I'm unsure where to even begin (CS/MT Program)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northeastern University
1

Hey all!

I’m currently a rising senior in a Texas parochial high school. My GPA is very low by NEU’s standards, being 3.46 UW and 3.84 W. However, I have a 35 ACT composite with my strengths being in reading in writing, where I got a 36 in both. I have a few questions about the application process in general, so I don’t get too deep into it and realize I’m making a terrible decision. I am very interested in the dual Computer Science/Music Technology program and I feel like my interests in music and technology would suit me for it. However, I am scared that they only just removed the mandatory portfolio for Music Technology. Would not having one significantly lower my chances of getting into the program, if I even have a chance of being accepted at all? I am considering applying EA and expecting to be deferred. I do not want to apply ED because I don’t know how much my parents will be able to fund my education given my sister’s medical situation (see below).

Just a few more things about my profile:

My school does not report rank.
I participate in marching/concert band and play both clarinet and bass clarinet. I also play piano at an advanced level, so I am familiar with enough music theory to place into Music Theory I.
I have an extreme family situation where I have a sister who is very developmentally and intellectually handicapped, which is a significant distraction from my studies. This has also severely limited my opportunities to participate in ECs as I often have to be at home to watch her. I could definitely write a strong essay around these experiences.
My father received his MBA from NEU, but from what I have seen they do not prefer legacies.
I am a white male from a high-income background.
I have AP credit for CS-A, US History, and Euro History. I bombed the Physics 1 exam. This year I am taking AP US-Gov, AP Macro, AP Bio, AP Calc A/B, and AP Spanish Lang.

Do I even stand a chance at getting in? And if I do, do I stand a shot at my desired program without having a portfolio or previous composition experience? Any tips on how to strengthen my application would be greatly appreciated. Also, if I stand no chance getting in or pursuing my desired program, what are some other universities where I stand a greater shot and still pursue my music and CS interests?

Thanks for your time and help!

2

The GPA is going to be too low for a realistic shot at Northeastern. It does suck, but your future is FAR from over. You don’t need a degree in music technology to break into the industry. Computers is extremely diverse, I guarantee almost none of the people who work with music technology have a degree in it. You can still do a double major or minor in music and put your music background on your resume.

3

Your GPA is low but your ACT is high. Northeastern would be a reach but definitely possible.