Dual Applicant: Is this even possible?

Colleges & Universities University of Michigan
1

<p>So I’m going to be applying to UMich this fall as a dual applicant between SMTD and Engineering. I want to major in Performing Arts Technology and either Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science. </p>

<p>I was originally thinking I’d apply to [Curriculum</a> D](<a href=“http://www.music.umich.edu/departments/pat/bs_curr_d.htm]Curriculum”>http://www.music.umich.edu/departments/pat/bs_curr_d.htm) for Performing Arts Technology because there’s a ton of overlap between the coursework and completing a dual degree would be comparatively easy (still no picnic, I’d assume, but manageable! ;)). </p>

<p>However, I’ve recently been leaning towards [Curriculum</a> C](<a href=“http://www.music.umich.edu/departments/pat/bfa_curr_c.htm]Curriculum”>http://www.music.umich.edu/departments/pat/bfa_curr_c.htm) because the portfolio requirements suit me better and I believe I’d have a better shot at getting in that way. In addition, the actual PAT coursework isn’t sufficiently different from curriculum D that it would influence my applying to one or the other. In fact, I rather prefer it. However, there’s not nearly as much overlap between Curriculum C and Engineering.</p>

<p>Now that I’ve written a nice little novel for you all, here’s the meat of my question: by cross-referencing the curricula for PAT C ([Here](<a href=“http://www.music.umich.edu/current_students/student_resources/2009-2010/PATC%2009.pdf]Here[/url]”>http://www.music.umich.edu/current_students/student_resources/2009-2010/PATC%2009.pdf)</a>) and Electrical Engineering ([Here](<a href=“Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Michigan”>Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Michigan)</a>), I’ve tried to find out how much harder it would be to complete a dual degree. I’ve estimated that I’d have to complete roughly 170 hours, which seems thoroughly face-melting and pretty much impossible to complete in a 4-year span. </p>

<p>So basically…
Did I assess accurately? Is that actually what I’d have to do? Was what I did even a viable method of figuring out how many classes I’d have to take?</p>

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<p>Hi there. It will take you a fifth year for sure. Remember that D IS LIKE AN ENG DEGREE – even though it’s offered through SOM.
D is in theory the toughest admit for sure, but if it suits your experience, you should go for it. Don’t assume that C is an easier admit per se as there are different, more artistic criteria – it really depends on the nature of your portfolio. (Eg. do you have lots of well executed video/visual media?)</p>

<p>But C with an ENG would be a nice, but busy sked as well.</p>

<p>So, you want to apply to both to make sure you’re covered, since SOM is a tough admit. But just so you know, when you actually get there, you <em>might</em> find that the PAT degree alone is all/more than you hoped, and you might not feel compelled to dual. Lots of kids who do end up dropping. It is a tough road in terms of schedule. But I suspect, a rewarding one.</p>

<p>At any rate, no worries, best wishes, and carry on ;)</p>

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<p>Thanks for your input.</p>

<p>I was leaning towards C because in addition to my musical endeavors I’m very involved in artistic photography. I was admitted to my high school’s AP Studio Art program (and not to toot my own horn but we’re quite strong in that area) and have lots of photographic material I could submit.</p>

<p>Not so much on the video, however. I have some videos of my band performing but obviously that isn’t any video work that I myself did.</p>

<p>I also have multitracked recordings of a live performance of a local cover band which I would not be able to submit under the D portfolio requirements.</p>

<p>So it’s not really that I feel it would be an easier admit- either way Michigan’s basically my reach school; I’d be thrilled to get in but I’m not counting on it-it just seems that the portfolio requirements for C seem to fit my prior experience better. Just wish it was an engineering degree as well! :D</p>

<p>As for the dual degree it seems I’ll just have to cross that bridge when I come to it. Which, being somebody with a tendency to overanalyze things, I have a hard time accepting ;)</p>

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<p>C might be a nice fit for you in that case as well! Go with your gut on the best fit for your skill set. And good luck!</p>