of importance to you that you want them to know about. As I recall, the two short answer ones were limited to 1000 characters or less.</p>

9

<p>Thank you for this info, TheRealKEVP and CCMom2U. Good information.</p>

<p>TheRealKEVP: good question re: why LACs? short answer: money. we are need-based aid hopefuls (EFC: $4,100). most of the BFA programs are not going to offer money to meet enough of our need - even if she has killer auditions (and auditioning is a strength -straight theatre, not MT). my thought is that with LACs with big endowments and good theatre programs, she will stand a chance, both at acceptances and offers of aid. I may be wrongheaded, but I am now spending about 1-2 hours a night reading everything I can get my hands on, and this seems to be where we’re headed.</p>

<p>She also is a kid who loves the whole ball of wax with theatre - not just performance. She likes directing, costumes, design and the “study” of theatre and dramaturgy. Even though she is usually on stage, she could really be a solid BA candidate.</p>

<p>That said, there are 1-2 BFA programs which still could be worth an audition for her (CCM, for instance, is 1.5 hrs away, and we could qualify under a reciprocal program for in-state tuition). Otherwise, we just couldn’t afford it, even if she could break into a top BFA program.</p>

<p>Hope this makes sense. If you feel this is barking up the wrong tree, I am all ears :-)</p>

<p>Thanks again for the perspective.</p>

10

<p>I do not think the Common App will support the uploading of a resume next year, along with major changes to the essay questions. It will be available some time in August to peruse. That being said, I would still have both an activities resume that includes theatre, etc. and as well as a resume and headshot.</p>

11

<p>Thanks, Walker, for letting us know about upcoming changes in the Common App. Here’s a link to changes in the Writing section, which includes a link to the new prompts for the longer personal essay:</p>

<p><a href=“https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/CA4/WritingMemo.pdf[/url]”>https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/CA4/WritingMemo.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Apparently the uploading of a resume will be determined by the member college one is applying to.</p>

12

<p>From what I’ve been reading from your posts Ch2, two schools are coming mind. Not sure of the financial situation but Kenyon seems to combine the LAC and diverse theatre opporutnities that your D is looking for. The other school that keeps jumping out to me is Point Park. First they are very generous with aid according to your D’s phenomenal GPA she should do very well with the academic portion and then they have talent options too and supplement it with an additional apprenticeship. The school offers multiple opportunities rather than pigeonholing the kids into straight MT or straight Acting or just directing and thus giving ample opportunity to direct, write and do tech more so than many other programs. The issue with BA to BFA appears to be irrelevant for the kids in the program and especially with your D since you are looking into BA programs for her. Therefore, I know you mentioned this before but if you are looking at BA programs for her than what difference would it make if she chose to stay in the BA at PP. My D is not going to PP although we loved the program. We were told by current students that they do not even know or care if their classmates are in the BA or the BFA program and being in the BA program allows them complete flexibility to carve out their own course of study where as the BFA program pigeonholes them to a more structured curriculum. AS far as a resume, I’m not sure what kind of changes are being made but we included a resume with every application whether they asked for it or not. An actors resume is more comprehensive and indicative of showing responsiblity and commitment and dedication than any other HS student that has appeared to work for Burger King or babysit and show up for Spanish club once or twice a month. Your D sounds really amazing and a really great candidate for a theatre program, BA, BFA or theatre activites in a LAC program.</p>

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<p>And my point about having a “regular” activities list is so that you 1) have it to look at while filling out the CA, it makes it MUCH easier, and 2) For schools that are not on the Common App.</p>

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<p>My S’s best friend is a theatre kid who is NOT majoring in theatre in college, but talked about his theatre experiences at length on his resume, essay, etc. His mother told me it made all the difference in the world in the eyes of the admissions people in the liberal arts schools he applied to. She said admissions people told him they were so impressed with his work and his passion and commitment to something over a period of years.</p>

15

<p>Piggybacking on Mom2gals’s post, Kenyon is indeed a wonderful place with great liberal arts and a fantastic theater program. My daughter did a BA there and loved it, and they were extremely helpful with both need-based and merit aid. Feel free to PM me if you have questions! Kenyon has always been known as a “demonstrated interest” school–your daughter will definitely want to visit if she’s really serious about it. Oh, and yes to the resume!!</p>

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<p>I have heard that Tulane was very generous with Merit Aid for students with exceptional GPAs as your D has. I think you are going to have to cast a wide net because in this every changing world of student loans and aid, you have no way of knowing what criteria will be used for aid in a future year and when there can be surprise award from an unexpected school. In general I’ve heard that the BFA kids have done better than LAC kids with merit aid, I’ve heard of more surprises. Also, I’ve heard of kids that tried to play the merit aid game and fell short. Hopefully you can look at your state schools and possibly if there is a consortium of state schools which honor an In State tuition maybe there will be an affordable option.</p>

