please be generous and please,help me:(

Parents Forum
1

<p>I have been thinking forever about whether if I should post my dilemma on this or not. After reviewing other people’s posts and questions, I felt terribly overwhelmed and was ashamed about my situation. But I figured it can’t be so bad to ask for some help from you guys since I am so down in the dumps and lost with everything at this point. </p>

<p>I just graduated high school this year. I am from China, and I came to America about 5 years ago by myself for better education that’d help me out with my future career. I am also a pianist and I have been taking lessons and such for almost my whole life.</p>

<p>When I first came to America, I can’t even describe how lost I was. I didn’t know ANYTHING about ANYTHING! What I had to learn was a little more than just a new language, but American teenager’s culture, interests and more. </p>

<p>High school was always fun though. I always had lots of friends and because of that, I learned to speak English very fast without any accents, and everyone always think that I was born from this country because of the way I act, talk and etc. </p>

<p>But obviously, that doesn’t mean a lot though. I have most horrible awful grades. My GPA is probably nothing you can guess. I probably had the lowest GPA in my school and I don’t even doubt that. I’d say that my GPA is around D’s. I do have a serious ADHD that is being treated right now but not when I was in high school. I do have language barrier especially with writing and understanding (reading, vocabularies). But these are just going to be another Asian student’s clumsy excuses to my college admission office.</p>

<p>I probably have the LOWEST SAT scores also. I got around 1200 on the new SATs. And yes, I didn’t get accepted to any of the colleges I applied to. But I was so stupid and naïve with my choice of colleges. I applied to 5 colleges and all those schools were very challenging. Not just for me, but for a lot of other people. But I trusted my musical ability and thought that I was going to get in somehow. </p>

<p>I can say that I am very good with my major but I really don’t think that I can get into ANY colleges that are in this world. But if I don’t get into a college by this January I have to go back to my country because my parents are so sick of my lack of enthusiasm and lack of EVERYTHING ELSE. </p>

<p>Right now I live in NY, and I am planning on applying to schools that are in NJ because I have a cousin who lives there and I was going to see If I can get into any schools around that area so I can commute from her house. </p>

<p>What should I do? Do I have chances at all? I heard about a few schools like Farleigh Dickinson, William Paterson, Montclair and more. But these schools seem like very challenging schools for me. I am also applying to music schools and they don’t usually look at my grades but none of those schools accept students for spring. </p>

<p>I feel so nervous posting this, I know you probably are going to think that I am dumb and lazy, and yes I know. But I need some advices with colleges, especially ones in NJ. I heard montclair is a very good school but i just think i will never get a chance nor i'm brave enough to even apply there.</p>

<p>I can't go to community colleges because they dont have the courses that i want/need to take in order for me to become a professional musician. I did go to Juliard pre-college for piano, for 3 years. But pre-college really doesn't mean anything. I'm in the 'real world' now and the competitions between these musicians are crazy also. and again, none of the music schools accept students for spring semester. Even though it is going to be hard, my parents are willing to help me pay for my college tuition.</p>

<p>what are some colleges that i can apply to, or do i just not have any chances?</p>

<p>Please, please help me. I’ve never felt so powerless and weak.</p>

2

<p>Take a deep breath! There is always a way to solve a problem or dilemma.</p>

<p>Keene State in NH has music performance degree as well as merit money given for musical talent. They also have spring semester applications.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.keene.edu/programs/mu/mu_perf_bm.cfm%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.keene.edu/programs/mu/mu_perf_bm.cfm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Application Requirements</p>

<p>When to apply
You may apply to Keene State College for either the fall or spring semester. While Keene State considers applications on a rolling admissions basis, first-year students are encouraged to apply by April 1 for the fall and December 1 for the spring semester. Transfer applicants are urged to apply and complete their credentials by April 1 for the fall semester and by December 1 for the spring semester. Keene State College reserves the right to close admissions, regardless of these deadlines, once class capacity has been reached.</p>

<p>I have visited the music performance building and campus. I love NH.</p>

<p>I'll keep thinking.</p>

3

<p>USM, <a href="http://www.usm.edu/admissions/adminguide/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.usm.edu/admissions/adminguide/&lt;/a> it has many international students who study English on campus. Interesting area. Very friendly. Huge university and large ARTS program.
<a href="http://www.usm.edu/music/studios_ensembles/Piano/pstudio.php%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.usm.edu/music/studios_ensembles/Piano/pstudio.php&lt;/a>
I would contact this person directly.
To schedule an audition and for more information, please contact Dr. Lois Leventhal at (601) 266-6940 or via e-mail at <a href="mailto:lois.leventhal@usm.edu">lois.leventhal@usm.edu</a>.</p>

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<p>University of North Texas. <a href="http://www.international.unt.edu/admissions/faq.html#Requirements%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.international.unt.edu/admissions/faq.html#Requirements&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>BM degree requirements, scholarships. <a href="http://www.music.unt.edu/admissions/ugprocedure.shtml%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.music.unt.edu/admissions/ugprocedure.shtml&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Don't know anything about the school except what I have read here on CC and I met the oboe professor by accident in a music store in Berkeley, Ca several years ago.</p>

