<p>I just get accepted to the solo piano program of Aspen music festival, Bowdoin music festival and Harvard SSP. As I am an international student, I am not sure about the quality of these three programs. All seems pretty good based on the information I can find on Internet. But here at CC the conflicting viewpoints about these programs made me confused. I am a junior student now. My sat score is 2330 but my GPA is low, just around 3.3 or even lower 3.2. I want to have a good summer program in the U.S. which may help my application. I love piano and both my instructors in Aspen and Bowdoin are prestigious, professors of Juilliard, but I see harvard’s SSP as an opportunity for me to demonstrate my academic ability. So, which program can help my application, even if it’s just a little bit. Thanks!</p>
<p>You would do well to participate in the two piano programs. Harvard SSP is not a real help to anyone’s application to Harvard, nor is it a place for demonstrating your academic ability. Your GPA would be the better indicator of your academic ability, and you should work on raising your grades in senior year. Since your (improved!) senior grades will be important, you should apply regular decison and not early action.</p>
<p>Aspen solo piano is a life changing experience (I am an alumnus), and it will very likely help your college application considerably. Aspen is such a wonderful place and there is no chance you will not cherish the memories you make there for the rest of your life.</p>
<p>Awesome! I have submitted the deposits. But if you could offer me some details about your experience it would be great! What about the piano students there? The chamber music performing opportunities? Any advice?</p>
<p>Hey lUpin,</p>
<p>Aspen isn’t a competitive environment at all - everyone is so warm and supportive and from the best, best conservatories and music schools from around the world. (Disclaimer: I am referring to specifically my experience with other piano students - you should aim to interact with them as the other instrumentalists have so many rehearsals). The practice rooms and teacher studios are extremely, extremely good and the scenery is idyllic. One of my favorite things at Aspen was to wake up at 5:00 and walk to my favorite piano as the sun was just rising. The dormitories are extremely nice, lots of space, each with their own bathroom facilities. People there also know how to have a lot of fun. Which private instructor are you studying with? Anyway, there are so many master classes and concerts almost every day and you will have time to go to them all. You will, by the way, keep all of the friends you make there forever. It’s truly a place where you can bond to others through music, develop your skill, and rediscover your own love for music. GO TO ALL the concerts, by the way. You’ll be glad you did. As for chamber music opportunities, I believe it is quite difficult for first time piano students (regardless of ability) to get into a quartet or quintet.</p>