<p>I received an e-mail this morning from the Assoc. Prof of Clarinet at Northwestern (and coordinator of Winds/Brass and Percussion). I’m wondering whether or not it’s a generic-ish e-mail.</p>
<p>First, a little background. I applied to schools based on academic reputation (Ivy League, UC, etc.), but I have a deep passion for clarinet. I plan on continuing music regardless of what school I end up going to, but Bienen was the only real “music school” I applied to. I applied to a dual degree program with chemical engineering.</p>
<p>In the e-mail, the professor mentioned some things specific to my application. He said he listened to my audition CD and “liked many things.” He mentioned my chemical engineering, how I had high grades and scores, and how I was applying to many Ivy League schools.</p>
<p>From there, he proceeded to ask me a series of questions (goals for clarinet, where I see myself in x years, why Northwestern, and would I pursue clarinet at other schools). He seemed somewhat concerned about whether or not I was committed to music considering the other schools I applied to, but my friend who supposedly did a live audition for NW said they were same questions he was asked at the audition and that the e-mail was just a way for them to ask me the same questions.</p>
<p>So my question is…is the e-mail a generic interview-type e-mail? Or is it a legitimate demonstration of interest, but also concern about whether or not I’m committed enough to music?</p>
<p>I know it doesn’t matter as far as my response to his e-mail is concerned but…I’d like to know haha :)</p>
<p>“So my question is…is the e-mail a generic interview-type e-mail? Or is it a legitimate demonstration of interest, but also concern about whether or not I’m committed enough to music?”</p>
<p>YeloPen, I would say the answer to all of your questions is YES. It appears they ask these questions to everyone, and they want to make sure you are musically committed.
Northwestern attracts a very high level applicant both academically and musically. Just the music major alone is rigorous. Most people who enter intending to double major end up dropping one major.</p>
<p>Wow, I forgot about this thread completely!</p>
<p>Maybe I should put it more simply…would they bother to e-mail these interview questions to a non-live auditioner if they weren’t very interested in him/her? Is it a requirement that these interview questions be answered by all applicants? Or are they only asking me because I’m actually being considered strongly for admission?</p>
<p>I suppose it doesn’t really matter because decisions come out in a matter of days, but yeah :)</p>
<p>EDIT: Is it still true that someone completing a 5-year DD at NW only has to pay four years worth of tuition? And if for some reason I decide not to complete the DD, can I drop one major and graduate with the other in four years?</p>
<p>It is probable that you were under consideration, but there is no way of estimating how serious a contender you are. It is highly unlikely that a list of interview questions would be sent to those who did not meet the audition standard.</p>
<p>As for the “free” fifth year for the DD, the answer should be found on Northwestern’s webpages, and fully detailed in the undergrad handbook. These types of specific policy questions are best resolved by checking with the institution, rather than relying on potentially inaccurate info from an internet forum. </p>
<p>And good luck. April 1 is around the corner.</p>
<p>Thanks for the response violadad…
…in any case, look what showed up in my e-mail inbox today!</p>
<p>"Dear -----,</p>
<p>I am so pleased to tell you that you have been accepted to Northwestern and
the School of Music for next year. I realize that you are in the middle of
receiving all your various offers and I’m sure you will be successful in a
great many places for school.</p>
<p>I just wanted to contact you directly to let you know this news, as you will
also hear more officially from the school if you haven’t already."</p>
<p>That’s just part of the e-mail. If you want to add me to the acceptances list, I’m doing a DD in clarinet performance and chemical engineering :)</p>