<p>I'm a senior bassoonist and this is just a short sample of the questions I have about the college admissions process. </p>
<p>Is the Unified Application like the Common App in that most places accept it but would prefer their own application over it? </p>
<p>Essays- if the question is pretty general, is it better to write about music or not? On the one hand, it is a music program to which I'm applying, so obviously my music experiences are important, but would writing about something else make me look more well rounded? Or just less committed? </p>
<p>Does anyone have experience with bassoon at Boston University or University of Toronto?</p>
<p>I never heard that any school preferred their own application unless they specify that in their admissions information. The Unified App makes it easy on everyone, but it only covers a small number of schools. </p>
<p>My feeling about the essay is that it must come from the heart, and most musicians are probably going to want to write about some aspect of music. Last year, MSM specifically asked a non-music essay question, so you didn't have a choice there. I don't think not writing about music would make you look less committed at all. The function of the college essay is to show your individuality and your thoughtulness, and, if you are moved to write about something not music-related, go with it.</p>
<p>I completely agree, Jazzzmom. If the essay is more generic, it doesn't have to be about your musical passion. Be careful, though, that if you want to use an essay you've written for another purpose, especially one with a specific prompt, you carefully review its appropriateness/point of view etc. to the more generic question.</p>
<p>Regarding the unified app, S2 was surprised to discover that the Unified App is NOT the same for every conservatory--e.g., for Oberlin it is very long and involved, while for Eastman, it includes the basic information, and then Eastman has a supplement. Unlike the Common App, which is EXACTLY the same for all schools--and then you may have school-specific supplements--the Unified App isn't quite that way. Look it over for the schools you're interested in so that you're not surprised at the last minute to need an essay or other information.</p>
<p>As a music admissions guy, I would encourage you to write about music if the question allows you to. Most of the essays at our school are read by the general admissions staff and don't often reach the music admissions people. The ones that do are for students who may be borderline for one reason or another. The one thing that stands out most is an essay that talks directly about music. In addition, it is probably the thing you are most passionate about, so you're more likely to write a good essay!</p>
<p>Ok, I have another question. I am trying to decide from whom I should get recommendations. Obviously, I will get a letter from my private teacher but I'm not sure from how many academic teachers. 2 or 3? Would my music theory teacher count, or should I just stick to non-music teachers?</p>
<p>It may depend on the particular school as to the source of the recommendation, as some will want at least one from a non-music academic discipline. It's best to check individual school's requirements.</p>
<p>I seem to remember Manhattan School of Music and possibly one or two others requiring one letter be from your guidance counselor and one from your private lesson instructor--each school can have little variations on this. You have to read instructions carefully. We had one from the English teacher who knew our son well, and one from the Music Theory teacher who taught him all four years through high school, and we often sent more letters than were requested, just to get all those angles in. Music applicants are representing both their academic and musical sides. I don't think schools mind "supplemental" recommendations. It shows your strong desire to be accepted. If a lesson teacher is an alum of a school, for example, have him email or send a letter to admissions. </p>
<p>Wow, I am starting to flashback to last Fall...!</p>
<p>Check out the recommendation requirements for each of the schools you apply to. Eastman, for instance, requires 3 letters from professionial musicians (S2 was very lucky to have been secondary lessons on another instrument a year before he applied) and he had had 2 teachers in his major instrument.</p>
<p>Another school required a GC letter. Since we knew that the GC couldn't write anything substantive about S2, we included an extra letter from one of his teachers as well. </p>
<p>One school, Julliard, I think, required a letter from an English teacher. S2 decided not to apply there at all, because he absolutely detested his 3 hs English teachers and therefore was not an outstanding student in those classes. He did not feel that any of those teachers would be able to write the type of letter that would give him a chance of being accepted and did not want to waste his time.</p>
<p>It is important to plan out your recommendations just like you would your audition music so that you can ask all the appropriate individuals at one time and make sure you have all the bases covered. Some schools also ask you to receive the letters in sealed envelopes with a signature across the flap and submit with all your other materials. We did that with all of the applications, even where it wasn't specified. It was just easier than having the recommenders have to keep straight what they were supposed to do with each letter.</p>
<p>I doubt if the recommendation from an English teacher is weighed much in the Juilliard admissions process; they probably want to know that the applicant is literate and fluent in English (although they accept many foreign students who are not). It should not be a reason not to apply to Juilliard.
I would also think that the essay should be about music -- and convey enthusiasm and passion for performance and music generally. An essay about an experience at a master class or a particularly compelling concert that inspired the student would be a good choice. Some of the essays are of the "how do I see myself in 5 years" genre -- and should show a commitment to performance.</p>