<p>Just this past week I have been accepted to the 2-week Oberlin Vocal Academy and interviewed as a TASP finalist. However, Oberlin is requiring me to commit to attendance by April 15th. I am having qualms about which I should attend. Oberlin will prepare me musically for whatever audition or performance I may meet, but TASP will prepare me intellectually for any situation upon which I will come. I realize I am not accepted to TASP just yet, but I feel wonderfully about the interview. Any thoughts as to what I should do?</p>
<p>The decision is tomorrow, and I would really like some CC guidance! Thanks!</p>
<p>Wow, tough choice… if you had both in hand, I would say TASP. What are the consequences of committing to Oberlin, then withdrawing if you get into TASP? Do you just lose a deposit?</p>
<p>Those sound like fair consequences, but, as I worked out the decision deadline with the director, she said tomorrows decision would be final. While I understand I can ultimately withdraw regardless, I do wonder, would this reflect poorly on my conservatory application next year? Also, are you familiar with the Vocal Academy @intparent? </p>
<p>Although I’m not familiar with the Oberlin Vocal Academy, I would say go with that one and accept. You do not want to be in a position where you turn down the offer for Oberlin Vocal Academy, and then are not accepted to TASP. From the tone of your post, I’m not getting the feeling that you love TASP wayyyy more. The risk isn’t worth it.</p>
<p>You are certainly correct that I do not love TASP “wayyyy” more. I have such a strong passion for vocal studies that next to nothing will overcome that passion. Though TASP may not overcome, they are neck and neck as of now. If I wasn’t so pressed for a deadline, then the decision might be easier. As you said, it would be awkward. What is more, a TASP acceptance is, well, a TASP acceptance. They come only to ~64 in the nation. I want to major in Vocal Performance and something else. The only thing is either program will help me later on in life. I was told not to worry about money, because, while TASP is free, Oberlin’s program is not. Any other opinions?</p>
<p>Yes, I can see how it might reflect poorly on your conservatory application… I am not familiar with the vocal academy, but certainly am familiar with the Oberlin conservatory. I just looked up the Vocal Academy online. Some things to consider:
- How much do you want to attend Oberlin Conservatory? It is possible it wouldn’t affect your application, too. Just hard to know… I can say that my kid got into Carelton’s summer science program one summer, and ended up withdrawing after making her deposit to attend another program. And she still got accepted to Carleton the next year. Now it may not work that way for you… but it could.
- When do the TASP final decisions usually come out? I can’t remember, it is has been a few years since my kid applied.
- If you accept, you may be on the hook for the $1,200 to Vocal Academy if you get into TASP and end up not attending Vocal Academy. You would want to read their paperwork pretty carefully to see if you would get any percentage of your payment back if you withdraw.
- It does say on the Vocal Academy website that your payment is due within a week of acceptance or your spot goes to someone on the waitlist – have you started that week of clock ticking yet? You could accept, and hold your payment if you think the TASP decision is coming soon.</p>
<p>You wouldn’t want to end up with neither of them, I assume (any 3rd alternatives lurking that you haven’t mentioned)?</p>
<p>Oberlin is my second choice for college, second only to Yale. The TASP decision comes out in early May, and, by that, the Telluride Association means May 1st or 2nd. The Oberlin staff member made it clear that tomorrow is the absolute deadline. I appreciate your reflections! I do have the Clark Scholar’s Program at Texas Tech University pending admittance and the St. John’s College Academy. Any route I take will lead to a fulfilled summer without a doubt. However, which summer will be most satisfying?</p>
<p>@hadensmiley What did you end up doing ? My D is a TASP finalist and a singer Although she is not conservatory bound, we did visit Oberlin and I have the highest admiration for the institution…She actually sings in a choir directed by an Oberlin professor, if he is at all representative of the instruction available to you at the Vocal Academy you would learn a great deal there. As a performance major I think the sure Obie thing is your best bet especially with about a 50/50 odds on attaining the TASP scholarship / acceptance. </p>
<p>Are you considering the dual degree program ? you sound like an ideal candidate.</p>
<p>Best of luck</p>