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<p>By the way, your SAT scores are fine!</p>

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<p>His SAT scores are NOT fine. 1200 on new SAT (out of 2400) is a problem. I suspect there is still a language problem.</p>

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<p>Yes, I was thinking old SAT. Language could be a problem; but then I am trying to imagine taking a Greek SAT test even after being here for so many years. Kind of scary! I would try Spanish and French over Greek. I can't even imagine learning Chinese. </p>

<p>With one of the Universities that I mentioned, 1200 new would not be a problem. They would probably want to see Toefl scores though.</p>

8

<p>William Paterson is known for an excellent music program. They have several majors and according to their website, they accept spring students for all except their jazz studies program. <a href="http://www.wpunj.edu/coac/music/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.wpunj.edu/coac/music/&lt;/a> . The mid 50% range of SAT scores for students accepted to WP is listed as 450-540 for both math and verbal. You can still register to take the SAT again in October or even try the ACT. If you go to their undergraduate admissions page and click on admissions counselors, you will see that they have specific counselors listed for both the music program and international students. Contact one or both of those, explain your situation and see if they can help. Good luck!!</p>

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<p>lescarpe - You come across very well, so you have excellent chances. Maybe not exactly in the way you originally planned or even in the way you are planning at the moment. But you will succeed.</p>

<p>I am so glad that knowledgeable parents have suggested possible colleges for you. I just want to add that it may NOT be true that
[quote]
I can't go to community colleges because they dont have the courses that i want/need to take in order for me to become a professional musician.

[/quote]
You could go to a community college with open admissions for one semester or two or three even if it doesn't have your major. You can take classes outside your major that would transfer to a 4-year school and fulfill your distribution requirements. You could use that time to show what you can do. If you like, you could re-take SATS - so take some math and English classes that would help you there. It's just an option to consider. </p>

<p>Stay with us as you continue figuring things out. We are here to help. By the way, it is easy to be "generous", as you asked us to, when a post is so heartfelt and well thought out. Good luck.</p>

10

<p>It really seems unfair to not consider your GPA and SAT scores in light of being from a different culture and language. If you go on <a href="http://www.collegeboard.com%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.collegeboard.com&lt;/a>
you can pick a state then have the SAT averages listed in order from lowest to highest or the other way around. You'll see that many schools fit your SAT range. Also, schools with fewer URMs might be more open to you because they want a more divere student body. Good luck.</p>

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<p>I agree with jmmom, take some community college courses, the general ones, and maybe you can raise your gpa at the same time. Good luck!:)</p>

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<p>A relative of mine with a fairly bad high school record, poor SATs, and good musical ability (piano, voice, composing) is studying music now at Hunter College in NYC, and liking it a lot.</p>

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<p>Hi, celloguy </p>

<p>I want to ask, why would i lie about taking classes in 'JUILLIARD'?
Pre-college is just a preparation for the teens for there future reference,that had obviously had nothing to do with bragging or trying to lie. If that would have helped me get in to good music colleges, why would i ask people for help? Do you go to Juilliard? If i name some of my teachers, would you know them? I took classes for a year in Mannes pre-college and 3 years in Juilliard pre-college.Thanks so much everyone else for help, it really helped me and thanks for understanding me. But if you have doubts about my helpless situation, don't bother. I apologize that i spelled Juilliard wrong i didnt know that was going to be a huge issue to you, next time i should really be careful.What did you expect then, did you want me to use wrong grammar and vocabs just because english is not my native language? I tried to post with correct grammar and decent vocabs because i respect other people who are actually willing to help me.</p>

<p>I am really disappointed and upset about what Celloguy had to say. When i hesistated for so long to even post something here with my true story and ask for help and you are 'doubting' everything i said. That is just extremely immature.</p>

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<p>lescarpe, sorry if you took offense. You sound angry and defensive, and that itself may be a clue to your situation. I questioned whether we were getting an accurate picture of your dilemma because I saw a discrepancy between what you posted about grades/SATs and your apparent writing skill. Sometimes people under stress fail to see their own strengths. An analogy could be seen in anorexia, an all-too-common syndrome where a high-achieving, perfectionististic youngster sees herself (usually a female) as overweight when in fact she's painfully thin. I didn't suggest you were lying about Juilliard -- I wondered why you spelled it incorrectly when everything else was perfect; it seemed odd. Did someone (someone unfamiliar with Juilliard) help you edit your original post? Of course it's not a "big deal" -- but seemed like it might be a clue to what's going on with you. The style of your original post is very different from this latest post addressed to me. I'm trying to get a clearer idea of your skills, so we can better advise you. Have you taken the TOEFL? Were the five colleges that didn't accept you reasonable choices? Did you get guidance help with choosing them, or is there no one at your high school who could assess your skills/grades/scores/ECs and point you towards suitable colleges? The people on CC can only "hear" what you tell us, and that's a poor substitute for actually knowing you. For example, one poster recommended Keene State College, which happens to be a school where I once worked; it's a place with a serious alcohol problem and a dominant population of loutish rednecks; yes, the music department facilities are good, but the living conditions are pretty hard to take for kids who didn't grow up in poor, rural New Hampshire. Is it right for you?</p>

