Narrowing down my Southern college choices...

Contemplate · 09-20-2009, 10:54 PM

Hi there, this is my first post so please be easy on me!

I'm a senior in Texas trying to narrow down the scope of my colleges of interest.

The schools I'm looking at include: University of North Texas, Texas State - San Marcos, Texas Christian University, Baylor University, Southern Methodist University, Southwestern University, and Stephen F. Austin State University. While I've focused my search on state schools, I'm not opposed to looking at border state schools, or any other schools y'all recommend.

The criteria I'm looking for are:

- A music program open to non-music majors. I play percussion, and playing on a good college drumline is something I look forward to, but I don't want to major in music.

- A strong reputation for success. I'm an A-/B+ student taking 4 AP classes my senior year, so I'd like to know that I'm getting something out of the work I put in.

- Plenty of available fields of study. While I'm interested in Journalism and Marketing (as a possible double major), I'm fully aware that this interest could change into something completely different once I get to college.

My main dilemma is finding a school that fits my niche - a smart kid who doesn't feel like he fits the bill for big-name schools or lesser-known schools. I don't want to be in a huge school, or around a bunch of "Daddy pays for everything" type of people. So, do I try for the name brand school (UT, A&M, Baylor, OU, SMU, etc) to suit my academics, or do I go for the more niche/smaller/different schools (Southwestern, Texas State, SFA, etc) to suit my personality?

Thanks in advance for any help given!

crs1909 · 09-20-2009, 11:09 PM

UT has like 50,000 students so I find it hard to believe that you wouldn't be able to find your own little "niche" there to suit your personality.

Think of it like this, you can make a big school feel small but you can never make a small school feel big. If you want plenty of fields of study, then you kinda have to look at the larger schools. Basically, of all the schools you listed, UT probably has the best academics, coolest environment, widest array of class offerings and the most diversity.

slik nik · 09-21-2009, 12:52 AM

What about Rice? Your stats appear to be pretty competitive for Rice. Plus, i'm pretty sure there are programs available at Shepperd to non-music majors (some of my friends who are science majors practice their instruments at Sheppard and participate in some of the music programs).

wittywonka · 09-21-2009, 01:01 AM

"UT has like 50,000 students so I find it hard to believe that you wouldn't be able to find your own little "niche" there to suit your personality."

The OP explicitly said that he doesn't want to be in a HUGE school.

@OP: I think your list looks good so far, and I honestly would guess that you might have some room to look higher. That said, you've got some decent colleges on your list. Baylor would be a good choice, especially if you applied to their honors college.

Best of luck.

MomofWildChild · 09-21-2009, 10:58 AM

Baylor is going to get you the "Daddy pays for everything" crowd. Rice is probably not the marching band you are looking for- the band is "quirky", to say the least and is called the MOB. Check out Texas Tech Honors.

Contemplate · 09-21-2009, 09:58 PM

Thanks for the help so far! All of what everyone is suggesting seems to make sense, but all in different ways!

To help out, here are some additional stats:

SAT: 1890 (looking to re-take this year to bump up above 2000)
ACT (w/ writing): 31
EC's: Band (I'm drumline captain and play drumset for jazz combo), National Honor Society member, soon-to-be Eagle Scout, and Green Cord (achievement for completing over 100 hrs of community service my junior year)

Are there any schools that I should definitely move lower on my priority list? And I know little to nothing about schools in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana - are there any schools you would recommend there?

midatlmom · 09-22-2009, 09:17 AM

Take a look at University of Tulsa. Excellent small/mid-sized school and it has a decent marching band.

lonestardad · 09-29-2009, 10:31 PM

Contemplate, Here's another vote for Texas Tech Honors College. My son graduated last year with a business degree from Tech but his heart and loyalty are with the Honors College. Dean Bell and the faculty are the most caring and encouraging a student could wish for. But you can also have great fun with Red Raider football and basketball. My son's employer is a Fortune 500 company who he was introduced to by an Honors College administrative person who knew their college recruiter. Check Tech out and you will be pleasantly surprised.

pramirez184 · 09-29-2009, 11:03 PM

Loyola in New Orleans has an outstanding music program and you will probably get a good bit of merit aid with your ACT score.

Grcxx3 · 09-29-2009, 11:42 PM

<<Loyola in New Orleans has an outstanding music program and you will probably get a good bit of merit aid with your ACT score. >>

No question a great music program - but no marching band/drum line opportunity.

gentleharp · 10-01-2009, 02:58 PM

Texas Christian University has a great music program and is overall a great school. My son is a junior, double major in music and writing. They offer great merit aid and music scholarships for band, chorus.
The music program is open to all, not just music majors.

Contemplate · 10-26-2009, 11:35 PM

Checked out TCU this saturday, had a lot of fun!

Does anyone have any opinions on ACU (Abilene Christian University)?

nkpritchett · 10-27-2009, 01:17 AM

ABU? haha...dont

Contemplate · 10-28-2009, 10:40 PM

Is that an ACU joke or something?

Because I specifically meant Abilene Christian University.