<p>Are a high GPA and high ACT score an advantage in applying to music schools? Are there any schools that place a high priority on them in addition to the musical audition?</p>
<p>Yes.</p>
<p>It depends, conservatories don’t really care. My brother got into NEC before they even had his high school transcript. Music schools within universities care a lot, however, because you have to be able to maintain the academic load at their school.</p>
<p>There are some schools where it makes a huge difference - one can be accepted into a studio but rejected from the university - such as at Northwestern. It can also make a difference in the range of merit money offered. Some students have been rejected from a music school before even having their prescreen materials reviewed because of low grades/test scores. So, yes, it makes a difference. However, as stated above, stand alone conservatories are less likely to care.</p>
<p>Our experience is similar to the above comments - music schools within universities do care about academics. At many schools, the application process is almost like 2 separate silos - you must meet the criteria to get accepted to the university but also meet the criteria to be accepted to the school of music. As SpiritManager mentioned, it can also make a big difference in merit money if there is a strong academic record along with music talent!</p>
<p>Thank you for your replies. Phew, that is a relief. My senior cellist S has worked very hard to maintain a high GPA. He also studied for the ACT and scored in the top 1%. People have told me that his grades and scores wouldn’t matter, just his audition, but the way you explained it makes sense. Merit money is also what he is after. Northwestern, Peabody, Rice and U of M are on his list, and hopefully his academics will be an asset for him.</p>
<p>Academics are important for those schools but the audition is critical. Even schools that consider academics do not require the music students to meet the same profile as the rest, just respectable numbers. DD was in the 25th percentile at Rice. Make sure he is not so stressed out academically that he does not have enough time to prepare for the audition.</p>
<p>2015Lalo - note that academic merit offers may come separately from the music merit - and can be weeks after acceptance. For instance my son received a significant academic scholarship offer at U of M about a month after acceptance, the music merit arrived much more quickly. Not sure why… Good luck to your son - his academics will definitely make a difference at Northwestern, Rice and U of M.</p>
<p>On the other hand, some academic scholarships came in before the music merit for us, depending on the school. You can usually do some research do get a sense of how selective a school is regarding academics (class rank, grade point average, test scores, etc.). But then the audition is the crucial other step of the process. If you’re son is also considering a double degree, look carefully at that program at the various schools as well–an academically strong student will want to make sure that those studies are at a high level as well. </p>
<p>GPA and ACT score made a big difference in the amount of scholarship $$ my D received at her undergrad conservatory and a minimum 3.0 GPA is expected for applying for a MM.</p>
<p>Some schools do and some schools don’t. Pure conservatories tend not to look at the transcript and scores (and some do not require standardized testing) as much as the conservatories within colleges. Some programs are famous for the situation in which a student with a great audition is rejected on academic grounds. It differs from program to program. If you have great scores and a great transcript it certainly cannot hurt and may help a lot with aid, or may push you into the “yes” pile if you are a borderline admit. At other places it won’t make much difference.</p>
<p>My D is double degree. In most cases her academic acceptances and merit scholarships came way before the music ones. She was already admitted to engineering before she auditioned for music at most schools, even though she did not apply early action/decision anywhere. </p>
<p>It’s unimaginable that any school would not prefer smart and hard working students. That said, auditions trump almost everything. But competitive programs even in stand-alone conservatories have a bottom beyond which rejection is likely. Only it isn’t anywhere near such (publically undeclared) floors at academic institutions.</p>
<p>Never worry about too-high scores :-bd </p>
<p>Like everyone has said, it depends on the school. Talent will get you in, but your GPA and ACT may get you more money.</p>