<p>my school is extremely competitive and at this point in time, you have to be extremely top-notch to get into a great school.
what can truly enhance a college application...and guarantee you a spot in the college of your dreams?
my main question is - does being in a music program all 4 years enhance your chances of getting in to a good college?</p>
<p>many people say that band is simply a blowoff class...but i want to know if it is something significant...and if colleges look into it.</p>
<p>please post.</p>
<p>If there were a secret formula, we’d all be using it, and then it wouldn’t be so useful anymore. </p>
<p>Which sucks, I know… I remember yearning for some sort of perfect hook for getting in everywhere, but unless you have really rich parents or are a genius minority, you just have to be the best possible version of yourself and trust that that’s enough to get you into where you’re meant to be. For instance, you mention that you’re in band. Do you really love music? If so, go ahead and pursit it at every level you can. That type of passion (and talent) is impressive.</p>
<p>Showing a dedication to music is great. What you might want to do to “enhance” your college application is to participate in some music activities beyond just going to class. You could compete in solo or group competitions, get a leadership position in the band, help teach kids music in elementary school, etc. In other words, do what you enjoy, but take it to the next level.</p>
<p>entomom,
i have participated in solo ensemble states and districts for the past 3 years, receiving all 1’s. I also did a year of marching band, but i dont feel like that would really help because it does not show consistency. is that any good?</p>
<p>Yes, it’s good. What you have to be careful about in this process is thinking like this:</p>
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</p>
<p>There are no guarantees for anyone. Do the best you can, have realistic goals, make up a solid list of admissions and financial safeties, matches and reaches, and you will do fine. My advice is that you spend some time reading sticky threads and doing Searches for subjects of interest.</p>
<p>"what can truly enhance a college application…and guarantee you a spot in the college of your dreams?</p>
<p>Excellent stats, no felonies, and a parent who has donated at least a million dollars.</p>
<p>Haha a million dollars would be helpful 
You need to show passion in it. Even if band is a blowoff class as you say, you can go outside of school and make the most of your musical talents such as putting together a performance for the community, or teaching an instrument, and so on. Initiative and leadership are big buzzwords. Going beyond the classroom and contributing your knowledge to your community is what colleges want to see! 4 years is common for many applicants—but what you actually ACCOMPLISH that is unique or helpful in those 4 years is more important than just taking that class.</p>
<p>demiitasse,
there is not much that i have truly done outside of band. i have participated in solo ensemble and received the highest grade you can get - in districts/states. i have 10 medals. but would that impress them? i had a year of marching band too…but i doubt ill get section leader because i just started.</p>
<p>10 medals is very impressive; make sure you keep track of the stats for your awards though, such as how many people you were chosen from, how many awards were given out to how many people, date, what you had to do, etc. for the application. I just do not know the details about the award and how competitive it was! Participate in more contests if possible; the more rigorous the competition, the more impressive.
I would really try to reach out for something unique. I don’t know what schools you are thinking of, but if you are looking for a school near Ivy League level, you’ll want to stand out by contributing to the community with your talent. For example, I play piano as much as I can, teaching little kids, helping out in musicals, playing for church services when they need a substitute, playing in ensembles outside of school, etc. You can try hosting a performance for a nursing home or having a group of musical friends visit an elementary school and teaching kids about kinds of musical instruments, etc.</p>
<p>ohhh. well this wasnt much of a competition. states is just where the people who got the highest grade just play for the judges. i didnt keep a date - but i remember what year and month. i got some extremely minimal amount of scholarship money for playing my solo. next year, im participating to get some more scholarships.
i really want to go to the university of michigan.
i play at my flute teacher’s recitals as well.</p>
<p>Hmm well that’s okay! Just remember to keep track of some basic info anyways. Highest grade is still good.
Just keep up the work and you’ll be fine! Also, grab any chance you can to play. Winning anything is good :]</p>
<p>Thank you very much :)</p>
<p>As is the case with most public universities, U Mich. makes decisions overwhelmingly based on stats and state of residence. ECs don’t get much consideration. Of course, recruited athletes are in a category all their own.</p>
<p>so a person with a higher gpa, less ec’s, easier classes freshman year would be chosen over a person who had a good gpa, solid ec’s, and rigorous classes all 4 years?</p>