<p>Hello,
I have been a pianist for as long as I can remember, and I recently won an international competition. I've performed at Carnegie Hall a few times and I've won some national and state awards. I was excited at first when I got the news, but then a little disheartened as I began to realize that many other applicants to top schools have the same accomplishments as me. I'm also an Asian female...just wondering, can my EC's (I have others too, btw) and a 2320 SAT "offset" a mediocre GPA (3.8ish UW)? Sorry, couldn't really think of a word other than offset to describe the situation. Hardest coursework in my class, don't know rank. Does my race make piano look less impressive? I'm looking at some of the Ivies, NYU, Georgetown, Swarthmore, JHU, and others. Thanks~</p>
<p>To me, you sound incredibly accomplished and I would think that many/all of these schools would be impressed buy what you have accomplished. </p>
<p>Although it is true that the are many piano players, even good ones, your level of accomplishment seems very high and that will only help you. As you note, there isn’t really any ‘offset’ situation but the colleges you mention look at the whole package. Really everything matters.</p>
<p>You are right that applicants to top schools have a lot to offer – but so do you! I don’t think a 3.8 UWGPA needs to be offset. A few B’s aren’t going to keep you out; and perfect grades won’t get you in. These schools will build a balanced class, so yes, they will only admit so many piano playing Asian females, but there’s no reason why you wouldn’t be one of them.</p>
<p>I would suggest that you look at Williams. Because of its remote location they get fewer high achieving Asians than the others on your list. Music either as an EC or a major is valued in admissions. Williams has an excellent music department and multiple performance opportunities, even for non-majors.</p>
<p>There are many good piano players applying to Ivies. Many have awards at states or national level. But to have won an international award would definitely put your on top of them. Try to do an art supplement with your application.
UW GPA at 3.8 is a bit low, but how is your class rank and your course rigorous level? There is no universal criteria for GPA even with a 4.0 scale. Just give them a try and you never know the outcome without trying. You are within the ballpark range for admission, but there are also many applicants with similar credentials.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone. Momrath- I might apply to Williams, not sure yet though because I am inclined to attend school out of state. I have definitely heard of its great music programs though. And billcsho- as I mentioned, no idea what class rank is. Definitely top 10%. But I do take, according to my guidance counselor, the most rigorous coursework the school has seen in years and has to offer. Most of my weaknesses can be seen in science though, which is nowhere near what I want to major in, so I’m hoping they will be at least a little lenient. </p>
<p>After you visit Williams you’ll know whether or not it’s for you. The location and environment are vastly different from the others on your list. I’d also suggest you look at Smith for excellent music opportunities (same state though).</p>
<p>We don’t know what your possible major is. Nor what those other ECs are. Since piano at your level is time consuming, make sure there is balance in your other activities- some school things, some volunteer work (not just through a hs club.) But it looks like you have some good choices named. As we always say, run NPCs, to see what is affordable. Get some good advice on your essays and supplements. And have happy safeties. </p>
<p>And don’t get Ivy fever. The competition there is fierce, unpredictable and can be affected by your location and high school. Seems you have been worrying about this for a long time? Just relax and focus on the wise choices you can make.</p>
<p>Momrath- I’m probably going to visit Williams this summer. Smith is a great school (family members there) but not sure if I wanna be in Boston.
