bmwendel
bmwendel,
USC
B.A., Drama and Theatre Production
Theatre major from NYC who decided to move to LA for school
Features Included
20
Essays
13
Schools
3
Scores
4
Advice
5
ECs
0
Sports

Background

Hometown New York City, New York
GenderMale
EthnicityWhite Non-Hispanic
Class of2021
First Gen College StudentNo

Results, Essays, and Advice

Accepted
Waitlisted or Withdrew
Denied
  • University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA)
  • Brown University (Providence, RI)
  • University of California - Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)
  • Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA)
  • Emerson College (Boston, MA)
  • Ithaca College (Ithaca, NY)
  • University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI)
  • Northwestern University (Evanston, IL)
  • Reed College (Portland, OR)
  • Pace University (New York, NY)
  • Wesleyan University (Middletown, CT)
  • Yale University (New Haven, CT)
Tap/click a school logo above to view essays and advice specific to that school.

University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA)

Applied for a B.A. in Drama and Theatre Production

Accepted and Enrolled Legacy: No

School Specific Essays

I used to read a book a day. I’d go to the school library, grab a short book, read it during class—under my desk, much to the ire of my teachers—and return it that afternoon. My imagination was filled with talking mice, aliens, knights, and pretentious children. I mastered the art of reading while walking, reading while talking, reading while eating. I would take the worlds I found in books and bring them into imaginary play. The...
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Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay
203 Words
A classmate posited that the phrase "ignorance is bliss" was true, and thus education was a hindrance to modern society. I disagreed. However, this conversation led me to some philosophical conclusions about why I study. I realized that God is, in part, infinite knowledge, and the purpose of life is the pursuit of that knowledge. I love creating theatre, and thus I create with diligence for I believe that it explores the emotional truth. But I also am interested in...
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Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
333 Words
Throughout human history, we have told stories. We have always felt the need to create narratives that illustrate the hopes, fears, and pains of each stage of humanity. From Beowulf to Achilles to Jay Gatsby to Luke Skywalker, we have conceptualized ideas of heroism and valor and have pitted these conceptions against the evils in the world from the monster Grendel to the fascist Galactic Empire. Building off the works of Joseph Campbell and other notable folklorists, I would teach...
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Supplemental Essay: Amusing anecdote
199 Words
At my school, there is a group of kids who often descent to the basement of the Arts building to play music. Drawn from different parts of the school community, they are joined by their love of music for these informal jam sessions. While I would not say I am a musician or particularly talented in any instrument, I come to these sessions and play. Perhaps one day there is no drummer so I smash out a basic beat, or...
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Supplemental Essay: Amusing anecdote
198 Words
On the final night of the Choate Fringe 2016, we gathered in the calm, empty theatre and began to undo everything we had worked to create. Everyone — actors, directors, stage managers — packed up props, folded away costumes, and deconstructed sets. I remember collecting all the props for the play I directed when I was hit with a feeling of immense pride. I was proud of my show, that I was able to put a concrete vision on a stage. I was...
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Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay
302 Words
When I first visited Northwestern University as a Theatre Arts Cherub this past summer, I was awed by the beauty of the campus. I remember walking out of the Louis Theater and seeing the skyline of Chicago across Lake Michigan. I stood for a moment and took in my surroundings: just me, Chicago, and Northwestern. In this moment of tranquility, I realized that I was pulled to Northwestern, that I could see myself thriving here, and that NU could become...
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Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
149 Words
I never feel more inspired, invigorated, or fulfilled than when I am working on a theatrical production, no matter what role I take. The feeling of helping to create a story on a stage is one I crave and pursue with diligence, and the immense pride I feel at the closing of a show reinforces that belief. I remember closing a show I directed my junior winter and being so proud of what I and my actors had created, proud...
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Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay
292 Words
I recently had a conversation with a fellow student at my school on the topic of ignorance. He posited that the phrase "ignorance is bliss" was true, and thus education was a hindrance to modern society. I felt otherwise. However, this conversation led me to some philosophical conclusions about why I study what I do. I realized that the conception of God is, in part, infinite knowledge, and that the purpose of life is the pursuit of that knowledge. I...
Read more...
Supplemental Essay: Amusing anecdote
203 Words
I have never lived in the same place for more than three years. Jumping between parts of New York City and Connecticut defines my life. I was born in NYC, then moved to Ridgefield, CT, then back to NYC, where I lived in three different apartments. Now I live concurrently at a boarding school in Wallingford, CT, my mom's apartment in Queens, and my dad's in the West Village. Except the last, these moves were not my choice. I chose...
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Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay
166 Words
I love theatre. I never feel more inspired, invigorated, or fulfilled than when I am working on a show, no matter whether I am acting, designing, directing, or producing. The feeling of helping to create a story on a stage is one I crave and pursue with diligence. This love for all aspects of theatre is why I have chosen the Theatre Arts BFA. I started my life in theatre as an actor, but have since found joy in directing...
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Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
168 Words
The title of my story would be "No More than Three" referring to the fact that I have never gone to the same school for more than three years. This constant moving has provided me both with new opportunities and some challenges. What I've learned has significantly impacted whom I am today. By having the freedom to, in a sense, reinvent myself every three years, I understood I was evolving intellectually and socially. But I also had to adapt to...
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Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay
672 Words
I decided to apply to the School of Dramatic Arts after visiting USC in March 2016. Walking on the campus, the environment just felt right. The feel of the campus suggested to me a strong community full of opportunities. Since I know I want to study theatre, I took a tour focused on Dramatic Arts. Walking through the performance spaces and talking to the students, I was entranced by the possibilities the school offered. I was particularly interested after being told...
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Supplemental Essay: Amusing anecdote
250 Words
Last year, I decided to start waking early. I was frustrated with my lack of time and productivity and believed that rising at six would give me the boost I craved. The first few nights I spent in bed staring at the ceiling, desperately trying to convince my body to sleep. The next morning, I would haul myself out of the warm, cozy comfort of my sheets, even as my mind begged me to return. Slowly, my body accepted this...
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Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay
170 Words
I love theatre. I never feel more inspired, invigorated, or fulfilled than when I am working on a show, no matter whether I am acting, designing, directing, or producing. The feeling of helping to create a story on a stage is one I crave and pursue with diligence. This love for all aspects of theatre is why I have chosen the Theatre Studies BA. Ithaca’s program offers me the chance to work in different disciplines, the opportunity to follow...
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Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay
476 Words
I love theatre. I never feel more inspired, invigorated, or fulfilled than when I am working on a show, no matter whether I am acting, designing, directing, or producing. The feeling of helping to create a story on a stage is one I crave and pursue with diligence. To that end, I have acted in many productions since I was very young, at least six in my high school career, and more recently have been involved in the technical side...
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Supplemental Essay: Issue of personal significance
365 Words
I attend a boarding school and live in a dorm with 20 boys. The best aspect of school involves living in a community of positive and loving people that feels like a family. It was for this community that I applied to be a prefect-- a senior dorm member who enforces rules, but also acts as a mentor and friend to younger students. As a prefect, I want to create that family for my prefectees and help them be better students...
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Supplemental Essay: Issue of personal significance
291 Words
Theatre is where my passion truly lies, it is where I express myself, and I never feel more inspired, invigorated, or fulfilled than when I am working on a show, no matter whether I am acting, designing, directing, or producing. The feeling of helping to create a story on stage is one I crave and pursue with diligence. To that end, I have acted in many productions since I was very young, at least six in my high school career,...
Read more...
Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
341 Words
The summer after my sophomore year, I had the opportunity to study in Paris. I wanted to improve my French, so I applied to a study abroad program and was one of 20 students accepted. During the first week, we visited some magnificent chateaux in the Loire Valley while studying art history. I remember touring the first château, wide-eyed at the surreal beauty of the thousand-year-old architecture, and being surprised when the teacher spoke in his rapid-fire French. I was...
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Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
219 Words
I have never attended the same school for more than three years. My family moved several times when I was young and this provided me with new opportunities and many challenges. I have never had the time to really develop roots anywhere, to make long-lasting friends, but by shifting social arenas, I developed the confidence to walk into any room, start a conversation, and make new friends quickly. By having the freedom to, in a sense, reinvent myself every three...
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Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay
306 Words
I am drawn to the BFA in Performance with a Directing Concentration because I believe it will help me develop the skills, knowledge and practical experience I need to pursue a career in this medium that I love. I believe one learns best by doing and I believe Michigan can give me many opportunities to work, in particular, through the class projects and the Basement Arts company, which I am extremely interested in. I think that to make a career...
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School Specific Advice

