Any and all FSU info needed!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Florida State University
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<p>(I already wrote this out, but of course... CC logged me out and deleted my post... I'm pounding the keys harder now....) </p>

<p>Anyways, to summarize everything I already attempted posting... My name is Rachelle, a senior and music major at a public arts-magnet high school in Florida. I hope to attend FSU in the fall of '07 and go for my bachelor's degree in music education. </p>

<p>UCF has, for years, been the school I saw myself going to by default. Being somewhat familiar with the area (okay, I-drive), having a band director UCF alum, and the factor of "the perfect distance" ... 3 hours ... not too close, not too far. </p>

<p>At the start of my junior year, two friends and big FSU fans sucked me into the ways of FSU. Having originally planned on applying and auditioning for FSU and USF "just in case," I wasn't closed minded. One of these friends just graduated high school and is headed up to Florida State this fall with hopes of making the Big 8 Drumline. The other is a senior with me, whose sister is a flute performance major at FSU, who plans on also graduating to the Big 8 Drumline in '07. As the year progressed and I researched it more and more, FSU became the school I saw myself at more than any other. </p>

<p>Unfortunately, FSU is the school my mom sees me at less than any other... Why? One simple reason she is really struggling with overcoming -- distance. FSU is about 6.5-7 hours away from here. I'm the oldest child (the next in line still has 11 years before college is a thought) and also the first in the family to ever go off to college. To her, I would ideally go to FGCU... but she settles for UCF as well. Although she will let me go wherever I feel best, it is extremely hard for her to see past the distance between Cape Coral and Tallahassee. In comparison, FSU's music school is far superior to UCF's and FGCU's doesn't even exist. Again, I can see myself as a Nole very easily. I'm sure this is a common obstacle overcome by parents of incoming freshmen... it just seems to be a very emotionally big one to get by. I'm curious on your thoughts. </p>

<p>As arrogant as it may sound, I am fairly certain that I will be accepted into the music departments at both FSU and UCF. (Hey, I've worked hard and have a knack and love for this stuff!) However... scholarship money is a contributing factor as to whether or not I give up the FSU dream to settle for the funds UCF is willing to dish out at me. I will graduate with Bright Futures, but that's just tuition! My percussion teacher auditioned for FSU's school of music some 10 or so years ago. He too had BF but ended up managing to get the music school to pay for everything else -- housing, books, food, etc! (Can you say ROLE MODEL?) However, it's a new millennium. Are any of you familiar with the school of music and how they direct their undergrad funds? </p>

<p>One more thing... it may sound strange as a Florida native... but I have never actually been to Tally. Granted, I've researched it a bunch and read up on it and can totally see myself living there... but it all seems so foreign to me! I grew up in a town that was built in the 1960s and 70s, built upon grids and grids of canals across the 'Hatchee from Ft. Myers. This whole "1850s" stuff seems so strange!! Any tips, info, tidbits, facts, ANYTHING you can give me on Tallahassee and the school itself is greatly appreciated.</p>

<p>Again, thanks for any and all insight. I appreciate ANYTHING you have to say on the subject. (Expect more Q's) :-)</p>

<p>Signed, the mixed up FSU prospect,
Rachelle</p>

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<p>Couple easy points - be careful with any genuine identifying information in these posts - little or none is best. Protect yourself at all times - the Internet is not a safe place to post personal info.</p>

<p>Secondly, a good start would be to read through this section and visit the FSU webpages. There are many discussions with hyperlinks you may find useful.</p>

<p>Once you narrow it down to some specifics, lots of readers can offer information and opinions. </p>

<p>I do agree with your assessment of the FSU Music program. It's one of the best in the US and certainly the best in Florida.</p>

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<p>If youre a horn player, disregard this lol</p>

<p>if your a percussionist, which i got from the percussion teacher thing, this might help. i was just wondering a few things, like how long have you been playing, and have you been in all county/all state? were you the captain of your line and section leader? im just asking, because im also a percussionist and i auditioned at FSU. The percussion studio is HARD AS HELL to get into. ive been playing for 6 years, was captain of my drumline for two years, section leader, and was in all county for two years. i also come from a very strong music school. I didnt make it into the program, and neither did my fellow section leader who was in all county every year. dr. park's studio is very small, and they take a VERY small number of students. im not trying to discourage you, but just wanted to make sure you knew how selective it was because that might influence your decision. Im sure youre awesome, just practice your ass off, and good luck at your audition :)</p>

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<p>Well, her screen name is "hornplayer"...</p>

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<p>Yes, I'm a horn player. :-P </p>

<p>But I've been a member of the indoor/winter drumline all throughout high school which is why I made the reference. </p>

<p>I'll be auditioning on horn. :-)</p>

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<p>Hornplayer -</p>

<p>I felt the same way as your Mom about sending my son 4 hours away to Tally at first, but my husband and son went up for a tour last December while school was in session and absolutely loved it and we were sold. You definitely need to schedule a tour and decide for yourself if the school is right for you. The campus is beautiful and friendly and you will have the opportunity to get a true campus experience with school spirit and tradition that you would not get at some of the newer schools that are more oriented toward commuters.</p>

<p>If you have very good grades and SAT/ACT scores you will most likely be offered the University scholarship for freshmen, so combined with the Bright Futures FAS, the cost will be minimal to attend such a fine University. You can also work over the summer and save up money for additional expenses if necessary.</p>

<p>I am sure when your Mom sees the quality of the music program and views the campus in person she will feel more comfortable with your decision. It is natural, especially with your oldest child, to feel a little apprehensive about letting go, but she will, if you show her you are ready to handle the responsibility on your own.</p>

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<p>my sister was the first to go off to college, and she had her heart set on johns hopkins. My parents were kinda iffy, because of the distance and price, but after they toured it and saw how much it meant to her, they decided it was the right choice. She was a horn player too :) as cybermom said, a tour is a great idea, my parents loved the campus and everyone was really friendly. Hope everything works out for you.</p>

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<p>Thank you to all of you for the info provided! </p>

<p>BlueDragon -- your sister must be uber-cool if she is a horn player. :)</p>

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<p>Don't give up on your desire to go to FSU (in terms of your mother, I mean). I would say that your first goal would be for you and your mother to visit both UCF (if she hasn't yet) and FSU. I expect that even if your mother has seen UCF perhaps through your band trips, that doing the prospective student tour at UCF and the prospective student tour at FSU may end up speaking loud and clear that FSU is at least a viable option for you. FSU is so impressive that she may be sold (assuming of course that you are still interested).</p>

<p>As far as distance, I learned at Freshman orientation that every weekend there is a bus run by a private company that leaves from the FSU stadium at 2 PM Friday and returns to FSU about 10 PM Sunday. It goes to South Florida and makes very few stops along the way (UF, Orlando, then I think Boca, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami). I don't know the cost, but it sounds safe, convenient, and efficient. Maybe your mother will feel better knowing that you could come home fairly easily if you (she) wanted (you) to.</p>