My name is Matt and I am a senior at a high school just outside of Boston. I have begun my college search, but I have a unique application and am not completely sure where I should apply. Based off of my application, what would be some examples of match schools for me?
GPA:
4.35/5 (B+/A- average, more B+’s than A-‘s though, equivalent to about a 3.5/4)
My GPA improved significantly each year (freshman year: 4.1, sophomore: 4.3, junior: 4.6, senior: 4.9)
SAT:
1430 (I’m taking it again next month)
Extracurriculars:
Class president (graduating class of 400)
Started own piano tutoring business, had more than 10 students for all four years of high school
Varsity soccer
Varsity tennis
Varsity jazz band
President of Music honors society
Tutor in the school’s writing center
(I am also an accomplished pianist/singer, I plan to submit a music portfolio)
National honors society
National English honors society
Peer mentor leader
Writing:
I expect two phenomenal recs from the teachers I asked, I am very close to them. Also, the people that have read my essay seem to think it’s very strong.
We need to know what you want to study, regions you’re willing to consider for college (aka - how far from home), what your college finances are like (merit or need based aid needed?), whether you prefer urban/suburban/rural, and size/type of college you like (research U to LAC).
After all those are known, then stats come into play. Even if you’re undecided on a major, it’s helpful to know what sorts of fields you like (you can figure that out by eliminating what you don’t like).
I am planning to study business with a minor in music. However, I am going to apply to the arts and sciences sub colleges wherever I go because I want to keep my options open. I wouldn’t mind going far away from New England, but I would have to really like the school. Finances are not really an issue wherever I go and I would rather a bigger school than a smaller one, though size would not make or break a school for me.
What financial constraints do you have? (Or, more to the point, what financial constraints do your parents think you have?)
If you can’t afford a school – or have a reasonable expectation of getting financial assistance make your attendance feasible – then there’s no point in putting that school on your list.
I’m not as familiar with colleges and their music programs, but I can say one school for you to look into with your stats, ecs and desired attributes is the University of Rochester. They have an undergraduate business degree and literally oodles of students there are into music of some form or another (dance, singing, instrumental). Eastman, of course, is part of the school, but one doesn’t have to be part of that to be a performer or get involved with music.
It’s been fun as the parent of a UR grad to see the various performances the students put on - most of them with very “non music” majors like Engineering or Bio or whatever. They just enjoy music and are quite good at it. My own lad got involved with dance… had never done so prior to college. Anyone from beginner to advanced can find their niche. There are groups where one auditions and there are groups that take all comers.
I was going to suggest William and Mary and saw in your other thread that you are considering it. You are correct grades are lower than ideal. I think, though, the improvement makes you a reasonable candidate. It helps also to be a male student, and you have very strong ECs.
You might also consider Case Western. Very good business school. Also the Cleveland Institute of Music is adjacent to campus. There is an affiliation, though you’d have to research what classes and other activities you could participate in there.
U of Miami / Frost School of Music could be a good fit. It has the strengths you are looking for in business and music, and it’s on the larger side for a private U at 11K undergrads. And while it’s obviously outside of New England, it’s a pretty easy commute with many direct flights.
U of Denver / Lamont School of Music could also be worth a look. Excellent business school with music opportunities. Check out their Pioneer Leadership Program.
The thing to be cautious about, especially at larger public U’s, is that getting into their business programs if you do not apply directly to the business school can be difficult. It may be that applying to the business school would actually keep more options open for you, as switching out of business into arts & sciences may be easier than the reverse.
You have a really well rounded resume. Class President, two varsity sports, music proficiency & accomplishments, plus tutor in the writing center. Strong, enthusiastic recommendations & essays will be important if applying to the most competitive schools.
I have looked over your list of schools shared in your other two threads. Based on your numbers & out-of-state status, I think that the Univ. of Florida may result in a rejection. But I love the other schools that you are targeting–especially College of William & Mary and the University of Virginia.
As I wrote above, I think that you have a very well rounded application. Consider Williams College & the University of Michigan as well as your other listed schools. You should do better than your numbers if you have enthusiastic teacher recs & well thought out essays.
Excellent stats and experience. You would be happy and thrive at the University of Delaware. Gorgeous campus with a strong business program, and a solid music department with lots of opportunities for pianists. They also have combined business and music degrees, such as a BA in Music Management, and a 4+1 Business/Music Degree culminating in a Masters. It’s certainly worth a visit. Large University with smaller intimate music department.
Temple University in Philadelphia has a much larger music department, fewer performance opportunities for pianists, but strong program. They also have a good business school. This is a fine option if you want city life and large University with good diversity.