<p>I am applying to CMU and like many other colleges they have a "Why us?" essay. While I have many substantive reasons for applying there, to be honest, one of them is being able to say that I attended the same school as one of my favorite actors (Zachary Quinto, if you're wondering). Do you think this would be too bad? I try to convey that it's merely a bonus, and I think some readers might enjoy the detail. However, I think that other readers might be more serious and think I'm stupid or something, even though the rest of my essay is talking about substantive reasons for applying. </p>
<p>Yikes. This is a tough one. Like you said it could totally depend on the opinion of who is reading it. You can either play it “safe” and don’t put it in, OR as I am always in favor of “be yourself” and put it in. I know it sounds cliche but if they don’t want you then maybe it isn’t the right fit for you. I always tell my daughter to be herself and that is what she did on her apps, even if it seemed a little bit “risky”. :)</p>
<p>mAfter writing about the substantive reasons of course, maybe say that you would like to walk the same paths, sit in the same classrooms, etc. as your favorite actor. I don’t know. I’m just throwing an idea out there. :)</p>
<p>Unless you are planning to major in theater/acting, I don’t see how making reference to some actor alum will make you appear to be anything but shallow.</p>
<p>There’s a way to do that. You have to write your whole essay with actual well-thought-out reasons. Then, at the end, you could just say “And I’ll go to school with XXX” or something like that</p>
<p>Objectively, what do you think you would gain by mentioning the actor-alum? Do you want to come off looking like a groupie or a serious student? Unless that actor has some distinct achievement that was derived from that school, then why mention him/her.</p>
<p>Eh I just went with OhioMom2’s suggestion. If they reject me because I tacked that on an otherwise objectively well-thought essay, then I guess I know how they feel about me.</p>
<p>From your “objectively well-thought essay” they will think you are intelligent. By adding the bit about the actor, they might think you are an intelligent stalker. The school has legitimate security concerns. They don’t want students who are potential trouble.</p>
<p>If you really want to go to this school because your screen idol is there, why add superfluous verbiage that has a significant likelihood of sabataging your effort.</p>
<p>If you must mention a famous person who attended this school, then mention a nobel-laureate in physics.</p>
<p>I think GMT is reading a little too far into a brief mention. I say go for it, as long as you don’t sound shallow in the process. Using the wording detailed above, it’ll show that you did some homework, and will add a little personality the the essay. </p>
<p>CMU prides itself on its theater school. Mentioning that you love one of their actor-alumni is just a personalized shout-out at the excellence of their program, which is a perfectly legitimate reason to attend. Go for it.</p>