<p>*Woops, the title is supposed to say "Have I done all I could have?"
I'm currently a junior who is very passionate about music. However, I feel like something is missing.</p>
<p>I've made 2 national honor bands, participated in a local honor group that rehearses weekly every year since 9th grade, am most likely going to be president of my school's music honor society next year, founded a brass quintet and run it (believe me, this takes far more time than running a club), founded a non-profit organization that provides free lessons to disadvantaged/beginning band students, made All-state band all three years of high school so far, given private lessons paid and volunteer, am in Bugles Across America (volunteer my time to play taps for veterans), and have participated in like every local honor band there was. </p>
<p>I did not create this thread to sound conceited, but I feel as if I am missing something. Suggestions/comments? This is not a chance thread.</p>
<p>You’re involved in music. You’ve diversified this interest to include not only top awards but things that clearly involve time and effort (leading the quintet) as well as community service. Your ECs, in short, are incredible.</p>
<p>Sorry about that. I’m planning on applying to schools like HYPS this coming fall. I’m asking whether my EC’s are worthy of those schools. I’m also involved in other things, and have a few petty leadership positions in those but they are pale in comparison to my music EC’s.</p>
<p>Thanks glassesarechic! I’ve just done my best to stick out. The other people at my school simply sit on their ***ses after winning leadership positions. I’ve tried to stay away from the useless EC’s at my school. I am an ORM though. :(</p>
<p>Understand the level of your competition here both academically and musically.</p>
<p>Your EC’s are concentrated and focused. I will not label then outstanding, not as a reflection on you, but might they be considered “average” to “excellent” within an HYPColumbia(MIT)(UPENN) high level music pool. You will have competition that has, does and will continue to perform professionally and semi-professionally within the pool. Your instrument MAY also prove a slight advantage over the typically over represented ones (violin, flute, piano, cello) but this is very school and often admit cycle specific.</p>
<p>They may run more to the side of excellence at the balance of the Ivys, and Stanford.</p>
<p>I can only provide input from a music perspective, there are others far more qualified to provide input on your other EC’s in comparison.</p>
<p>Just realize that it is rarely ONE factor or area that determines these admit outcomes, but the mix and weight of ALL factors. If your music gives you a tip, it is in addition to all else.</p>
<p>And realize also that there will be those musically with a major national international win or two, some high level placements, or other, perhaps broader or more extensive music specific accolades at numbers and levels beyond yours.</p>
<p>I cannot stress enough that instrument may play a part, as it will depend if they need to fill a spot.</p>
<p>Top kids work on their essays mow and over the summer. That’s something you can be doing. You haven’t mentioned scores or G.P.A. - without those being stellar, HYPS won’t care much about your cornet skills.</p>
<p>I’m aiming for at least a 2300 in June on the SAT. My numbers are competent.<br>
I do not want to make my hobby a profession for personal reasons. Long story short, there are many traits of professional musicians that I lack. I’ve simply done my best to do what I truly love ever since I discovered this forum back in the beginning of sophomore year.</p>
<p>Ray192, it’s a good question but part of the answer lies in understanding the drives, realities and needs of those performing at or near conservatory level yet are also academically talented and focused.</p>
<p>The performance disciplines are extremely competitive and often will offer what many call a marginal existence financially. Many will seek a back up, a plan B, a fall back.</p>
<p>There are many that have attained conservatory and above level ability who have strong desires to continue music at the musical levels they have attained who do not intend to pursue music as a profession. There are BM undergrad degree holders in virtually every profession, including law and medicine.</p>
<p>Even those that do go onto MM conservatory paths and professional performance may obtain their undergrad music training in a more academically centered environment. </p>
<p>Your assignment for the weekend is to read the acceptance/rejection threads from this year for the schools you are considering. Here is what they will tell you: If you are an URM (esp. an URM male) your stats need to be really good. If you are not an URM, ALL of your stats need to be close to perfect. If you’re a 35 ACT but have a 3.25 GPA, forget it. If you have a 4.0 but a 30 ACT forget it. If your class rank is #1 but you have a 30 ACT, forget it. The ECs will distinguish you from all the other perfect people, if you’re perfect enough to pass the first hurdle.</p>