adambedford

I'm applying to quite a few colleges, and only a few have my preferred major (Music industry). Now I know it's a little early to be considering which school to choose, I can't help but fast forward to Spring and think about which one I would choose.

I really want to be in LA and so I'm applying to USC, UCLA, LMU and Claremont Mckenna. However only USC has the Music Industry major.

On the other hand, NYU and Northeastern also offer the major, although they are on the opposite coast!

I don't know whether I would choose to live in LA or to do the major that I really want.

I'm partially thinking about this in the hope of reducing the number of schools I apply to and therefore the money spent on applications!

What are everyones thoughts?

Consolation

I wouldn't worry about spending another $60 on an application. It pales in comparison to the cost of college itself.

Giving yourself a number of options come April is more important. If I were you I would apply to Northeastern also--Boston is a great college town with a lively music scene and many parts of it are similar to London--and to NYU, if the idea of living in New York City works for you. THe Northeastern coop program could be particularly advantageous for you.

An advantage of the schools you've cited is that they have plenty of other solid options should the music industry major turn out to be less interesting than you think. Since most people change their major at least once, that's a good thing.

Are you going to be viewed as an international student? Do you need FA? NYU is expensive, and so is NYC.

Have you considered any of the other LA area schools? Do you have any idea how your credentials stack up for admission?

UCBChemEGrad

I'd go for location...it's all about industry connections, not your major.

adambedford

Thank you for the advice

I sumbitted my Northeastern application the other day!! And I really do like the look of the co-op program.

I am going to be viewed as an international student and I'll be applying for merit-based air where available.

One of the attractions of Claremont Mckenna is the fact that they give need-based aid to international students (along with merit-based aid) and seeing as my family is only 1 income, we're going to be struggling to pay for college as it is.

UCBChemEGrad: I see what your saying, but surely it's going to be a lot harder to make the industry connections without the infrastructure that a related major would offer. However, do you think it would be plausable to get internships etc in LA if I was at Claremont Mckenna studying business (not music industry)?

Thanks!

UCBChemEGrad

Talk to "xiggi" about Claremont McKenna...he knows more about it.

CMC will provide a fantastic education - which is most important. But there are trade-offs. Keep in mind that Claremont will not have the live music scene close by like a USC, UT-Austin, Tulane or Vanderbilt will have (depending on your genre interests). However, you want a school you know you can afford first and foremost. You seem to have done your homework.

pierre0913

I would go with the place that you would love to go to go to college the most but at the same time has at least a decent program in your major

ctyankee

^^^^^^^

Agreed. Majors come and go. A school that offers many options and a great location is much more important.

adambedford

For me, thats USC...I'm just worried that I won't get it or I won't get any scholarships and therefore won't be able to attend.

We'll have to wait and see I guess....I think I've got some pretty decent alternatives and backups if USC doesn't go to plan.