<p>Cebula, you didn’t say what grade you’re in now. Just so you know, many of the “recording arts” programs that we’ve referred to expect you to submit a portfolio of your work that includes original music that you created, played and tracked. While that is different than the requirements of a traditional composition program, some programs, like UMich, will ask for the inclusion of scores and in the case of UMich, an electronic instrumentation of a Bach fugue. In the case of scores, you might want to invest in a music notation software program which will assist your efforts (eg. student versions of Finale or Seibelius.)</p>
<p>As I recall, the portfolio requirements for Indiana-Jacobs (an excellent RA program) weren’t quite as stringent, but other accepted students were certainly creating their own music in one form or another and we had the sense that their portfolios included such compositions. Clive Davis also asks for originally produced music, if I recall correctly (at least I know my son provided it.)</p>
<p>While indeed it is possible to engage in sound design and straight recording in the game industry, you might also wish to consider that there is a considerable amount of composition involved and that since the sheer number of staff in the audio/sound/music department is a mere fraction of the rest of the staff, having a full slate of capabilities is very useful and makes you more employable (as does a command of C++ programming). So, if you have a few years yet, you might want to try your hand at a bit of composing as well. One great way to start is to look for competitions – nothing motivates like a deadline (it was how my son created his first true composition in high school.) Good luck in your search!</p>