I’m a freshman music performance major at a high level program, but have recently become disillusioned with the BM, and am looking to transfer to a school with strong academics and musical opportunities (in other words, I would double major as a BA in Music, and a BA/BS in something else). Schools like Williams, Duke, UCLA, Yale, and Princeton (I know the last two are extreme reaches haha) have come up on my list, and I’m looking for others. For context, I was a fairly strong HS student (3.8 UW, 29 ACT, 31 Superscore) and am alright in college (3.3, looking to do at least a 3.8 this semester). Any input would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!
Is there any chance you can stay where you are and switch to a BA with double major? Do BA music students have access to good teachers and performance opportunities? Do you want a double major or would a double degree appeal (that might be possible where you are)? (Have you read the Double Degree Dilemma essay nearer the top of this forum on ways to study music?)
The schools you list are ALL reaches. Williams, for instance, is every bit as selective as Yale. I would not bet on getting into any of the schools you mention.
You could look at the Colleges that Change Lives website for starters. Also look at test optional schools because some of the more elite schools on that list would have average test scores higher than yours http://fairtest.org/university/optional
Random possibilities for you: UMass or other state universities, College of Wooster, St.Olaf’s, U. of Puget Sound, Lewis and Clark, Vassar, Sarah Lawrence, Macalaster, Carleton, a few UC’s.
Again, is there any chance you can make it work where you are? Any chance your disillusionment with the BM program is temporary or that you could stay in it but make some adjustments? Are you tired of practicing, do you crave classes in some other discipline, are you sick of being around musicians? Maybe it would help to talk to someone, an advisor or teacher or counselor.
I would second St Olaf. My D and I are just back from a visit. My D struggled with the decision of whether to do a BM, dual degree or double major with BA (all possible at St Olaf). The music program is top notch and academics are strong. You can also participate fully in music activities even if you are not majoring.
If you are not a California resident, UC’s will be a tough to transfer. Not impossible but tough. They mainly hold transfer spots for California residents who are coming from community colleges. From the UC website “We give highest priority to California community college students transferring as juniors — who make up over 90% of our transfer class.” Also, since their music studios are smaller, you will have the added difficulty of needing a studio spot to be open. Not impossible but very difficult.
As a potential transfer applicant, you might benefit from perusing common data sets with respect to acceptance rates. Williams, for example, recently admitted fewer than 5% of their transfer applicants (13/275). Williams, then, would seem to be unrealistic for transfer applicants without outstanding GPAs. You may, however, be in position to consider other NESCACs with strong music programs, but with more transfer-friendly admission practices. Kenyon could also be possible.
Having sons at both Carleton and St. Olaf, I would not describe Carleton as having a strong music department, Strong in multiple academic departments most definitely, but music at Carleton is much more at the avocational level than an academic pursuit. As an earlier poster wrote, St. Olaf is top notch–both for its music program and for the ability to do a double degree.
@compmom: Your link regarding the BM program is to Carleton UNIVERSITY in Ottawa, Canada, not to Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. Just so we are all clear as to which institution you are referring … …
DePauw school of music has good academics and offers a BA as well as BM in music. It is one of my daughter’s top 2 choices as we sit and wait for scholarship offers…
Vassar has high level academics and very strong music. There are lots of opportunities there for double majors. Both S1 and S2 attended and were music double majors - it was perfect for them. I can answer more questions if you need it. S1 turned down a conservatory to attend Vassar and he had a friend at Vassar who also turned down a different conservatory to attend Vassar. Both loved Vassar and it gave them what they needed for their music and much more.
Luther College has high academics and a strong music program. Because all of the programs are BA, you can easily double major in music and another subject!
Maybe it would help to talk to someone, an advisor or teacher or counselor.