In a perfect world, in a world where both were the same price, I would obviously choose IU. It’s more prestigious. The education and performance opportunities would be leagues better. However, this is not an ideal world. . .
I’ve gotten into IU Jacobs for voice. I really want to go here. However, here’s the problem: While they have given me enough financial aid for my family to afford it, we can only barely afford it. It’s just below our budget cutoff, thankfully. Plus, because of a requirement of my parents, I MUST double major in music and math/econ. I’ve talked to Jacobs, and they said while it’s possible to complete both degrees in four years, they cannot guarantee I won’t need a fifth year, which my family cannot afford.
On the other hand, I’m one of the lucky few who have been offered a FULL RIDE by Emory through the Emory Scholars program. I am beyond grateful. There, I could easily double major in music and math, as at Emory they only offer a BA in music, whereas at Jacobs, its a BM. However, that’s what I’m worried about: I’m afraid that the education and lack of opportunities at Emory will make it a lot harder to “make it” as a singer than Jacobs would. I know I have to work hard and hone in my skills, but I firmly believe that my chances of having a career as a singer will be leagues higher if I go to Jacobs instead of Emory.
I’ve also heard a lot of these type of complaints about Emory: that they’re really a business disguised as an educational institution. I’ve read they lack school spirit, too, and that the kids are super isolated and independent. On the other hand, Emory is smaller, which I would prefer. However, the best education and opportunities for my intended career path as a performer is my first priority. I think Jacobs would be the best in this regard.
tl;dr Is Jacobs really worth the extra money? I think so! My parents are inclined to disagree. Not sure how to convince them.
Here is a recent thread for you to read. It is different. However there are a few responses that may be insightful. If you have more questions after, let us know.
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/2180360-indiana-vs-pepperdine-vs-emory-vs-nyu-for-voice.html#latest
That was my thread haha. I’ve knocked Pepperdine and NYU off the list.
And…double degrees are difficult at IU…that is true. You would be doing a BM/BA most likely. It doesn’t mean that people don’t do them. However they are being honest when they say it will be hard in 4 years.
IU does have a great repuation…but it would still be available for grad school…and some of that great reputation is due to the grad school. If you could find a good teacher at Emory, you could definitely be competitive for grad school.
And a note for your parents that a BM is still a Bachelor’s degree. It does allow you to get employed in other areas that simply require a college degree. Maybe you need to start at an entry level and work your way up. I had a BA and had to do that…and it certainly didn’t bother me when I was in my 20s and still more concerned with “number of nights out” as opposed to “number of reports” to me. Who wants to manage people in their 20s? You can barely manage yourself…lol.
Good luck with whatever you decide. You still have time to think it all through. And whatever you decide…work hard, live large and believe in yourself!
My parents hold a firm belief that unless the Bachelor’s is in math or Econ or “something that will guarantee a steady pay check,” then it is worthless. I’ve tried saying I don’t care about studying math, I want to give performing my all, but they just get mad at me, so I basically have to double major/get two degrees.
Well…you can’t bite the hand that feeds you (or pays your college tuition), right? It’s a lesson that “the lucky” have to learn to accept and work with.
Still the thread attached allows you some insight into how to compare plans and strategize your future. Where there’s a will, there’s a way…it just may not be the exact path you thought it would be. My D hasn’t always gotten the path she wanted (that beautiful, straight and narrow path to success - that rarely exists). Instead you make the best of what you get…and be smart and work hard.
What made you apply to Emory in the first place? A “name brand” school isn’t necessary for good development as a singer, but you do need to have a good teacher who will build solid technique. Have you had lessons with the faculty at Emory and/or IU?
From a quick look at their web site, it doesn’t look like Emory has opera productions, but they do have Op shop, as well as upper level classes in conducting and pedagogy. I didn’t see aural skills, piano skills, or diction classes (Italian, French, German), but I didn’t spend a lot of time looking - that is your job! These latter things are likely to be what differentiates a BA (Emory) from a BM (IU). How do you feel about the difference in curriculum? Have you taken any AP classes that might allow you to place out of general ed requirements in order to finish in 4 years?
I cannot emphasize how important it is to talk with faculty and current students at both places. The department can probably refer you to students who would be willing to answer questions.
Finally, there is more to it than just the music aspect, as you will spend 4 years on campus. Where are you most comfortable? What kind of social activities do you enjoy? What climate do you like? What does your gut say?
My guts says that, if I could guarantee a graduation in four years with two degrees, I would be so much closer to enrolling at IU. (I didn’t even apply to Emory for music, I applied for playwriting.) I’ve looked at their AP credit policies, and I definitely have a few credits I can transfer in. However, I don’t know how that correlates to being able to graduate in 4 or 5 years. And, according to Jacobs, I won’t be able to talk to counselor until AFTER I enroll.
There is another poster on here whose kid is doing a music major with math minor at IU. Look at post #133 from the thread below. Maybe @TwoInCollegeMom will see this and comment.
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/2128674-reality-check-whats-it-actually-like-at-now-that-your-kid-is-enrolled.html#latest