<p>Personally, as long as he enjoys learning and is comfortable with kids who are intelligent, I would shoot for NYU, USC or Brown (he can take classes pass/fail there!) His experience as an actor will make him someone these schools will be interested in. The academics in these schools, if he is accepted, will be fine. There will be other kids like him in these schools and in NYU’s case, 50% of his admissions will be based on his audition.</p>
<p>We know someone who is loving Brown (just completed sophomore year there.) He has been on Broadway several times, done tv and movies and was accepted ED at Brown with stats that are lower than what you’d expect for an ivy. Remember that schools like students that are unique and your son sounds like his expereince is. He has obviously been working in the adult world and although his grades might not reflect it, he has certainly challenged himself and has been successful.</p>
<p>I would not underplay what he has accomplished based on his gpa. I would have him work as hard as he can to prep for SAT’s and ACT’s since this will show a school his academic potential, too. Again, I am not talking incredible scores, but if he can nail about 650 for each section he should be fine. (Even for Brown.)</p>
<p>He can certainly do a theatre BFA and a communications minor at NYU. Or better yet have him look inot the minor they offer called the Business of Entertainment, Media and Technology. As for merit aid, it is available for theatre, based on how he auditions.</p>
<p>Brown does not offer merit aid, only need based aid. As for his major, you would have to explore their options in terms of their “concentrations.” Their system is unique. The student I am referring to is putting together classes that will prepare him for the business side of entertainment. He has also done shows, taken theatre classes and is in an acapella group. He also had time to make a guest appearance on a popular tv show.</p>
<p>I have a D who just graduated NYU as a Vocal Performance major (with a MT concentration) and one who will be starting as a studio art major. The studio art major was accepted with a 90.06 (weighted) gpa and a 2000 SAT (29 ACT.) But her scores were lopsided–720 reading and 35 English–not so great math scores. Like music and theatre majors, academics were 50%, portfolio 50%. She had good EC’s with leadership and presented as a strong art/ choir/ musical theatre and acapella kid.</p>
<p>Good luck to you and your son!</p>