I applied to the music major at Duke as my #1 choice. I realize how extremely competitive getting accepted to Duke is, but is it easier to get into by applying through the music program? It seems more liberal-arts based than performance/talent-based, which is exactly what I want.
I don’t think it’d make much of a difference to be honest.
Ok is that what you know or just what you think
I’m pretty sure that your choice of major doesn’t impact admissions decisions.
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I don’t know about Duke but Nerdy could be right…using Yale as an example, their undergrad music program is as hard to get into as Yale is overall for any major, so just having the talent is not enough. Totally different story on their Graduate Music program (which btw is 100% tuition free), which is ALL about talent. No tests required but you do need a minimum 3.0 in undergrad, so you can’t be a total idiot.
So it really depends on the school.
Duke does not admit based on major – it’s simply Trinity vs. Pratt. Having said that, Duke has made a conscious and strategic effort to attract more extremely talented students in the arts, announcing building a new dedicated arts center across from Nasher and ramping up recruiting efforts. Thus, if you have an impressive audio recording (which is assessed by a professor in the music department), then that WILL help your admissions chances. Duke is looking for a well-rounded student body and attracting students with interest in the arts is always a priority. So, while applying for the “music program” isn’t inherently any easier and won’t help your admissions chances, if you demonstrate success and potential in that arena, then certainly that DOES help your chances (just as demonstrated success in other avenues would help somebody’s chances of admission). It’s basically another way to stand out from the crowd, although putting “music” as intended major likely will not make much of a difference. Having exceptional talent in music could possibly make up for other shortcomings in your application, but won’t make up for complete defiencies as Duke does want to see demonstrated success in all your endeavors that you dedicate time to/show passion in (be that music, academics, athletics).
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