Hi everyone! I’m an intended journalism major and I was accepted to quite a few schools, but these are what I’ve narrowed it down to. I am also hoping to double major/minor in something music or theatre related (some of these schools I was accepted primarily into the theatre/music major and will add a double major in journalism upon arrival. I will note those). Anyways I was hoping people could give me any insight into the programs!
American University (Accepted to Musical Theatre - not given much $ so unless I get more I will likely not be able to attend)
George Washington University (Accepted to Journalism + Mass Comm.)
Penn State University (Accepted to Vocal Performance)
University of Tampa (Accepted to Musical Theatre)
Which can you afford - if AU is not affordable, can you afford GW?
I imagine I’d look at the last two in this sense. Anyone can study journalism. Heck, you don’t even need to study it. I won’t say it’s a fluff major (mine) - but it’s a fluff major - and you can partake in journalistic activities even if not in a formal program.
But music is different - often it’s invite only, etc. So to me, you’re better at the last two because it will be easier to fulfill your desires.
I’d personally steer from Tampa - lots of adjuncts and not a good reputation. My daughter’s friend goes there though and enjoys it.
Good luck.
Do you want to do vocal performance or are you looking at a BA in music/theater?
If performance, it looks like you got one acceptance. If theater, you got two.
You’ve posted this under College Majors: Journalism Major. Was that intentional? You might receive more responses if it is posted in “College Search & Selection.” Would you like it to be moved?
What options are comfortably affordable for your family?
What do you want to study?
GW actually gave me a lot of money, so I can afford it
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Sorry! Mostly been silent reader and am not too familiar with the posting habits. If you can move it that’d be great!
I applied to a multitude of each so I could make my decision later. Originally my main career was music/theatre, but it’s now journalism so I really just want to do what will be best for that and hopefully go somewhere I can still do music
But kids change - just as you have - and you might again.
Journalism can be done by anyone, degree or not - and I suspect you can double major in it or certainly take classes anywhere. It is a major where many who study, don’t find jobs in it and yet the field is filled with people that didn’t major in it. That’s why many schools, including my alma mater Syracuse when I attended, required a double major…if you have a journalism degree but decide not to be in journalism - then - you’re sort of in a career pickle (as I was).
While anyone can be a journalist (in practice), not everyone can perform. Well I suppose everyone can - but not get access to the training or the performances, etc. - and that’s the difference.
That’s why I think it should be the focus.
Penn State has both majors and minors through the Bellisario school - so that’d be easier for you then to go to GW but not have access to music - or at least I’d check on the possibility of music at GW to see if possible.
You’ve already flipped from music to journalism and you’re in high school. Who’s to say you won’t flip back or to something else.
My point is - the journalism part is the easy part.
So I’d grab the harder part (music) and work the journalism in - whether via schooling or activities.
But journalism as an overall primary major…ehhhhhh…it may set you up great in life if you’re one of those that break through…but many break through never having taken a journalism class. And many don’t break through at all - likely 80% plus of my fellow SU alums never did.
Good luck.
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I would suggest you research your acceptances and see what music opportunities are available for those who don’t major in music. Many colleges have ensembles for non-majors and some colleges allow any one from any major to audition and be in ensembles. You probably could continue voice lessons at many places, but this would likely be with a grad student.
I think you have some good options to explore.
Are you interested in print journalism or broadcast journalism?
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Print and possibly documentary type
GW says this - if you chose it as a journalism but not music major.
Opportunities for Non-Majors
GW students with a background in music are welcome and encouraged to audition to participate in our chamber, jazz, orchestra, band and choral ensembles. Membership in these ensembles is composed of the varied and talented GW community and is not limited to those registered as a music major or minor.
If you want journalism and GW is affordable that seems like a great option to me.
Do some homework. There are rumblings that American may be having some financial challenges. Here is just one update from them last year: Next Steps on the FY24 Budget | American University, Washington, DC
Is the GW $ merit, or need-based aid? (If merit, it could be a compelling “comp” if you want to ask American for more $ in order to do MT there.)
Would you be happy in Vocal Performance at PSU? They have a great MT program but you wouldn’t be in it; would that be frustrating? The advantage of music there, unlike MT, is that you could do the BMA rather than the BM if you decided to a double-major. Seems like a good option if it’s affordable (in-state?) and you could live with not being in MT.
I know someone who had good experiences doing MT as an extracurricular at GW.
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