<p>I’m a violinist, as some of you may know, and I am applying to four universities (at the moment). I’m a high school senior with a 3.96 GPA and a 33 composite ACT.</p>
<p>The schools I am applying to are:
Boston University (ED)
Tulane University
University of South Carolina
University of Maryland</p>
<p>I adore BU and if I am offered a place there, I will jump on it. However, if I don’t get in, my college counselor suggested that I have a couple of backup schools. My questions are:</p>
<li>How good are the music departments at Tulane and USC?</li>
<li>Jewish life… Tulane and USC…</li>
<li>How is the quality of life at any of these four?</li>
<li>Would you suggest any other schools for violin performance with a strong Jewish presence and a non-overwhelming surrounding (I can’t handle NYC or LA)?</li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>This question would probably receive better responses in the Music Major forum. :)</p>
<p>It may seem obvious, but have you thought about Juilliard? Itzhak Perlman is a professor there. It's hard to top that. I know that it's in New York, but any major city can be overwhelming (including Boston and New Orleans). If your goal is to be a performing artist it would be a perfect time to dive in. Strong Jewish community as well (obviously).</p>
<p>This isn't a list I would have expected to see for a student with your excellent grades and test score. Are you not aiming higher because of the difficulty of getting into a violin program?</p>
<p>greennblue, the academic stats can open up some additional options even for violin performance applicants, but the deciding factor in virtually any audition based admit is the strength of the audition within the peer pool.</p>
<p>OP, I agree you will be far better served in the music major forum as to assessing your potential school choices based on your experience, level of training. Excellent stats will not guarantee a performance based admit. Academic criteria may play a part, or none at all depending on institution. Stats may or may not assist in merit aid, or be superceded or lessened by a talent award.</p>