A question from a student to parents that aren't her own

Parents Forum
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<p>Just to add a bit to ReneeV's post, it's true that strong math skills tend to correlate to good theory skills. </p>

<p>The AP course, even with a 5 or 4, will not place you out of first level theory in virtually any undergrad music program. The AP program is good background for self teaching if not offered in a local hs program, as prep for basic or expanded knowledge in preparation for audition based programs theory placement testing.</p>

<p>This testing is the norm, and will also include an aural skills level assessment, and potentially a piano/keyboard assessment test as well. Please note these tests are placement tests and are not normally part of undergrad admissions decisions (although can be at the grad level).</p>

<p>The tests are used to determine 1st year initial course level in the 3 areas mentioned, and some schools give them at audition, some after matriculation as part of orientation. Many students, even those with high levels of theory background end up in theory 101, at programs from Podunk U to Juilliard.</p>

<p>A 5 on the AP theory may get you credit as an elective against total degree required credits, but will not offset a required music course. </p>

<p>Realize it is important, but once you're in, not as part of an admissions decision. There's often a supplementary level theory class ("theory 100") for those with skill levels below the school's "theory 101" threshold, as there are for ear training and piano.</p>

102

<p>I got a question... how does one ignore prestige when choosing a college? I'm basically stuck between two colleges, one is much more prestigious, yet the other seems like a better fit for me.</p>

103

<p>Well, if you think the other is a better fit for you, then why would you consider the other one? In the end, a name is just a name. You should go somewhere wherein you think you will be happier, regardless of what the diploma says at the end, because the quality of education will probably be similar and memories are important to who you are, too.</p>

<p>I see that you are torn between Wake Forest and U Richmond. Because my friend was in a similar situation a few years ago, I can help you with this: Wake Forest is known to be preppy, conservative, and wealthy. My friend says that you can fit in if you try really hard, but is it worth the effort? While Wake gives an excellent education, like Richmond and Elon, it is also a jock school and a southern prestige school. If you think you will be happier at U Richmond, then choose that school. Believe me, if you don't fit in just right, you may be absolutely miserable at Wake. Based on your post, it sounds like U Richmond is a far, far better fit for you. I suppose I shouldn't tell you what to do, but choose wisely. Don't apply to your #2 ED and get stuck there. For what it is worth, my friend is very happy at Wake, but she refuses to tell her friends anything about her past life for fear of their judgment...and would you want to be in that sort of situation?</p>

<p>Good luck in whatever you choose. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions about Wake. :**)</p>

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<p>You will get the most money going in as a freshman....which you can discuss with them a deferrment for one year....allowing you to put it off one year.
Too manythings may come up to undermine your attendance. Use your back ground to your benefit and get aid NOW. Apply to colleges with good records of giving money...check internet but there is a site that ranks colleges based on affordability....money magazine or forbes does it. Depending on your state some state colleges guarantee a debt free education for students whose families make less than $60,000. That is a 4 yr deal. You can use work study to get some spending money but you can do it!!!</p>

105

<p>kiplinger does this review<br>
Rankings</a> for 100 Best Values in Public Colleges</p>

<p>You can also search by state.
You will need to do your homework but there is money there for you and you can probably get a full ride. Don't wait for someone to find you, go find them...and before May gets here get your finances/scholarship amounts in order.</p>

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<p>SingersMom07 -- Yeah, I have been asking my band director about an instrument for the past two years now. Instead of my own flute, I've been using the school flute on and off since May of my freshman year (and that flute is worse, but at least it functions, which is more than can often be said for my own). I don't know why he is so unwilling to help; whenever I ask, he says "look around" or "be quiet, you're giving me a headache." Compassionate, I know. And no, there isn't any funding available for me that I know of. We have a difficult enough time raising money to go on trips every other year, so there usually isn't too much left over in the band fund.</p>

<p>Keilexandra -- For me, Skidmore is worth it. (Which might seem sort of silly, but excluding the preppy atmosphere of the students who went on the tours with me, it seemed like a great place for me.) 80% of tuition is still nearly 44,000 covered; if I can find a way to make $6,000/year to go towards the rest, that's fine with me. Besides, if we have a Democrat in office starting in '09, perhaps that will make financing easier for those of us who aren't as well off as some other college kids. ; )</p>

<p>EMM1 -- Thanks! Some of my reach schools are on there. Is Grinnell a possibility, do you think...? A friend of mine is applying there, and she seems to really enjoy it, so if I can get a full ride and go to a suitable atmosphere, I would be perfectly willing to go to Iowa (and Wisconsin).</p>

<p>Violadad -- I saw your message! This does look like an awesome place; but as always, I fear for my ability to get in. There's a housing issue, too, as you addressed, but by some miracle I am accepted into the CUNY Honors College. We will see. I shall definitely look into it, thank you.</p>

<p>ReneeV -- So far? None. But I am taking music theory this year. It's not AP, because my school does not offer them, but it does have a decent amount of ear and piano training involved, and I can probably take that Theory 100 class that Violadad mentioned. I have taught myself some, but let's face it: my school is not big into the musical scene. It's a tiny school that hardly offers anything out of the ordinary in its curriculum, and I was frankly astounded to learn last year that my school has a theory class.</p>

<p>Atlmom -- I can't go for aid yet, can I? I plan on filling out FAFSA and all of the available forms as soon as they're put up, and I have a ton of scholarships on Fastweb to be worked on over the school year. Should I get in contact with university aid departments before I even apply? I have already talked to the flute professors of a few music departments, but I don't want to seem like a grubbler by asking them if they can "GIVE MEH MUNNEY" too soon.</p>

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<p>You can use one of the "calculators" to get an idea of your EFC. you won't be able to complete the FAFSA until your parents get all the info for filing income taxes for 2008. You can do it before they actually file their taxes, but you won't have the info you need until January..... </p>

<p>You're getting lots of good info here...I'm confident that you'll end up at a great place!</p>

108

<p>Your applications often DO equal your scholarship application but there are many that have different deadlines and may mean you have to apply earlier. Any school you are seriously considering I would:
check their ranking for aid;
check their scholarship page for separate scholarships;
check with your school counselor;
you have to do the digging....then apply in a timely manner as
if your career depends on it.
It sounds to me that you may end up with a EFC of zero.
so get the college thar will meet your demonstrated need at 100% and you
will be set. Also make sure that loans are NOT a big part of their package.
I know a girl who went to college in 12 grade, got a full scholarship as her family could not afford anything....in indiana. Yes she was smart and had a good portfolio for her musical talent. She did the digging and ended up there a year earlier than her peers.</p>

109

<p>Skull: I try not to make predictions, but Grinnell is very tough for almost anyone.</p>

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<p>How you thought about getting a used flute on Ebay. We did that for my daughter and was able to get a nicer used one about the third of the cost of a new one.</p>

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<p>Thanks, but I don't trust eBay flutes; it's a toss-up whether you get the decent one they say you are ordering or not. Your daughter obviously got a good one, which is great! I, however, prefer Craigslist, as the people on there let you try them out before shipping them halfway across the country only to be a bum twenty-year-old thing that doesn't work.</p>

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<p>^^smart move.</p>

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<p>^^^we ordered a cello on ebay. We made sure that it could be returned if we did not like the tone (many sellers would not agree to that stipulation). In fact, we did return the first cello due to another type of defect. The cello we ended up (#2)with was superb after we had it expertly adjusted. Just one person's experience.</p>