Chances

<p>I go to a non-ranking, rural, no APs, 1 honors, class of 227 high school. It's not great at all.</p>

<p>Stats:
- African-American Male
- (Parents make around 70,000 - 80,000/year; neither graduated from college)
- GPA: 3.64UW
- ACT: 21 Composite (Yes, I'm bringing it up + I am taking the SAT in Oct.)</p>

<p>ECs:</p>

<p>9th Grade:
Marching Band
Jazz Band
Concert Band
Gadsen State Honor Band</p>

<p>10th Grade:
Marching Band, soloist
Jazz Band
Pep Band
Concert Band</p>

<p>11th Grade:
Marching Band, soloist
Jazz Band, soloist
Concert Band
Trumpet Section Leader
1st Chair Trumpet
Lead Trumpet (Jazz Band)
U of Alabama Honor Band
U of North Alabama Honor Band
U of Montevallo Honor Band
NHS
Job at Chick-Fil-A working 10-15 hours/ week</p>

<p>12th Grade:
Marching Band, soloist
Jazz Band
Concert Band
Trumpet Section Leader
1st Chair Trumpet
Lead Trumpet (Jazz Band)
U of Alabama in Birmingham All-Star Marching Honor Band</p>

<p>In addition to all of these obvious accomplishments, I have volunteered around 100 hours to beginning, intermediate, and advanced trumpet players outside of school.</p>

<p>I will have GREAT recommendations + essays!</p>

<p>I just want to know my chances</p>

<p>SAT/ACT Scores?</p>

<ul>
<li>ACT: 21 Composite (Yes, I'm bringing it up + I am taking the SAT in Oct.)</li>
</ul>

<p>which school will you apply to? Music, Engineering, Arts& Sciences, Education? It makes a difference.</p>

<p>Essays are very important. Think on how to sell yourself in 250 plus words.</p>

<p>I thought it could be up to 500 words</p>

<p>I am writing my essays about music. I'll be applying to arts & sciences, but music as my 2nd choice college.</p>

<p>In reference to the length of the essay, don't forget that thousands of these things are read. Hence, you have about 250 words to hook the reader before the eyes glaze over. While the other 250 words can sum up why you are special and an asset to Vandy, you need to sell yourself right up front.</p>

<p>Arts and Sciences has about a 1 out of 3 chance to be admitted without further qualification. You increase your odds if you apply ED but you may hurt yourself on aid. Tough trade off. You probably have a pretty good shot.</p>

<p>Music--talk to the school if you cannot visit. How many slots are available for your instrument--this defines how many admits they will have. They love marching band people. You may want to switch your choice of schools but you'll have to audition in person--can't recall if they'll take a tape. If you look at the stats they don't tell the whole story of how tough it is to get admitted into music. a great deal of applicants are voice majors--they may take 11 out of 100 applicants. don't know the stats for your area but you should ask.</p>

<p>Good luck. Great school. Great location. Great teachers.</p>

<p>I'll contact the band director and ask him so questions since he is a dean of admissions for the music school. I am not interested in majoring in Music, b/c I'd rather study Philosophy.</p>