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<p>Thank you all for your feedback.</p>

<p>Actually, Mom2gals, I couldn’t call her GPA phenomenal or even great :slight_smile: But it’s decent, given her participation year 'round in school shows. It’s likely to be somewhere around 3.3 or so, unweighted, and little higher weighted. She has 3 AP’s total and an otherwise strong/fairly advanced curriculum. Her high school did rank in the top 1,000 high schools nationally last week, and it is a good high school … the performing arts module of the school, however (she is theatre major), is thought to be rigorous and well-regarded.</p>

<p>Love the Kenyon and PPU suggestions. Kenyon is definitely on our list, for every criteria it has. I am worried about the GPA and test score (low 20’s - trying to get that up). their stats seem to indicate that want higher-achieving kids … but there again, my D is a “G/T” student, highly capable and bright…just balances and prioritizes in a very theatre-heavy way :-))) Point Park: I’ve had friends with older kids visit and report to me that they don’t think my daughter would fit that program…my D is an attractive girl who gets an occasional “lead”, but is mostly known as a character actress (witches, stepmothers, evil, complex)…and this happens to be her preference. She was Abigail Williams in The Crucible this year, and that was her dream role (pretty, a lead AND a witch - lol). There are a ton of pretty, talented girls in her school who also sing beautifully. So lots of MT preferences, but that has never been my D’s. My friends who have visited Point Park say they feel it is more a traditional “look” or MT-girl look, and that my D is not that (reading between the lines, I think that means my daughter may be a tad more non-traditional or edgy…she is also a big Shakespeare person)…not trying to stereotype here whatsoever, just trying to give a clear picture.</p>

<p>Because she loves the “study of theatre” and all parts, that is why I am thinking LAC…but the biggest driver is definitely need-based aid. In all my reading, BFA’s do not seem compatible with someone who needs and qualifies for financial aid. </p>

<p>In terms of the new Common App requirements, I appreciate that information and link, and have sent it to my D to be gathering her thoughts around the questions – and what supplemental information we can add (if they let us :0). In her case, I think she needs to add as much supplemental info as she can (per some of your posts).</p>

<p>You <continued> advice is so appreciated - thank you.</continued></p>

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<p>…and Mom2gals: you are spot-on with your advice to cast a wide net, and roll with the changes! in what I’ve read, this is exactly the strategy we’ve adopted thus far. it is like a lottery … you spend anywhere from $50-$100 on application fees per school, and it’s like a $500-$1,000 lottery…and you hope that front-loading will pay off in need-based (or merit) aid…</p>

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<p>I think Kenyon may be a stretch with the current stats - certainly apply but what about some other slightly less selective Midwest LACs like Denison (gives tons of merit aid although I don’t know where their typical “cutoff” for scores/GPA is for merit) or Wooster in Ohio?</p>

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<p>chapter2… right there with you on this process. I also have a academic actor type and he is still deciding between a BA vs BFA. I am pretty sure he won’t be making any decisions on that till all decisions are in…as I have posted previously, he has a HUGE list at the moment. He has a similar GPA( 3.5ish UW), but high test scores, and he goes to a top private academic powerhouse. It is astounding to me that our kids are doing as well as they are with all of their theater commitments… it is truly non-stop. This summer he is going to summer school to take a required class so he can have at least 1 semester with a free period to work on college stuff, he then will be attending Northwestern’s theater summer program for 5 weeks, and then taking a play to Scotland’s Edinborough Fringe Festival with his advanced acting class… then home to HS auditions for casting of the full years play. He is also helping with a week long music/improv/acting summer camp for kids at women’s shelter. It is making me dizzy just writing this. </p>

<p>I can’t remember what your D’s criteria is exactly, but my S just got something in the mail from University of Minnesota’s BFA program. It look GREAT!! My S thinks it sounds like a good fit because it is grounded in acting with an academic bent to it. Huge Shakespeare leanings…which is one of my S’s passions too. They also have early rolling admissions( to the college, which you will have to be accepted into before you can get into the BFA program) They have a pre screen, where you can send in a DVD of your audition to be reviewed before you make plans and $ to travel for an in person audition. Lots of cool theater stuff happening in the Twin Cities.</p>

<p>Also, lots of merit and scholarship $ it looks like. </p>

<p>Also, if she likes Kenyon( my S really likes it too), check out Wooster. Much easier to get into, the theater dept. looks top notch, and they also are generous with merit $.</p>