<p>@Singersdad Well, the most helpful insight I received prior to deciding came from my TASP interviewer, who parents a singer as well. He basically weighed the investments in my future by TASP and the Oberlin program. TASP won. He also encouraged me as to my TASPlication and interview with him. Lastly, he pointed out other classical voice intensives elsewhere with later decision deadlines. Needless to say, I chose TASP and was just accepted to New York University’s 3-week Classical Voice Intensive as a back up plan. </p>
<p>Fantastic @Hadensmiley ! Hopefully you and my D gets chance to duet at TASP ! </p>
<p>Whatever happens I know you will make it a great summer.</p>
<p>@Singersdad, I forgot to mention that I am absolutely applying to Oberlin’s dual degree program. That is, of course, excluding the possibility of some freak accident.</p>
<p>Now wouldn’t a duet be such an experience at TASP! How exciting! I can’t wait to learn of the results!</p>
<p>You should know about TASP on Tuesday @hadensmiley . What are you thinking about majoring in at the college ?</p>
<p>Have you been to Oberlin yet ? I was very impressed when we went. My impressions include: The dorm situation is awesome. We talked to a few professors, they were tremendously passionate about their research and students learning…Diversity and sustainability were more than buzzwords.There was a high degree of “quirkiness.” My D loved the visit but she is a unique student with many college classes on her transcript and a deep commitment to Psych research (in a field not really represented on the faculty). When we consulted with the Adcon he lacked the “institutional memory” to figure out what to do with her. Two subsequent emails netted poor results as well.But we did make it onto the mailing list 
Hopefully your experiences with admissions turns out better then hers. If you plan a visit and want to meet some faculty I can connect you with D’s church choir director who is a professor of Organ at Oberlin. he’s a great guy, an amazing musician, and he would help you get the most out of a visit.</p>
<p>I’ve heard about decisions coming on Tuesday, @Singersdad. If I were to attend Oberlin, I would pursue on one had a BMus. in Vocal Performance and on the other hand some combination of a major/major or major/minor in two of the three fields of theater, neuroscience, and physics. </p>
<p>My mom, who will be transporting me to and from TASP (if accepted of course), has agreed to take me to Oberlin on our way home. While not the ideal time, I have no choice because of my location. However, I have visited the University of Texas at Austin, a school in a city with a very alternative perspective. Correct me if I’m wrong, but Oberlin is a macrocosm of UT, but it represents much more authentic and passionate sentiments. I love those kinds of atmospheres. I’ve made it onto the mailing list as well. I have not had much interaction with the school, save the above program. Connections with the Organ professor would be wonderful! Overall, the school excites me and I want to validate this feeling. Thanks for the support and connection!</p>
<p>That is so funny, when I was there I met a dance/astrophysics double major You could be the singing physicist TOTALLY AWESOME !</p>
<p>I am not familiar with UT Austin although I do know of the city’s reputation. Oberlin is more hippie and activist oriented. With an amazing history as a terminus for the underground railroad, the profs at Oberlin have not only taught about social justice they have acted. They sailed slaves across lake Erie to Canada and freedom.and it still feels like they are on the forefront of liberal thinking and action today. “Activism” is in the air and on the front porches of professors houses where classes often meet to study. You would be losing some great opportunities for undergrad research that Yale would provide but gaining a chance to commune with other students and professors who truly believe they can change the world, because some of them really have. There’s also the big focus on undergraduate teaching at any LAC and a very high graduate school acceptance rate. I’m glad your mom will take you. I will PM you Jonathan’s email address and when I see him Sunday I will tell him to expect your email, I know he’d be so thrilled to meet you he’s always looking for a rockin’ soprano for the church choir.</p>
<p>Haha! That would be the dream! Oberlin definitely epitomizes activism and forward-living. I will have to discern between my options once they are, hopefully, made available next year. You have no idea how much I appreciate your help! Thanks! </p>
<p>As TASP results approach, I am extremely grateful for the decision I made because of this thread and other sources. Thanks!</p>