<p>Take a look at the Technical Theater thread on the next page or two for some more information on your chances. Your grades are a little too low for NYU at 3.5 but competitive at the other schools. However, grades also affect your chance of financial aid, which could make a difference at an expensive school like Carnegie Mellon. </p>
<p>Your best source of information on what schools expect in a portfolio is the schools themselves. Most tell you exactly what they want in a portfolio and it would be a good idea to tailor your portfolio to each interview or series of interviews. Of course, you should make it look good and it should be well organized. But more importantly, remember that your portfolio will not speak for itself. It is a prop for your interview. </p>
<p>Schools want to know where you are going more than where you’ve been. They want to know that you are capable of self-criticism and willing to learn. So don’t be afraid to tell them what you wish you could do over again. Or what really makes you proud and why, even if it’s not as good as you would like.</p>
<p>The only school I would add to your list is University of the Arts.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>