<p>Hi, I was wondering if anyone could give me some names of colleges that are highly competitive but also have good jazz programs. I have straights As, have a challenging course load, and plan on scoring around a 2200 on the SATs and I think I am capable of reaching that goal, and want to be premed in college. Playing jazz is however also a big part of my life. What colleges are academically competitive, specifically in the sciences, and have a notable jazz program? Thanks</p>
<p>Without knowing more, it’s hard to say. No college has ever based an admission decision on “planned” test scores. Vanderbilt has an excellent music school, and is in a great city for music (albeit not so renowned for jazz). Tulane is another obvious choice, given New Orleans’s rich history. They even have a department dedicated to regional music traditions. Almost every large university with D-1 sports will have active bands, and opportunities to join a variety of jazz ensembles, and all state flagship universities have strong science programs. University of Indiana is renowned for Music programs. </p>
<p>University of Pittsburgh has a significant Jazz program and you’d likely get merit aid:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.pitt.edu/~pittjazz/sonny.html”>http://www.pitt.edu/~pittjazz/sonny.html</a>
<a href=“Jazz Track | Department of Music | University of Pittsburgh”>Jazz Track | Department of Music | University of Pittsburgh;
<a href=“History of Jazz Wins "Best Class" | Department of Music | University of Pittsburgh”>History of Jazz Wins "Best Class" | Department of Music | University of Pittsburgh;
<p>Definitely look into Johns Hopkins.</p>
<p>OSU comes to mind, and Pitt’s band is quite good.</p>
<p>I hope this will help you to identify the schools with good jazz programs even though you are not going to major in it: <a href=“Best university jazz programs - Music Major - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/154774-best-university-jazz-programs-p1.html</a></p>