How do you know what's a safety/target/reach?

Parents Forum
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Hi!
My son has just finished the whole applying to music school thing- and yes, the notion of safeties, targets and reaches flies out the window with audition based programs!
There were universities he applied to that were academic safeties, but musically the conservatory/program was highly competitive (10 people in one program, 20 in another etc.)and there were others that might have been academic reaches but he was a more competitive applicant musically.

If he’s set on the music component, my advice is to find schools that have his desired music major and then get a feel for those campuses- does he want a big 10 school with a strong music program (like Michigan and Jacobs/ IU), does he want to be in a city, does he want a smaller school, etc.

Once he figures that out, look at financials- I can’t stress how important this is!!!

Cast a wide net- look at schools you might never have thought of.

I know his college counselor wasn’t a lot of help because she just wasn’t familiar with the music school world/process. But The music major forums on here are a wealth of information and support- especially as you begin the intense process of supplemental, passing prescreens and auditions.

Hope this helps!!

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42

Also, IIRC the OP’s son is a HS freshman. Some of these interests might rise to the top, drop off, or change as he starts looking at colleges.

I do think some targeted conversation with OTs and music therapists about their training should continue. This might help this student know what he can and can’t do in college.

Adding to the post above this…if this student wants to pursue two different things, he needs to be sure the college is supportive of this. Some are, and some are not.

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43

Marquette has a 6 year OTD program.

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44

We found the collegevine chancing to be pretty accurate, as was parchment. Both are free. They can’t really track the intangible stuff though so would recommend erring on side of caution.

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Mr DD is also a talented musician. She wanted to continue lessons and playing in an ensemble. She was an engineering major. She found colleges where she could play in ensembles and not be a music major…and where she could continue instrument lessons.

Perhaps this is a way your son can continue with his music while pursuing another major in college.

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