Why I ultimately chose my school
71 Words
USC offers me the widest variety of options in theatre with strong alumni and industry connections and a focus on doing...
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More Essays

These essays haven't been tagged by school. Click school logos above to see tagged essays.

General Admissions Advice

Recommended summer activities during high school and college
68 Words
If you wish to be involved in theatre, I highly recommend a conservatory-style summer program after your junior year. I...
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What I’d change about my application process
102 Words
I would be a lot calmer and a lot more organized throughout the process. By applying to BFAs, I had to fly around the country to interview and review my portfolio...
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What set me apart from other applicants
64 Words
It's very cliche, but be yourself. I am a strong believer in the process. Schools are picking you as...
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High School Performance

Weighted GPA
3.99
 
Rank
N/A
 
Academic Performance in High School Steady

Test Scores

Highest ACT
34
 
ACT Score Details
 
Other ACT Scores
ACT Prep
Highest SAT
1480
 
SAT Score Details
 
Other SAT Scores
SAT Prep
PSAT Scores

AP / IB Classes and Scores

Sports

Extracurriculars

ActivitiesDrama Production Crew, Gay/Straight Alliance, School Theater/Plays, Tutoring/Mentoring, Mathematics, Engineering, Science, and Achievement (MESA)
Elaborate on Extracurriculars or Work

Experience & Awards

Volunteer Experiences
Awards Received
Application Additional Materials

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