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wmgan- Congratulations on your incredible accomplishments thus far. I have followed your posts in the last few months as your interests are similar to my son's. I have visited Oberlin several times as both a parent, and a piano teacher attending the Oberlin International Piano Festival. I can tell you that the sheer number of highly talented piano majors, the incredible facilities and outstanding faculty make Oberlin a top choice for a talented and motivated prospective piano major. I will further qualify this by saying that up until two weeks ago, my husband and I were of the mind set that we would find any way possible to help our son pay for the college and conservatory if he got in. We were sure he would not receive a scholarship or fin. aid.
Through the waiting process we became aware of the new program at Bard. My son's rejection at Oberlin prompted an email to Bard. In the week that it took to send a cd and hear back that he would not be invited to apply, we did as much research as was humanly possible. What we discovered was extremely exciting. A new conservatory integrated with a highly regarded college led by artist/teachers who believe that the pursuit of knowledge and art cannot be separated. After reading “fiddlefrog’s” post regarding the high level of selectivity, this new venture looked almost too good to be true. My son’s correspondence with a piano faculty member answered many questions, did not deny that there is always some element of risk involved, but confirmed our feeling that something very unique was evolving. We would have given the Bard double degree program very serious consideration if he had moved on in the process. This would mean giving up a generous scholarship, outstanding double degree program and close friendships at Lawrence.
With that said, I have yet to give any useful advice. I’ll try to give you my perspective as a parent (obviously I cannot fully understand your parents’ financial situation nor assume that your educational expectations are the same as my son’s.) Based on your questions regarding graduate school, I get the sense that you wish to continue both music and science through graduate school. Successful completion of double degrees from Oberlin would be quite impressive and I imagine make you a desirable candidate for a top graduate school. You would be one of 100 talented piano majors in a well regarded undergraduate program. However, it is my understanding that a highly motivated and successful undergraduate who has made a significant contribution to his or her academic/musical environment will stand out as a desirable candidate regardless of where they completed their undergraduate studies.
While Bard is a few spots lower in the LAC ratings, it is still a highly regarded undergraduate program. From what you write, it does seem that you are more interested in your educational experience than whether or not you are attending the most prestigious school. From a musical perspective, your graduate acceptance is based on how well you audition. That will be a reflection of how hard you work and how creatively you take advantage of the opportunities available to you at whichever conservatory you attend. At Bard you will be one of three or four piano majors, you will obviously have many opportunities for performance, accompanying and chamber music.
From a financial perspective, I would read the posts on the parent’s forum regarding “choosing a free ride over a more prestigious school” and “a freshman reflects on his merit aid based decision.”
It seems to me that you will flourish wherever you go. The opportunities at Bard seem so unique and exciting. If you feel that you have had a “meeting of the minds” with a piano faculty member at Bard, I would take the risk and go. While it is not easy, it is always possible to transfer if it doesn’t work out.
Best wishes for your discernment. Please keep the board posted on your decision and the outcomes next year. I will look forward to reading your posts.
Christine
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