Bassoon player.

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I'm a fairly accomplished bassoon player (I play in pretty much every group in my school I can, I've played in a local community orchestra, and I recieved a perfect score (100/100) on the highest level of the NY state school music evaluations, and I'll probably be accepted into the county high school band) and everyone has always told me this will help me get some kind of scholarship or college acceptance. </p>

<p>I think my parents have dreamed up a scenario where a great college wil not only accept me, but give me a free ride if I join their orchestra. What are the chances of this actually happening? I visited Bard last weekend and the counseler said something to the extent of "bassoon and french horn players are in high demand," which sounded promising. I also play bass clarinet, but not well, hah. </p>

<p>My other stats:
GPA: 3.9 unweighted (I think? I have about a 94 average).
SAT: 2000 (CR:730 W:690 M:580) (I plan to retake it because my math grade is only so-so.) (Taking the SAT IIs in Bio and Literature this weekend)</p>

<p>Junior Year Classes:
AP English
AP Biology
SUPA Spanish
U.S. History
Math B2/B3
Wind Ensmble (includes orchestra/marching band)
Music Theory I</p>

<p>EC's:
-Vice President of Conserve Our Wildlife Club (I'll probably be president next year).
-Literary Magazine Club
-Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity Club
-Woodwind Ensemble</p>

<p>-National Honor Society
-National Hispanic Honor Society </p>

<p>-Martial Arts (I've studied for 8 years, I have a junior black belt)
-Tutoring ESL students
-Next year I'll be taking a internship through my school, hopefully with a nonprofit organization (though this will happen after college app time).
-This summer I'm working for my school district, setting up computers. </p>

<p>"Distinctions":
-English Student of the Week (twice)
-Physical Education Student of the Week
-Social Studies Student of the Week
-Some other social studies award I forgot the name of, heh.
-High Honor Roll (haven't missed it once....)
-Organized 2007 Day of Silence at my school
-Selected to perform at local poetry slam</p>

<p>The only problem I can see with my transcript is that my math grades are usually only in the hgh 80's, kind of disparate from my other grades. Also, I could have taken more AP classes than I did, but kinda of wanted to have a life outside school, hah. I want to major in sociology and pursue a career in the nonprofit sector. I can write a kickass essay and I can get glowing recs from a science and english teacher, my bassoon teacher, and my karate instructor. I guess I'm kind of "unique," too. Oh, and I'm a white female from New York state.</p>

<p>Schools I'm looking at:
Bard
Hampshire
Sarah Lawrence
Vassar
Oberlin
Amherst
NYU
BU
Norheastern
Clark
SUNY Binghamton, Geneseo, and New Paltz</p>

<p>Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.</p>

2

<p>hi, i am a violist and feel that i am accomplished too. I went on my interviews and met with the music department heads, played for some and told them about what I have done. They suggested sending in tape. 2 of them said they would look for my application, because they don't have to many violists. i'm not sure about how much money, but i'm sure some money will come your way for music. try emailing the music departments. pretend your a sports player trying toget recruited</p>

3

<p>I'm planning on recording a CD and including a photocopy of my NYSSMA score report to send with my applications. I'm not going to study music, but since bassoon players are "in high demand", I figure why not?</p>

<p>I'm also just curious about my general stats. They're good but not excpetionally stellar; I'm hoping that the combination of playing the bassoon and having studied karate for half my life will make me stand out from other applicants.</p>

<p>OOPS! Add Syracuse University to my list of schools.</p>

4

<p>Can anyone else help me out please?</p>

5

<p>Anyone, please?</p>

6

<p>Even average young musicians who sing bass or tenor, and players of the double reeds, viola, and tuba, will often receive some great ‘scholarship’ offers, and even ‘free rides,’ although most support goes to those who major in music. It looks like you are interested primarily in a liberal arts college. The schools you list are all reputable institutions and there are many more to choose from if you expand your search. The most noteworthy music school in your list is Oberlin; some of the schools you list are not as well known for their music programs as they are for their general education, but may be very interested in a talented and accomplished bassoonist. You may still find some financial support in the form of ‘participatory’ scholarship/waiver for playing in the ensembles. Be careful of schools that need you more than you need them! Hopefully, you didn’t choose the bassoon just for a ‘free ride’ and that you have a passion for the instrument and music.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>