Lookingforward- I’m considering either Econ, political science, or international relations. Well, I wouldn’t say piano is time consuming, since I obviously play for my own pleasure and at town meetings, with school chorus, and such. But I will probably not enter any more competitions, or big ones at least. I do volunteer work weekly. My next biggest EC is probably winning essay contests. My main concern is that I’m too liberal artsy and not very math/science oriented…</p>
<p>If it’s really the only reason you’re worried about Smith, Boston is about two hours away. Northampton is a very different place.</p>
<p>I really want to get out of the state though. Plus, I am not interested in women’s colleges. Should have mentioned that earlier. </p>
<p>Let’s get you out of Massachusetts. You are a great student and, most importantly, seem to really know yourself. How about Northwestern? You could do a dual program in music/economics (or political science or whatever). The programs are all top notch; Chicago is a great city and you would likely love it. </p>
<p><a href=“http://www.music.northwestern.edu/academics/degrees-and-certificates/dual-degrees.html”>http://www.music.northwestern.edu/academics/degrees-and-certificates/dual-degrees.html</a></p>
<p>Sally- I loved Northwestern when I visited as a middle schooler and it’s an excellent school; however, I’ve lived 14 years of my life in the Midwest and don’t plan to go back! I am quite picky, I know. I have done excessive college research and I have 18 schools, most in either NYC, Philly, and DC. I appreciate the recommendations for schools, but I think I am content with the list I currently have. Can anyone tell me what the drawbacks are of being too artsy and not math/science? Especially considering my race. Also, I am definitely submitting arts supplements to all the colleges I can, but what impact does that specifically have on admissions?</p>
<p>The colleges you are talking about are looking at strong students in all HS coursework. They do not care if your interests or intended major are math/science or not, they expect competencies in the core areas . As for interests, intended major etc, they fine if you are humanity/arts oriented but don’t be confused because science and math ARE part of the liberal arts. They do not expect you to be especially interested in math because you are Asian.</p>
<p>What do you think you mean when you ask what impact doe the supplement specifically have? Do you think there is some way for us to give you a chart to show you? Use your sense. Many people get admitted without one at all, of course. People who send them in who demonstrate exceptional talent will get some attention. But it is one part of your application. Sure it’s possible that it makes you highly desired.</p>
<p>So the arts supplement would actually help a lot more than them just seeing the list of awards? Also, how does winning competitions in piano compare to winning, let’s say, the science Intel award? Do they favor academic related awards over EC awards, even though I may be double majoring in piano?</p>
<p>Schools want an all round class. They don’t want a whole class of Intel or Siemens winners. </p>
<p>Obviously you know that your musical talent is a “plus” for your application. But what you seem to want is for the value of that “plus” to be quantified–and it just can’t be, not in general nor for any individual school on your list. Does a school have a lot of accomplished musicians applying this year? Maybe this year they have a few strong pianists applying, but don’t need one this year, or only want one this year–and one of the other applicants offers some other attribute in their package that is more desirable than yours, or checks off another box as well, etc. Or maybe they took a pianist last year, and this year want to take a great oboe player. </p>
<p>Is the school looking for piano majors? Your application might get a double plus. Maybe. Maybe not. How many are they seeking? Do they think you will thrive in their program–or maybe that it is not strong enough for you?</p>
<p>You are being smart by applying widely.</p>
<p>Your class rank will determine if your GPA is good enough. For the top schools if you are in the top 5% you should be ok (you still have a shot outside this but not as realistic). </p>
<p>Start looking now at the various universities arts supplements. They are all very different from one another and they take time to produce (some want live recordings with video, some want just audio, etc - a lot will want a music resume and a music recommendation. </p>
<p>If you want to double major and go to school like Northwestern you will need to send pre-audition material and if selected, audition for a spot at Bienen (NW music school) - you need to apply via the common app and do a separate Bienen application. </p>
<p>If you are looking for really good academics and music but not a BM (bachelor of music). Just about any of the Ivy schools, Williams, Amherst College, Tufts, Brandeis. If you are looking for good academics and a BM you should look at University of Miami (Frost school of Music), Northwestern. The things my S likes about Frost and Bienen is that music students live in same dorms as other majors and really are part of the overall university. I believe more are out there at that level but I am not as familiar with classical music only schools - Boston University comes to mind. </p>
<p>I don’t think you being Asian will play into this at all. </p>
<p>Also don’t forget you are going to need at least 2 SAT subject tests at most of these schools so don’t forget to take those. </p>
<p>^^yes. And who cares what they favor? It isn’t like you have a choice to all of a sudden win Intel, right? I suggest you expend your efforts on what makes a good application, a good essay and a good supplement for you, instead of trying to imagine every hypothetical.</p>
<p>Colleges accept some imbalance between humanities/social social sciences and math/science; however it’s a matter of degree. A few B’s in tough courses or somewhat lower scores on one side or the other are not deal breakers, but extremes such as C’s or very low scores may be. </p>
<p>I believe that smaller schools and some medium sized schools value the arts involvement (as evidenced by the supplement and other supporting information in the application) but, again, it depends. Some schools are more art/music/theater focused than others. I may be wrong on this but I wouldn’t put Georgetown, JHU or Swarthmore high on the list of overtly arts-friendly schools. Some of the ivies, yes. Others, no. So to answer your question you may get a boost at some, but not all of your list.</p>
<p>As I mentioned above, I think you’re diving into a demographic already crowded with high achieving Asians by narrowly targeting “NYC, Philly, and DC” and eliminating rural and Midwestern locations. I also recognize that environment is important, but you may end up trading down on academic excellence by limiting your list geographically. </p>
<p>I’d suggest that you shoot out a few applications outside of your comfort zone, just in case. </p>
<p>Do you also have financial restraints?</p>