<p>I'm in the midst of writing the "tell us why you want to go to our school/why you want to study Musical Theater". I wrote about how MT is my life's calling, how I am going to be successful one way or another and how I want to go school in order to refine my skills and experience college life as a performing arts student, which hypothetically, will develop me into a fully-fledged adult. I tell them that I want to be the best performer I can be and how I am attracted to their rigorous program, site their special student performance opportunities, study abroad/internships/local equity theaters, location of school or special program I am interesting on the side (e.i. playwriting). Then I realized that they are probably getting the exact same essays from everyone and their bloodline.</p>
<p>How do I stand out in these essays?</p>
<p>By the way, I'm a transfer, I have a 3.33 GPA, I will have failed college math three times, but I have A's and B's and two C's. I will have an Associate's Degree in May. I did theater from age 11-14, but didn't have the chance to really act until I was nineteen, so I'm probably pretty green, compared to everyone else. I consider myself a strong actor and singer and a mediocre dancer at best. I'd type myself as a "male ingenue/pretty boy with an edge". According to others, I have an exceptionally likable, mature personality and appear put-together and driven. I'm just not sure how to make this shine through in essays without sounding too informal.</p>
<p>I think you do exactly what you are doing now. The point of these essays isn’t necessarily to stand out, it’s to tell the truth and portray an accurate depiction of YOU. If you are honest in your answers and honest with yourself, then you are meeting the requirements. Make sure your essay is well written- it has good spelling, it’s grammatically correct- because these things are a reflection on your intelligence, and most schools (I would assume) want to work with smart artists. I would make sure your essay has some personality, as if it was truly written from your own voice, and then… answer the question. If your response is the same as most other kids- so be it. At this particular point in your life, most everyone’s answer is kind of expected to be the same. Don’t stress- just be you! </p>
<p>Based on your description, I don’t think you’ll have too difficult of a time finding a school that wants you for who you really are. :)</p>
<p>You seem to have a bit of a difference to talk about because you spent a few years away from theatre. I don’t think you should discuss that in detail (no negative stuff like you had no opportunities, or had no support from home, whatever), but you could write a line or two about how you felt when you came back to doing theatre! How it made you feel, or how much fun you had, etc.</p>
<p>Sometimes only a line or two can really personalize an essay.</p>
<p>Rather than write about the grand scheme of the universe and why you want to go to such and such school, try pin-pointing a singular moment you experienced this truth that no one in the world can share with you.</p>