shacherry

My son was a child and now is a professional teen working actor, represented by an adult agency and has appeared in things that would make him some what known. He wants to pursue a degree in theater. His GPA will fall unweighted in the 3.8 and SAT's around 2000. He has taken most honors classes but not many AP's. Does his work make up for the lower stats at a place like Columbia or even another Ivy or the like that has theater departments?

Shrinkrap

Not sure that's a hook, but it seems if a student is applying for a performance major, a portfolio can outweigh other stats. There might be a subforum for that.

Maybe this one

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/...-drama-majors/

lookingforward

3.8uw/2000 are "in range" for many top schools. The experiences will help, but since Columbia is holistic, he still needs to be able to show the well-rounded aspects, as well as the pro achievements. If the work is what precluded the APs, probably ok, especially if the honors classes were still rigorous (this depends on his hs.) But, what APs often represent is a willingness to take on academic challenges and the ability to master them- for many kids, despite a busy schedule.

shacherry

Thanks guys,

I think I get what your saying about well-rounded and pro achievements. He has made an effort to expand his school and outside interests to things other then acting. He joined the high school and pool club swim team and JV Lacrosse team. Joined the German club and is hoping to become the president. He does not have that much time to volunteer but this summer managed to work with kids at a day camp teaching them film making. Is this what your talking about?

lookingforward

Yes, some sense he can engage with peers and in the community, sees the value in that and enjoys it. HS performance groups are also good or various hs responsibilities he might have taken on. (It can include any mentoring if he did that routinely with other actors or budding performers.) Plus anything he did through your religious group. I'm sure he's busy, but the general idea is to look for all he did do, then sort and see what makes sense to include.

shacherry

Lookingforward the issue with AP's is one reason why I started the thread. He will have taken only 2 AP's in English and History two subjects he is passionate about and most relate to acting. I suppose that he can apply and see what happens.

Thanks again!

shacherry

He has talked about starting an improv group at school and having the group do shows at the local senior center. He is not involved with the schools drama club or in plays. But he did take acting classes at the schools Arts High gifted and talent program.

You just confirmed that if he is really interested in a school he should just go for it.

lookingforward

In his case, I think he's on the right track. And, of course, he should have safeties he loves. Best of luck.