Advice please

Applying to College
1

<p>Advice please
First, I'd like to say that this is my first post on here so hello everyone. I'm sure I'll get the hang of this site soon.</p>

<p>My situation is this:</p>

<p>At the moment, I am a second semester at Berklee College of Music. But I am strongly considering going to school for something else in a few years (engineering or computer science). My sights on which schools are fairly high but at the moment I don't feel like I have a lot going for me on my academic record. I coasted through high school on B's and C's (no D's in my school) not because I wasn't capable of better but because I had never really tried. I had known for some time I had wanted to go to school for music, so I didn't feel it was necessary to bust my ass for grades and SAT scores that don't matter to the colleges that I wanted to get into (kind of immature I guess).</p>

<p>Basically, I'm wondering what can make me look attractive to colleges so that they might look past my high school grades.</p>

<p>Most of the classes I'm taking right now are music classes, so unless I take more liberal arts outside of school I don't think my grades here will mean much (although I am doing well). Also, I was considering taking the SAT again but I am told that isn't practical for my situation. </p>

<p>Thanks</p>

2

<p>If a “few” years means 2 or 3 (or more) then your high school record (and indeed your SAT scores) won’t mean a great deal. What would matter is your record at Berklee College of Music – achievements (of a music nature), courses, grades and recommendations. Take courses that take you beyond music. The liberal arts courses at the college look as though they can build you up as a credible college transfer student. Also you are fortunate to be in the Boston area. Explore the possibility of taking “more” advanced math and science courses at one of the local colleges. Perhaps Berklee will work with you on enabling that. Also consider taking sound and stage production courses, with the goal of building up your techical/computer skills while possible expanding your music/art breadth.</p>

<p>While you may find the tippy top engineering colleges (e.g. MIT) out of reach, these are not necessary for preparation in engineering and computer science. The University of Massachusetts Amherst (and other State Flagships) can prepare you extremely well.</p>

<p>If your goal is to transfer this coming year you have more of a challenge because then your high school record, as well as that at Berklee matter.</p>