Looking to major in Musical Theatre / Drama and Poli Sci (possibly minor) - need help

Hi! I’ve decided to cave and make an account because college application season is soon.

I’m a rising senior and I love theatre, especially musical theatre. I’ve been in all state productions and just finished up the Cherubs Northwestern program. Being a performer is my all time ambition, but I do want a backup plan.

Basically, I’m making this thread in hopes I can narrow down to one/two target schools that I can really nail my auditions for and invest myself into applying and to look for safeties.

The schools I’ve looked at/visited are:
UMich (top choice)
NYU (next up there)
Syracuse
Boston University
Northwestern (only low bc it is a hardcore reach with my GPA lmao)
USC (debating crossing it off since it only allows MT minor along with acting major)

Objective:
ACT: 35
SAT: 1570
SAT II: Literature (790) World History (800) US History (790), French (760)
UW/All subject GPA: 3.59 (I know, I had a terrible freshman year, but 1st sem senior year should get me to a 3.6)
Weighted GPA: 4.23 - honors/AP weighted the same, only academic classes/nonacademic AP classes are weighted
Rank: doesn’t rank
AP: World History (5) US History (5) Lang (5) Music Theory (5)
Senior Year Academic Courseload: AP Literature, AP Gov US/Comp, AP French, AP Environmental Science, AP Calc AB
I’ve been in all honors/AP level classes since freshman year, save math, which I took accelerated but at a regular level.
Major Awards: Essay published by big online magazine, won my state’s musical theatre award for best actress last year, placed in the top ten in my category in speech at nationals this year, won all state recognition through my group interp team, ILMEA senior chorus this previous year
Common Awards: National Honor Society, local/regional dance awards, likely National Merit Semi-finalist, AP Scholar with Honor, Thespian

Subjective:
ECs in order of commitment:

  • Dance: I’ve been enrolled in dance classes since I was 3, I’m part of a selective local dance company, I’ve gotten some recognition but not at national level. I have training in contemporary, jazz, ballet, hip/hop, and tap. I’ve been part of my school’s dance company since freshman year, and am going to be the VP next year. I’ve been a member of my school’s Varsity Poms team since sophomore year and am one of four captains next year.
    -Acting: I’ve been performing in shows since I was 10, and taking acting lessons since I was 11. I’ve been in a lot of local productions - through playhouses, youth programs, and my school. Mainly lead/major supporting roles and occasional dance captain of the ensemble. I was in the all-state production my sophomore year and won my state’s musical theatre award this past year. I am co-president of my school’s drama club next year and am a Thespian. I was part of the Cherubs program this summer.
    -Singing: I’ve been taking voice lessons since I was 12, and am in two out of school choirs. I was a part of the ILMEA senior chorus this past year. I’ve taken choir as a class at school since freshman year, and am part of all three EC choirs offered. I am VP of the girl’s a capella group and on board for the girl’s song/dance group.
    -Speech: I’ve gone to nationals every year and placed in the top 30 every year, placing in the top ten this year. I chair poetry reading at my school and have a lot of local awards in it.
    -Newspaper: I’ve taken the class since soph year, and am managing editor of the newspaper next year.
    -Global Citizens Club: Since freshman year, a board member since soph year.
    -Relay For Life: Since freshman year on the committee, I’m chairing my school’s event next year.
    -FCCLA: Since freshman year, board since soph year, attended the national conference frosh/soph year and hopefully next year as well. Mostly regional awards.
    -Class Board: Since freshman year, I’m one of five elected officers next year.
    -Tri-M: Since soph year, officer next year
    -Kids for the Cure: Since freshman year, board since soph year.

Job/Work Experience: Work when I can at a boutique I live by, part time since soph year.
Volunteering: Lots of hours through Global Citizens Club, Relay For Life, Kids for the Cure and Tri-M - I’d say 150+ hours over three years.
Summers: I’m usually in one production each summer, this summer I did cherubs.

Writing:
Essays: Common App is one of the best things I’ve written in terms of craft, but it’s on the cheesy side
Recs: Haven’t been written, but I already know who I’m going to ask

Other:
State: IL
School Type: Public, 2.5k kids
Ethnicity: Jewish, 1/2 Afghani Jew, 1/2 White
Gender: F
Income: 110-120k year

Environment: I love bigger schools, but a school that has a student body over 3,000 I’m good with. Location cannot be rural, and a diverse + liberal leaning student population would be best - I’m a gay jew of color. I have no opinions about Greek Life, but a good social life on campus is a must - no small liberal arts schools.

Costs: I have a decent sized college fund and local scholarships to go along with that, so I’m not worried too much about general price, but there’s a reason NYU isn’t my top choice. I’ll also be almost done with college by the time my younger sister starts.

Any and all advice would be appreciated!

If you really want to minor in poli sci then conservatory style programs like U Mich and Syracuse won’t work. NU would be great. I’d look at Vassar, Bard, Brown, American U if you really want a well rounded education with theater emphasis.

You sound like a really impressive young person btw. Best of luck to you.

A minor is “doable” at NYU - but could be rough. Also, that’s a fairly short list of audition programs- all of which have LOW odds for acceptance. Have you thought about safety programs? JKelly made some good suggestions about strong BA - but they are also academically reach-y (along with NU). Lots of LACs with great theater programs- I would suggest taking a look at Muhlenberg in Pa, or Kenyon in OH

I know a young person who has a minor and is graduating in 3 years (she did summer courses) from UMich. BFA
It can be done. She is extremely motivated and hard working. She has a work ethic like few her age!