What do you think of this study by U.C.L.A?

College Help? NYU, UCLA, Columbia, etc.?

• I love the arts. I always have. Well, I want to go to a school with a wonderful arts program in film, literature, music, philosophy, etc. I have been looking at NYU for forever, but I'm not sure whether to take all the negative views of NYU seriously. Personally, the thought of living in NYC is more comforting than living in LA (if I were to go to UCLA or USC). I'm from the base of the Mayo Clinic in MN, so big cities aren't entirely a new thing, with Minneapolis 90 miles away, but it would different. i would love to go to Columbia, but I don't think I'm good enough to get in. At one point, I was worried about cost, but I've realized that if I keep worrying about it, I won't get to study what I want. I'm signing up to take both the ACT and SAT by the end of next month. I got a 181 on my PSAT and my weighted GPA is 4.2, unweighted 3.85. I'm taking all honors, and 3 AP classes this year (I'm a junior). 5 AP classes next year. I play Clarinet in the marching band, and symphonic winds. I'm in NHS, I tutor for the ESL program, and I'm in the photography club. Please, just someone give me advice on choosing a college. Thanks.

• Answer:

  Honestly, I think your stats are very good. Have you thought of applying to Yale? It has one of the best drama departments out there. However, you need a few more things to be competitive for Yale. 1) You need to study your eyes out for that SAT. You have 181, which translates to a 1810. If you study for two to three months, you could bring that baby up a couple hundred points. If you make a 2200+, you'd be competitive for Yale. I'm getting that your into film/literature, but your ECs don't really reflect that. Where are the school plays? The blogs? The awards? What you need to do this year is apply for every school play and writing competition. Look at craigslist for odd jobs. I bet you that you'll be able to find something like blog writer or stage manager or theater tech that would add to your resume. Find as many of these as you can. Your ECs must reflect what you LOVE. Good Luck! Also, you could consider schools like Vassar (liberal arts), Itheca, and CMU. BTW, trying to get into NYU's drama or writing department is harder than getting into an ivy league.