My son loves music, but does not want to be a music major. Also interested in science.
He’s in the fall of his junior year. We know that Oberlin and Hamilton are great for music and academics, but are looking for some reassurance that there are many great options out there, and some where he will be very likely to be accepted. Looking to reduce some of the intimidation and pressure of the college admissions process. His grades have been high so far, but it feels like there is tremendous pressure to keep them there and to excel in extracurriculars as well. Would love to know that there are a wide range of options for someone with his interests, with various acceptance rates. He’s likely to not be interested in Greek life. We’re in the Northeast.
University of Rochester, with The Eastman School of Music, and its emphasis on STEM.
Thanks, cinnamon1212! Can anyone comment on the music scene at U Rochester for students who are not enrolled at Eastman?
Any suggestions for science and music schools with closer access to green areas for hiking?
Actually Roch has a lot of green areas nearby. My d belonged to the Outing Club, and they took many day hikes at local parks. For weekends, they headed to the Adirondacks. There’s also a bike path that goes along the river all the way to Lake Ontario. The campus itself also has a lot of green spaces.
Lawrence U is great for music and the sciences, and it’s somewhat less selective than most of the schools mentioned above. I’ve read positive things about the music opportunities for non-conservatory students, but it’s always best to talk with current students for the most up-to-date info.
Case Western and St. Olaf come to mind as well.
If he’s not looking to major in music, however, I think there’s quite a few schools that are potentially good fits. Music is a pretty popular ec for applicants to top colleges, and many of them pursue that interest in college as well. Starting with colleges strong in the sciences (e.g. Allegheny, Bowdoin, Franklin & Marshall) and then narrowing down based on music opportunities, the prevalence of Greek life, location, cost/affordability, selectivity, etc. may be the best way to make a list.
A second for St. Olaf.
Indiana University, because of Jacobs School of Music.
With the question posed broadly regarding an interest in science, I’d encourage your son to consider colleges with geosciences programs. As a source of interesting electives, for integrating other fields, and as a potential major, he might value it as a great program to have available.
St Olaf, Oberlin.
Thank you! So helpful.
Johns Hopkins and UC Berkeley.
Another vote for Case and St. Olaf.
@parent8762, Williams would be an excellent option for science and music plus plenty of accessible “green areas” (or white areas depending on the time of year).
Williams is highly selective, but interest in participating in their many arts driven activities is a big plus in admission, even for students who don’t intend to major in music. Williams supports a diverse range of campus ensembles and performance opportunities are widely available to non-majors. Double majoring is also fairly effortless and science/math+music is a common combination.
https://music.williams.edu/category/ensembles/
If he hasn’t already done so, your son should prepare a music supplement for submissions with his application.
https://music.williams.edu/special-admission-information/