@compmom this is great! Thank you— and I will share the Double Degree Dilemma with my kid.
Just clarifying: do you mean ACT scores in addition to SAT? If that’s what you are asking, the answer is your child does NOT need to take both tests. I usually recommend a kid take a practice test (at home) of each, see which one she scores best on, and then study for that.
If your question was whether or not any standardized testing is required/expected, that really depends on the school. My kid is doing a BFA (dance) and a BA and, while I agree with all the posters that it was the audition that got her into the school, her gpa and test scores did help with merit at some of her options. But that varies quite a bit.
2 Likes
Assuming reasonable rigor and coverage of the usual high school subjects, that certainly won’t hold the student back anywhere, but then it can come down to auditions and such.
1 Like
So a 4.0, assuming rigor, the student will have options, especially with a good SAT score at auto merit flagships and publics, some mid level LACs - and it’s really, where can they get in.
I know others say you can get a great deal if a school wants you - more $$ than the academic stuff but you need a sure thing.
If it were me, I’d look up VA Colleges and start visiting - small, mid size, large. Do I like urban, suburban, rural, etc. I might go visit CNU and W&M and Mary Washington, etc. I might go see Salisbury, WVU, Marshall - schools you know you can afford. UNCW is another - but make sure they have the majors you want. I’d figure out - what type of school I want - for an LAC, Muhlenberg seems popular - non audition - whether it’d hit $45K, I can’t say.
But figure out what type of school she wants and the geography limitations, etc. An Ithaca might be great but it might not be $45K. We know CNU will be, Salisbury, Marshall, WVU, FSU, and more will be.
Others can give you those pricier ones, known for the major - and those are great. I’m focused on the sure to hit cost schools which you need at least a few.
VCU is in Richmond. I’ve never been but have heard it’s fairly urban or at least walkable to things. They are in budget without merit and you are likely to get some academic merit. Also a very high acceptance rate overall, though I don’t ever think there is a sure thing for a performance based major since you have to audition. They do have a vocal performance major and they are generally known as an art-forward school. I’d look at this a a potential safety.
2 Likes
Belmont is another great option. They are well known for many music degrees, including vocal performance. It is located in downtown Nashville. The total cost of attendance is $61K but they say that nearly 90 percent of students get merit scholarships. My kid had a 3.65 GPA and 34 ACT and got 17,000 per year last year. Your grades alone would likely get you at least the $20K/year provost scholarship, and possibly the $25K/year presidential, especially If you do well on the SAT/ACT. Belmont is phenomenal for music and very likely in budget for you. I would seriously consider this one!
1 Like
Given you want urban - schools like UMN “may” get to $45K. College of Charleston - with merit - will get you on the cusp but if you deliver a great SAT, they have the Fellows program, which could get you enrichment (academic) plus big merit. They paid us $1250 a semester to attend (so free tuition). So it’s not a gimme. I know a student who went to SMU on the Presidential, for theater, so it was a full ride.
@Bruno99 Belmont isn’t quite downtown but a few miles away but adjacent to Vandy, but in/near the HIlslboro community - so plenty to do there. It is a Christian school so OP would have to be ok with that.
Yeah not downtown, I meant the music performance school is in music row…or one block from music row I guess technically as reported by the school.
1 Like