As a high school senior I’m really interested in the Bandier Program, but I don’t know if I have less of a chance of getting in since I have no experience in the Music Industry (the program accepts 25 students a year). Any help would be much appreciated & I’m happy to learn any new information about the program, but as of now do I have a chance at getting in?
ACT: 30 (still have to retake twice & will probably get a 32)
SAT: 1690 (have only taken once but probably wont take again)
GPA: weighted- 4.2
Unweighted- 3.7
Class rank: school doesn’t rank
Classes: challenging courses, but not music-related as my school doesn’t offer courses pertaining to music; All honors and 8 APs (only 1 of which I haven’t passed)
Essay writing: good; English is one of my strong points
Extra Curriculars:
-2 years of lacrosse
-2 years of tennis
-4 years of attending & placing in French State Competition
-Key Club VP, then President the next year
-several honor societies
-French honor society treasurer, then President the next year
-2 year student ambassador for my school
-2 year campus minister at my school (I go to a catholic school)
-I can also sing and play ukulele, but have never taken classes
Thank you so much & good luck to everyone also applying to this program this year!!
I forgot to add, I also have over 100 hours of community service
You have a strong academic and extracurricular record (make sure you don’t submit SATs), but Bandier really likes kids with an industry hook. It doesn’t have to be that you discovered the latest top 10 band, but you need to find some angle or your chances will be slim. You need to describe something passionate about music in the supplemental essays, whatever that may be. They get over 600 applications for 25 spots so you need something to distinguish yourself. My S is starting there next week, and he i) played in multiple bands, ii) created and produced his own music, iii) DJed as a side job, and iv) was on the AV crew for events at his HS. Plus, he had academics similar to yours at a very competitive HS.
What is it about the music business that attracts you? There are other similar programs out there. One that comes to mind that might be good for you is the Business and Entertainment major at American. You get a business degree and can specialize in music. The guy who runs the program is an industry stud, and can find people jobs/internships.
Drexel also has an MI program, although they also favor having some experience. But your academics may take you over the top there.
Northeastern has an MI program as well, but it is a more music oriented degree where you have to take theory. And of course, experience is also important there.
Schools like Tulane and Lehigh also have music industry minors if you still want a taste of the business.
Thank you so much!! I’m definitely using my supplementals to talk about my passion for the industry & am still looking for opportunities to get involved to improve my application, but there aren’t many where I live. Congrats to your son for getting in and I hope he has a great year!