I am only a high school sophomore, and I am really interested in the pre med field. However, I love music and have been playing violin for 4 years now and I’m in tons of ensembles (concertmaster in most) and have won some competitions too. I am afraid that I won’t be able to get into a good college because I focus a lot on music, and Biology will likely be my college major. Will this detract from my chances at a very selective school… possibly an ivy? (I have a 4.0 gpa and I am in the top 1% of my class. I’m also involved in other extracurriculars other than music if that helps)
Why on earth would this detract from your chances? You’re allowed to have other interests other than the major that you intend. At the majority of colleges, the major you intend doesn’t have a major impact on admission anyway.
I agree with the above.
Not only will it not detract from your application, but it helps to demonstrate that you have something to offer besides your academics. And keep in mind that 40% of medical school students majored in either a humanities or a social science (while still completing the pre-requisites) - so even medical schools like to see applicants who are interested in things other than science! This is by way of encouraging you to not only continue with your music, but do it in college too.
I think you will find that musicians (orchestra members especially) end up as STEM majors far out of proportion to their numbers in the student body. My D was a violist in HS (she started in 4th grade). It was always fascinating to watch the awards ceremony at the end of the year where they would give a brief biography of the graduating seniors. I would say in the 4 years we attended at least 50% of the graduates in the orchestra were going on to study a STEM subject of some sort. My D is a ChemE and plays with her University Philharmonic orchestra. She gets to go to Spain with the orchestra this spring break. I think that if you have a passion embrace it. Music is something that can stay with you regardless of your chosen career.
^totally agree, and similar experience with both my Ds, one cellist, one violinist. Also, most of the doctors I know were musicians in high school. My primary care doctor went to U of M med school and she said that there is an orchestra just for med students.
I will make this little additional comment. From the things I’ve read here on CC I would set my sights wider than just the most prestigious schools. Getting into med school requires excellent grades and superior MCAT scores. Medical school is VERY expensive and with good grades and a passion for music you may find a number of schools that will give you very good scholarships while you are an undergraduate. I would recommend finding schools that matches your goals passions and talents. There is no harm in applying to HYP, however, they, like any college you apply to are only a means to an end. Focusing on the prestige may not be the best way reach your goal.
I don’t know why you think it would hurt. It is a solid EC even if you aren’t majoring in music in college. My D was very involved in music/orchestra in HS (among other things) and while she is not a music major she plays violin in her college orchestra. In fact a question she asked on tours/interview is if it is possible to be in the orchestra if you are not a music major (the answer was always yet for the schools she visited). It is a great hobby.