•Bullet: Choose from plays you've read in their entirety (not monologue books)
•Bullet: Character close in age to you
•Bullet: At least one monologue should be contemporary (written after 1980); the other may be contemporary or classical/heightened text, though this is not required
250–650 words · Choose 1 of 7 prompts · Written once for all your Common App schools
Background, identity, interest, or talent: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
Facing adversity: The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Challenging an idea: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Gratitude: Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Personal growth: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Intellectual curiosity: Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Topic of your choice: Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
The Common App enforces the length inside the application.
Short answers
250–300 words each · 2 questions
Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?
Think of all the activities — both in and outside of school — that you have been involved with during high school. Which one are you most proud of and why? (Guidance for students: This can include an extracurricular activity, a club/organization, volunteer activity, work or a family responsibility.)
No more than 40 lines per prompt.
Optional short answer, Optional
250–300 words
Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance.
•Bullet: Submit prescreen materials via Theatre and Dance application portal (accessible through MyStatus after Common App submission)
Eligibility
•Bullet: Admits incoming freshmen only — students with any college-level coursework after high school graduation are not eligible
Important Notes
•Bullet: College of Fine Arts does not participate in Early Action — Fine Arts applicants who apply early by October 15 will receive admission decisions by February 15
What's The Process
Audition Process
•Bullet: Callback audition/interview invitations sent December through January
•Bullet: Select applicants invited to in-person or virtual callback audition
•Bullet: Callback auditions held January-February
Scholarship Info
•Bullet: Department's scholarship committee awards merit and financial need-based scholarships to incoming students. No separate scholarship application required — students who fully complete their application are automatically considered for departmental funding. Department also awards scholarships to continuing students.
