Chance me for theater studies at top academic colleges?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

I can’t believe I’m doing this, but as application season approaches, I’ve started to feel more and more insecure about my chances at acceptance. I am a theater student, and plan to major in theater, perhaps paired with a minor or double major in political science or business/marketing.

Here’s my application list as of now:
Brown University, Wesleyan University, Emerson College (top 3 choices)
Boston University, Northwestern University, University of Minnesota/Guthrie (very interested but not my favorite picks)
Whitman College, University of Washington

I am a legacy at Whitman and know the director of admissions personally, so I’m pretty sure I’ll get in there. I’m thinking about adding Lewis and Clark College and Southern Oregon University as safeties, just in case (I’m from Oregon.)

My stats:
4.0 UW GPA, 4.4 W
1520 SAT, 780 R, 740 M (retaking in September and shooting for 1550)
AP: US History (5), World History (4), English Language and Comp (5 - self-studied)
SAT Subjects: 720 US History, 750 World History (planning on taking Literature and Spanish, aiming for high 700s)
Next year I will be taking 4 AP classes; AP Chemistry, AP Spanish, AP Government, and AP Literature

As I said, I am a passionate theater student and am lucky enough to go to a public high school with an extraordinary and highly-regarded theater program. I’ve participated in eight shows with this program, including three as a stage assistant, one as an assistant director, and four as an actor. Next year, I have the opportunity to direct a full production, and our fall production will likely be chosen to showcase at the state thespian festival. I look forward to writing about my experience in the program in my essays :slight_smile:

Other ECs
5 years as a violinist in city Youth Symphony
3 years in my high school orchestra
1 year as member of high school Feminist Union, 2 years as co-president (another thing I hope to write essays about)
Oregon Thespians member
Drama Council: Costume master (last year), General Manager (upcoming year!)
National Honor Society
2 summers working as a cashier at OfficeMax
Volunteer at local public classical radio station and at the local symphony orchestra
Internship at local theater company

Awards
Oregon State Playwriting Competition - First Place Winner, 2017 (another potential essay topic!)
Regional Finalist in Solo Acting, 2016
State Qualifier in Duo Dramatic Acting, 2017
Overall Superior Score in Duo Dramatic Acting at the International Thespian Festival, 2017
(side note: I auditioned for some schools at the International Thespian Festival when I was there last month, including
the University of Minnesota’s Guthrie BFA program, which is why I’m applying there)

So…should I stay hopeful about my applications to Brown and other top-tier schools, or should I proceed with much more caution? I’m feeling quite overwhelmed, and I’m sure anyone else who has been through this process can identify with that. CAN ANYONE CHANCE ME FOR MY SCHOOLS, OR BETTER YET, OFFER ME SOME WORDS OF ADVICE? Thanks a million.

2

I think you definitely have a chance at Brown! I would suggest applying ED for a higher chance of acceptance, unless you’re not totally sure you want to go there. Your stats are definitely really good, but I would retake the subject test for US History, and try to get it up in the 750+ range. Your ECs look great and really show “depth” and interest in theater and the arts, while also having leadership positions as well. The awards really help to show your passion in theater too. Overall, you look like a good applicant for Brown! Just make sure you have good teacher recs and essays.

3

Thank you! I don’t think I’m going to apply ED, almost entirely for financial reasons, as my parents and I don’t want to be trapped in a situation where they’re being asked to pay more than they want to. I’m not sure about retaking the US History test, as I haven’t taken a US History class in a year and I don’t have a lot of time to re-study. If I get a 750+ on the Literature subject test, do you think I should just submit that and the World History one, or the US History one as well? Would it drag down my application?

4

You will certainly get in to Emerson and probably get a lot of money, unless your audition is very weak. But as I recall, they have performance driven acting track and a performing mixed with other theoretical coursework, that might be perfect for you as a safety with money. The theater is beautiful there. I think it will be easier to get into Emerson than BU, and Northwestern so if Emerson is in your top 3, I would focus on that, and make a very strong application.