<p>Hello, I've been playing music for a while, but had never considered majoring in it until recently, after long consideration. Though I am playing at an intermediate level (All-County wind ensemble and jazz band on clarinet and sax, respectively), I haven't been practicing anywhere near as much as I should be. (I'm not being modest, I'm not at the level required to get into most schools, I can assure you.)</p>
<p>I'm interested in a double major in poli-sci, but I'm realizing this will be very difficult at most institutions, so I'm willing to minor in poli-sci.</p>
<p>At this point I will probably be denied to most serious music schools. If I still get in to the university, how viable is declaring poli-sci as a major and music as a minor, and reapply as a music major second semester or sophomore year? How much does this depend on the university?</p>
<p>Can I even still go to the university if denied from the music school? It's a separate application, unrelated to actual admissions, correct? Should I even apply as a music major? What should I declare on the common app? On school applications?</p>
<p>I'm looking at some Ivies, UMiami, Florida State, UFlorida, George Mason, Tufts, Hopkins, Michigan, Northwestern and UMary.</p>
<p>Thanks in advance, I'm afraid I didn't find anything about this in the search, hope it isn't a commonly covered topic.</p>
<p>Do you want to perform with a symphony orchestra or a professional jazz combo after you graduate? Are you interested in having a college-level knowledge of music theory and history and developing your sight-singing and keyboard skills? Can you afford an extra year at one of the elite schools you’ve mentioned? If so, and you are willing to put in massive amounts of practice while keeping up your grades (I assume you have fantastic stats to be considering these schools), your plan might work. You are correct in assuming that you would have to check with each school as to how your application will be considered and whether you can minor in music or transfer in to the music school as a sophomore.</p>
<p>If you would like to keep playing in wind ensemble or jazz band and possibly take lessons while pursuing your Poli sci major, you would likely have opportunities. Again, it will depend on the school and may vary from year to year depending on how many majors they have on your instrument(s) and how many ensemble openings there are. </p>
<p>There is a thread on double majors and double degrees that might help you work some of this out, but I am concerned that the schools you are looking at are out of reach for someone who plays at an intermediate level and does not appear to have orchestral experience. Consider your goals and see if another approach or a different list of schools would be more appropriate.</p>
<p>Frost at U Miami is very competitive, and requires that you submit a pre-screening tape in order to be invited for an audition. This tape is due in early December. In fact, if you are really interested in being a music major, you need to start looking at the application deadlines, because most of them are due early. You also have to schedule and plan for auditions between December and March. My son was only able to use the common app for one or two schools.</p>
<p>In answer to your question about admission, yes, you can go to the university even if you do not get into the music school where you are required to apply to both.</p>
<p>With Tufts on your list, I assume you have pretty good grades (3.8 or higher non-weighted) with very strong SATs (2100 or more). If that’s true, your should consider applying to one of your Universities as a poly sci major, and then add in music minor requirements as you go. After the first music theory or ear training class, you will realize if you really want to continue as a music minor. In the meantime, get yourself some private lessons and step up your game. You may not be able to successfully get into a music conservatory, but you should be able to participate in lots of music, and you don’t want to be holding your band, ensemble or orchestra back. At several of the schools you list, there are music groups or ensembles you can join or try out for once you get to campus. If you love music, you will find a way to work it into your life.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the replies.
I’m looking at doing ROTC during college and going into the Air Force after, which is what would allow me to do music.</p>
<p>I’m not sure if I want to pursue a career in music, so that’s probably a no. (I’m told it’s one of those “if you have to ask, the answer is no” kind of fields) Because I probably wouldn’t major in music if I didn’t have the AF after, that’s a another That being said, I know music plays an important role in my life and I will continue playing for the rest of my life.</p>
<p>It’s just that being a music major seems to be the most rewarding experience I could have during college, and because I’m planning to go into the Air Force after it wouldn’t particularly matter what I major in.</p>
<p>I’m probably going to end up applying as a poli-sci major and declaring a minor, depending on the school.</p>