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GPA/SAT for USC Thornton
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Replies to: GPA/SAT for USC Thornton
This makes it extremely hard to get in unless you have been studying with an opera coach for about 2 years. They don't really teach modern music in the vocal program there for undergrad and focus on classical technique as it really *is* a good foundation for later in life.
They also have a problem in that two years ago three of their five voice faculty retired at once. The end result is all of the remaining full time faculty are working with the grad students for the most part, though they do have a couple of promising new faculty.
That said, you should NOT got to USC as undergrad in voice. They are competent, but their focus is on their grad students almost entirely. My son wanted an undergrad focused program and the best college was Houston. They are one of the few state colleges in the country that has a private college level endowment for their program and it's a true conservatory experience without the egos or price. Full opera house, amazing staff, affordable tuition, and very undergrad focused as a rule. ( any scholarship of $1000 or more waives out of state tuition surcharges in Texas )
They also have private school money to throw around on scholarships, trips, teachers, and all of the rest. No student pays more than a few dollars a year out of pocket ( t shirt, music folder, etc ). Virtually every expense is covered/there are no hidden extras to pay for. Any trip is automatically covered. And they take lots of trips to compete.
USC? We're considering it highly for grad school. And for that, it's well worth it.
(USC did accept him, but Houston was simply a better undergrad choice - zero regrets )
First of all, although I’m in jazz studies and not the popular music program, the students I know in popular music are some of the most talented, kind, fun, and hardworking people I have ever met. The faculty and program seem amazing so you’re definitely looking at one of the right places.
With your GPA, it is possible but extremely difficult to gain admission to Thornton. I have some (but not many) classmates with
If you can get your GPA to 3.6 or above, gaining admission to Thornton is still very difficult but your stats would be more typical of the average Thornton student. If you could get a high SAT (1400+) with a 3.6+ GPA, you’d be in little better of a position. Unfortunately you still would most likely not qualify for any merit aid even if your audition went amazing, as large university scholarships generally go to students with 3.9+ UW GPA and 1500+ SAT.
Here’s another tip: I don’t know if this is the case for popular music, but for Thornton jazz studies at least, your attitude during the audition means A LOT. I have seen them reject amazing players from the program if they don’t come off as humble, respectful, and excited to learn. I would imagine this applies to the rest of Thornton too, as I haven’t met a student yet with a bad attitude.
In general though, make sure you have a good relationship with the program before you even audition. Show interest by writing to faculty members, sitting in on classes, or even requesting a Skype lesson from a professor. I took lessons with Alan Pasqua, the professor I cutrently study privately with before my audition. He appreciated the dedication I showed to him and to Thornton and I have no doubt this was one of the reasons I was accepted.
PM if you have any additional questions. Good luck.
USC does not have ED - do remember that the deadline for music apps is earlier anyway - Dec 1 if I'm not mistaken.
Good Luck