<p>I'm a senior in High School right now,
and I have been sick for a year, more mental disease.
Due to this, I have failed most of my courses in my junior year, and transferred to other school. My old school was an art school which ended around 5, and my current school is a independent program which offers a research based courses.
Because of new medications,I have been doing well this year and I'm trying to apply for these schools. My intended major is music (piano), and I wonder if I should try to apply or not. My grades will go up since I will make up the classes in the spring.
I will be explaining in my essays, but I am very frustrated with myself</p>
<p>Pretty sure your audition is a big part of your application. A 3.0 is probably a bit low for a Rice music student, but I would call the admissions and the Shepherd School.</p>
<p>The audition is the first major hurdle. How long have you been studying? What proficiency level? Shepherd is a top conservatory. There is stiff competition for the few spots that are open each year. Have you checked out their requirements? </p>
<p>After that academics. They expect a student who can keep up with Rice classes. That said, check out the distribution of accepted students to see how you stack up with grades and test scores. How were your tests? Although 3.0 is low for Rice. if all but the Junior year are really high you have a good case. What is your GPA without that year? Also depends on the classes you took. Also depends on how you stack up against others with same level of proficiency in piano. If they have a choice, they choose the higher profile. If you blow them away in audition, there may be more forgiveness. Agree with westsidewolf, call and talk to them. They are very friendly. </p>
<p>In their FAQs:
How important are my high-school grades and College Board scores?
While it is critical that you have a successful audition, it is also important for the Shepherd School admission committee to see your non-musical academic strengths. Music majors are required to take non-music academic courses at Rice University, some of which may be challenging. Maintaining a good high school GPA and testing well on the College Board exams helps indicate what type of college student you may be.</p>
<p>I have been studying with top teachers for 12 years. And I've won several competitions.. I'm very worried. Thanks for the info! I'll call them soon</p>
<p>That answer is just to be pc. It's true to an extent, but if you have exceptional abilities Rice won't consider your 3.0 any more than they would consider the GPA of an athlete.</p>