<p>My D is almost finished with her application, but is having a hard time with the short answer question, which goes something like, It’s fifty years from now and they are doing a movie of your life. What would it be called and why? And give a short synopsis.</p>
<p>I think she’s having trouble finding the tone. She doesn’t want it to be jokey and risk not being funny, but honestly, do people answer this question straight? I’d love to hear from anyone particularly those from past years if they got this question.</p>
<p>I’d say if your daughter could write something that is basically earnest, perhaps with a little humor thrown in for spice, that would be the ticket.</p>
<p>The people reading the essay wouldn’t wish to hear about how you want to be famous and successful. They’d want to hear about how you want to live a worthwhile life, possibly inspiring and helping others along the way. </p>
<p>They probably would like to know how much you value the liberal arts education that NYU offers in addition to MT training, and would be interested in what you have to say about how you expect the liberal arts to broaden your horizons and enhance your quality of life.</p>
<p>My son was accepted into the acting program at Tisch. He didn’t have the essay question you are referring to, but I do know that somewhere along the way, either in an essay or during the audition, he said something regarding his beliefs about the value of the arts to society. He probably also said something about his wish to someday teach and/or do drama therapy or something along those lines.</p>
<p>“Millions of lives touched by ________________'s Art” ?? ;-)</p>
<p>HSN, I have my son’s essays on my home computer and I’m at work, but if I remember correctly, we had a similar prompt for one of the ones he had to write – not sure if it was for a school in particular or for the Common App. I think they asked for a book or magazine title, and I’m pretty sure the one he settled on was “Some Boys Wear Jazz Shoes”. In it, he talked about overcoming the stigma attached to being a boy dancer when he was younger. It gave him the opportunity to demonstrate perseverance and his passion for his art, while at the same time, demonstrating a long term commitment to MT that would lead to a certain development of talent and proficiency (theoretically anyway!). </p>
<p>As with any of the app essays, I think the more honesty your child can bring to the subject, the more powerful the writing will be. I hope that helps!</p>
<p>Good point about the honesty. I didn’t mean to imply that things should be written or said that the student doesn’t truly believe.</p>
<p>My son has deep beliefs about theatre’s power to enlighten and inspire. I was telling a friend about this the other day and she raised her eyebrows quizzically. I guess, like many people, she regards this particular art form as basically “entertainment.” I wished my son had been there to explain! He can be quite eloquent on the subject.</p>
<p>Vivid, clear examples are very important in essays, too…the detailed particulars are what shed light on who the student really is. Vague generalities won’t wash.</p>
<p>I would have to absolutely agree about the honesty in the essay. I think these kids have so much passion for this that they just have to let that come through in the essay - no matter what the question. My daughter applied to NYU and I don’t remember any specific question that stands out, but I think when the student incorporates their own life experiences into the essay it comes off as more genuine. Good luck to you son. I have to say, I’m happy I’m at this point, I found the whole process exhausting and so did my daughter. Just to let you know, she is very happy at NYU.</p>