<p>I did not want my post to convey the message “don’t apply”. I just wanted to let kids know that being a URM isn’t a magic key. I have read many posts that state, it is hard to get into unless you are a URM. I just want kids to take that statement with a grain of salt. You saw my son’s stats. He’s no slouch and he didn’t get selected. I didn’t list his music awards, but here they are:</p>
<p>3rd place Steinway piano Concerto competition (1st time entering a competition)
Finalist Jefferson County Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition (the only high school student chosen - competing against students from Julliard, Eastman etc…
Compositions selected to be performed in the CoCoCo Concerts
1st place School of the Arts Composition Contest High School Level
All State Jazz Choir (highly selective only 16 kids in state chosen)
All State Mixed Choir (only student to receive perfect score on audition)</p>
<p>Additionally, my son is a self-taught composer and vocalist. He only started to sing in 2010.</p>
<p>So, I guess my points are: 1-You never know. One woman at my son’s school said to me, “no one from Xxxxx has gotten into Yale for years.” You certainly can’t get in if you don’t apply and 2- don’t believe everything that you read! :)</p>