Extracurricular activities in application

I’ve been really involved in theatre for a long time. It takes up almost all my time, as I’ve been involved with 10 productions the past three years, in and out of school. I even just went to the prestigious Stratford, Ontario Shakespeare School program for Shakespearean acting. I have had many leading roles, I’ve done crew, and even student directed once. But on the online application for University of Michigan, all it says is one line “theatre”. I know that colleges look down on resumes, but is there any way I can show my involvement in theatre? Otherwise, I don’t think they will realize all I’ve done.

<p>Does UMich ask for teacher recommendations? If so, then you could get a recommendation letter from your theatre sponsor/teacher/other adult supervisor.
Also, could you talk about your theatre involvement in one of your essays?</p>

<p>They do...but only one "academic" one. So I don't think that would count. Maybe I could send an extra one but that might be as bad as sending a resume.
And for essays, I'm not sure where I could work it in (Mich essay topics are really lame) but I will look harder and see.
Thanks for the reply.</p>

<p>bump bump etc</p>

<p>Wow,glad I didnt consider UMich but have some across another school's app that severely reduce your chance to tell your story in anykind of meaningful way. That really sucks. The school that did that to me I didnt get in, by the way.</p>

<p>You also have to ask if UMich really care about your EC experience?
I am not familiar with that school, maybe someone else can comment.</p>

<p>Lastly I wouldnt rule out sending in an extra letter explaining your passion. It carries some risk but so is having a weak application.
Good luck.</p>

<p>Uhmm, you can split up theatre into different things and list them separately.
Also I know for a fact on the U of M app there is a short answer/essay section to explain which extracurricular was most important to you and why.</p>

<p>How do you do that effectively? Seems to me like you are diluting yourself. If you have one main passion, shouldn't you present it that way?</p>

<p>You could complete a "brag sheet." Just list all your important accomplishments.</p>

<p>what is a "brag sheet"? and why the resume is bad idea?</p>

<p>Yes, what's a brag sheet? Not the same as a resume? I would love to send one, but I thought that was looked down upon.</p>

<p>a brag sheet just uses the same format that is given on the application. i would strongly suggest that you use one, because not doing that will probably harm you more than 'annoying' the admissions officer. ;)</p>

<p>why harm? I thought that it's the quality not quantity that matters</p>

<p>Yes, but if he cant accurately describe all that he did, then of course its a harm. you want to give the adcoms the clearest picture possible, leave no room for guessing.</p>

<p>follow the orignial format, always, or you'll annoy the Supreme Beings.</p>