So here’s the long story. Keep in mind while reading this, I’m trying to get into a liberal arts college with a notable musical theatre program that’s not so close to home that I’d be commuting, but not so far that I’d be hours upon hours away. I’m currently a senior, I live in Queens, NY and go to religious private college prep school in Long Island.
I have around an 85% weighted GPA, 81% without electives. My grades have been on that “upward curve” colleges claim they love to see- I had a 76 in English freshie year and I’m in AP Lit now. (For reference, I’ve also taken AP Music Theory, but didn’t do so well on the test because our teacher was out for 3 months of the year) I have an “undiagnosed learning disability”; I’ve been told that I’m borderline ADD, but I’m not “bad enough” to receive any help; help I KNOW I need. I go to a college prep private school, I have a 27 ACT score, just took the SAT for the first time today because I was too broke to take in April-June because my family was catching up on tuition and I couldn’t get a fee waiver. So that’s me academically.
I have a lot to compensate for with extracurriculars. I’m members of Drama Club (9-12) Gospel Choir (9-12) Science Olympiad (10-12), Yearbook (12), Anime Club (9-12) (I may be club President this year but we’re not sure yet), Music Club (10-12, Club Vice President 11-12). I’ve done some community service through my school and plan to do much more before the school year finishes out.
I’ve also begun to do musicals outside of school. This is kinda the saving grace of my life right now; emotionally, it’s getting me through it all. I’ve been in Rent twice, Hair, and I’m currently in American Idiot; I may audition for Les Mis but I’m unsure right now because it may conflict with American Idiot. My life is pretty decent I’ll admit, but if I didn’t have this I’d probably fall apart. I’ve finally found my passion, something I love. I’ve only had supporting or ensemble roles in all these shows, but to me personally that’s alright. I’ll work my way up someday; for now, I love what I do every time I step into that theater; especially with American Idiot.
I’m essentially pouring my heart out but I swear this has something to do with college. I want to at least minor, if not double major along something else yet to be decided, in theater in college. I know it’s no stable career, but I want to keep it in my life. I’ve always had an amazing talent for singing, the one thing about myself that i always feel confident calling myself amazing in. I’m not the strongest actor or dancer, but I’m getting better with every show, every rehearsal. My directors have told me that my commitment and determination is outstanding; but even with all of this I’m scared. Scared that because of my grades, I won’t get into the schools I’m looking at. I’m primarily looking at Wagner, Ithaca, Pace, and that’s another thing; I don’t really know where to look. I’ve also looked at SUNY Fredonia, but I don’t really want to be bombarded by snow 7 hours away from home, ya feel??? I was looking at SUNY Purchase and SUNY New Paltz until I found out that they just have acting and not MUSICAL theatre programs. SUNY Purchase was my safety for a while; now I don’t think I can really go there if they don’t have MUSICAL theatre.
I’m just generally so confused and I need some advice, some encouragement, some ANYTHING. I’m also afraid I won’t make it past any auditions because my acting and dancing still isn’t amazing. Should I minor? I just want to keep it in my life; even if I end up doing what all my directors do and direct shows for kids alongside real work, and maybe being in a few small shows themselves. That seems pretty rad to me. I just don’t know what do in life and I want someone to understand and help, idk how to end this but thanks for reading all the way to the end 