From School Captain to NYU: Emma’s Journey to the Big Apple

At The McDonald College, we believe in nurturing students who are equally passionate about performing arts and academics—and no one embodies this more than our 2024 School Captain, Emma. We are beyond thrilled to share the incredible news that she has been accepted into the world-renowned New York University (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts.

NYU Tisch is a powerhouse of artistic excellence, boasting alumni such as Steven Spielberg, Lady Gaga, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Idina Menzel, Anne Hathaway—and now, Emma is set to follow in their footsteps. This momentous achievement is a testament to her unwavering dedication, talent, and academic excellence.

A Journey of Passion and Perseverance

Gaining a place at NYU Tisch is no easy feat. Emma’s application process was nothing short of intense—she submitted:

A compelling written application, including essays, academic records (ATAR & HSC results), and extracurricular achievements
A rigorous dance audition
Two vocal performances showcasing her versatility
Two monologues to demonstrate her acting range
A final interview with NYU’s esteemed faculty

Her commitment to both academic excellence and artistic mastery made her a standout candidate, and NYU recognised that in full.

A Message from Emma

For Emma, this achievement is a dream come true. She credits The McDonald College for fostering an environment where students can thrive in both performing arts and academics:

“Being accepted into NYU Tisch is an incredible honour and a dream come true. I feel so grateful for this offer, which wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my teachers and mentors at The McDonald College. The opportunities I received in academics, performing arts, and leadership helped me grow holistically. It was this balance that allowed me to reach my goal of attending NYU—a goal I’ve had since arriving at the College in 2020.”

Emma’s journey proves that students don’t have to choose between academic success and artistic passion. In fact, she’s already exploring a double major alongside musical theatre, considering journalism, psychology, media and communications, or communicative sciences and disorders.

“I think it’s important for students to know that they can be passionate and successful in both academics and performing arts. There’s this unspoken stereotype that you have to choose one or the other, but it’s just not the case. How fortunate am I to be able to study my passion while also pursuing another academic field? It’s just insane!”

The McDonald College Difference

Emma’s story is a shining example of what makes The McDonald College unique. Our students don’t just excel in one area—they grow into well-rounded individuals, prepared for elite global opportunities in both performing arts and academics.