Help With Finalizing My List

College Search & Selection
1

I am in desperate need of help with my college list! I thought I had it finalized, but I’m starting to learn more and second-guess my chances. I want to make sure I apply to a wide range of schools, so that I have a good chance of getting numerous acceptance letters. Ideally, I would like three reach schools, four target schools, and three safety schools. I need to decide ASAP, as deadlines are quickly approaching! I have a lot of my application work done, it’s just specific school-related things that need work.

A little bit about me: I am interesting in applying for an Acting BFA program, though I am also interested in a broader Theatre major at some of my safety schools, just to increase my chances and broaden my horizons. I am passionate about musical theatre, but I believe that my strengths lie primarily in straight acting, so that’s what I’m shooting for, although schools that offer musical theatre certificates down the road or general auditions that are narrowed down to either acting or musical theatre are great, too. I am a resident of Illinois, so I’m interested in applying to Illinois schools, but I’d like the majority of my schools to be out-of-state. I have taken three ACTs, my highest score being a 32, and I have taken three SATs, my highest score being a 1410 (out of 1600). I also took the writing test three times for the ACT and twice for the SAT. I am currently in my senior year, and my GPA is at a 4.2 or 4.3 (out of 5.0). I have a good deal of experience in theatre, as I’ve been a part of most of the shows in high school and twenty or so shows in total, but nothing professional. I also take voice lessons and dance classes, and I hold leadership positions in the National Music Honor Society, speech team, and International Thespian Honor Society executive board.

Here is where my list stands at the moment:

1.) Northwestern University
2.) University of Southern California
3.) New York University
4.) University of Michigan
5.) Boston University
6.) Drake University
7.) Carnegie Mellon University OR Ball State University
8.) DePaul University
9.) Michigan State University
10.) University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Basically, I need help with deciding on whether or not this list is attainable. Do you guys think I’m shooting too high? Too low? Are there any programs on here that I should remove and switch out with another one? My voice lesson teacher suggested that I look at Yale, University of Evansville, Roosevelt, Marymount, Sarah Lawrence, Knox College, Syracuse U, U of Minnesota, U of North Carolina, Carthage College, Belmont - Nashville, Point Park, and ISU, but I’m not sure whether or not my list is fine where it is or if I should listen to her and seriously consider some of those other colleges. I would really not like to exceed ten schools, because I think anything over that might be too difficult. What do you guys think? Please be honest, I can take it, I just really need the opinions of people who understand my plight!

Thank you all so much for your help!

2

Your plight is not clear yet. Is your list attainable financially?

3

You probably have too many reaches: NU, USC, NYU, Michigan and CMU would all be reaches. You should consider replacing at least one, if not two, of those with less selective schools (such as those recommended by your teacher, minus Yale and UNC which would also be reaches).

4

@actingbear Audition-based programs add a whole other layer of unpredictability to the admissions process. On the up side, some academic “reaches” may be less reachy because they often have different standards for performing arts (see Michigan, for example: https://www.music.umich.edu/prospective_students/admissions/ug/app_proc/acad_prep.htm). On the down side, everything comes down to that audition, and depending on the program you’re applying to, very few spots may be available, so there is really no such thing as a “safety” in the performing arts unless it is not an auditioned program.

I would recommend that you check out the Musical Theater forum and Theater/Drama Major forums here at CC if you haven’t already - They can be really helpful for navigating the very different admissions process in the arts. The Music Major forum has been really helpful to us. Good luck!

5

You typically need to audition or at least provide a portfolio/recording. That will determine where you are admitted. Your ACT/GPA qualifies you for every school on the list. I’d also recommend you consider a marketable, fall back degree if it doesn’t work out.

6

Apply to more due to the major you’re applying for.
In addition, what’s your budget? Have you run the NPC on all of these and made sure your parents can afford them all?

Seconding the recommendation you ask on the Musical Theater and Theater forums on this website. Lots of experienced posters will provide more precise advice.