<p>lol, all my life I’ve wanted to be an actress. I’ve been working professionally as an actress and a model since age 7, member of Screen Actors Guild, plus been in a million and a half (okay a couple dozen) theatrical productions.</p>
<p>Now I’m a junior and burnt out. I still enjoy performing, but it’s not what I want to do with my life. I’d like to maybe study psych or possibly…oh who am I kidding? I don’t have a frickin’ clue! :)</p>
<p>The parentals think I should emphasize my performing career, even if it’s not what I really want to do because they think it shows committment and maturity and may help me stand out from the crowd. </p>
<p>Do you think someone who has achieved decent success in a field at a young age is at an advantage, even if they’re not planning to pursue that field in the future? </p>
<p>As for my “stats”, I’m pretty average. Tough private school, 3.65 GPA weighted, only one AP (Art History)…I take the SAT this weekend, my PSAT scores are also fair to average - 640 Writing, 590 Critical Reading, 470 Math. </p>
<p>I want to stay in Cali, would love to go to either UCSB or UCLA. I’m also really fond of San Luis Obispo so Cal Poly SLO looks nice. I know all of the above are selective…would emphasizing my career help give my average profile an edge?</p>
<p>You’ve spent so much time with it and shows your hard work/commitment at a young age. Yes, stick with it/write about what it has done for you…but you aren’t tethered to it for life either. In essays express your interest in other activities/academics you’d like to pursue…but your career is so much a part of you…I would say use it. You’re only 16 enjoy the options!</p>
<p>You can emphasize your experience as your primary EC, without applying to BFA programs. Apply as undecided. Most schools without BFA programs should realize that you are looking to expand your education outside the performing arena, or you would audition for other programs. </p>
<p>You know how they say on investment commercials, “Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns”? Same with you - past employment/passion is not a guarantee that you’ll continue in the future. But you will be showing passion and commitment to one type of EC, which colleges do like to see, without boxing yourself in to any particular course of study.</p>
<p>And who knows? After 4 years, you may decide to go back to performing, and that road would still be open to you. (Keep your union memberships, just in case!)</p>
<p>I think that you could have a solid shot at UCSB and CSSLO with some work, but UCLA would be a reach. See what your SAT’s are, and work hard for them. Also try to get your grades as high as you can.</p>