How well does musical experience play on admissions?

shennie
Wed, 11 May 2005 15:45:04 +0000

jmarsh - I think you need to step back a bit and try and gain a different perspective. Looking for college is not a competive sport. Your goal is to find a school that will provide an education and an environment that will help you meet your goals. You don’t need a “hook” to get into college. You only need that if you set your sights way too high. If you make realistic choices when you apply, your record will speak for itself.

When it comes to ECs colleges want students who show long term interest and committment. Music usually does that for students. Making all state orchestra won’t give you much of an edge. Having kids who are musicians, I think the only ones who can really use music as a hook are those who are nationally competitive. That doesn’t mean your music is not good enough. It just means that it probably won’t likely give you an added push.

When you apply, show off your accomplishments as a musician in whatever way you can. Do you take lessons? Play in a youth or community band or orchestra? Teach little kids? Play in wind brass chamber group? All those things can help to highlight your interest and committment.

Lastly, broaden your search. If all you do is focus on highly competitive schools in the northeast, you will be limiting yourself when you may not need to. There are a lot of great schools out there who would probably love to have a student just like you!