<p>My point is, CC advice is very general. You also need specific help. And the vivid difference between the style of your first post and your second post reinforces that.</p>

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<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I am just so overwhelmed about my situation and I am also very sensitive about it. I did take it a bit offensively because I thought you weren't taking my dilemma as a serious problem but an uncertain joke and lie. I edited and edited and edited my post about million times before I posted because I didn’t want people to see my disability of writing. I’m sorry if I was being rude but I am so not used to ask for help because I always feel like I am just below everyone and I hate to be THAT person who is not even close to being an average student. That is why I applied to schools that are way too challenging for me and that is why I regret of my stupidity now. To be honest, I want to go to a college and make my parents proud of me. Because getting into those 2 music colleges when I was 15, 16 aren’t going to do for me anymore. Those are the only achievement I have made in my life, and those are the things I can actually talk about without being ashamed. I am so self-conscious these days, I see people leaving for college and I am just sitting here thinking, “What am I going to do with my life? “. I know this probably sounds stupid, but my question that I pause so much to ask is, what schools can I possibly get in? What schools will take me as a ‘musician’ and concern more about my ability? Would I have chance in Montclair, William Paterson or any schools around NJ? If not, which I think the answers will be, where should I try?</p>

<p>Thanks, and sorry for my irritated post, I am just really stressed and anxious.</p>

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<p>No one thought your post was irritating. I think the person was just trying to see if you were underestimating yourself. Please do not give up. You seem like a good person and deserve to contiue your education. </p>

<p>Were you able to look on this link? See if the bottom one works. Go under New Jersey and then specify you want to see schools by SAT scores from lowest to highest. There are many schools that would be happy to have you. It looks like you just didn't get good or realistic advice. Hang in there. </p>

<p><a href="http://www.Collegeboard.com%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.Collegeboard.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p><a href="http://apps.collegeboard.com/search/servlet/advsearchservlet?buttonPressed=viewResults&navigateTo=9&viewpage=1%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://apps.collegeboard.com/search/servlet/advsearchservlet?buttonPressed=viewResults&navigateTo=9&viewpage=1&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

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<p>Are you still studying piano with someone? Do you have performance opportunities?</p>

<p>I agree with the people who recommended community college for this year. It is unfortunate that you won't be able to major in performance there. Nevertheless, that route appears to be your best for the next year. Here are some advantages:</p>

<p>you can prove that you are able to do college level work</p>

<p>you can meet some competent advisors</p>

<p>you can take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) which will put your SAT scores into perspective</p>

<p>you can do a better job of planning and completing your college applications for next year</p>

<p>It would be regrettable indeed if you were forced to return to your country against your will. But I don't see how it will help you to try to apply for Spring admission when your reasonable target schools don't accept students for the Spring. My advice therefore is to make such good progress this fall--in music, at community college, in your college planning--that the change in you is obvious and your parents will relent about taking you back to your country.</p>

<p>If, as they come up, you post specific questions about the college process on CC, particularly on the Parents Forum, people will give you helpful answers. Also, can your teacher(s) help you select possible schools that might be suitable for you? </p>

<p>I think that you have a lot to offer. Having the ability to be in the Juilliard program, and having had the experience with that program, are wonderful things that you can be proud of and can build on. </p>

<p>But get moving so you don't miss the start of the fall session at community college!</p>

18

<p>lescarpe1229 </p>

<p>I think you should go to Community College. </p>

<p>At a Community College, you can learn more English and you can also learn more math. That can help you slide on in to taking the SAT over. </p>

<p>Also, you say you have ADHD? You should have tried to have an accommodation in place for when you took the SAT. So, you honestly have a fair opportunity to take the SAT over.</p>

<p>Furthermore, you can go to Community College in such a place as New Jersey and still try very hard to carry on with your music. I live in New Jersey? That is a big city and you can find opportunities for your music there and still study for a while at Community College. </p>

<p>Lastly, please think of going to Community College and learning more English and also how to really deal with your ADHD. Then, you study hard for a while and transfer to a nice school which has musical opportunities. </p>

<p>It is not shameful, to go to Community College for a little bit in order to catch up and try your best to earn better marks. </p>

<p>Good luck and you PM me if you need anything. But, also ask things on this area of the web site.</p>

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<p>Please don't look at community college as giving up your music dream. Community college makes the most sense for you at this time. When you get accepted at a four year college for musical performance, you will still have to take a range of academic courses, not just those musical courses you are interested in. Now that your ADHD has been diagnosed, you will be able to handle those kind of courses easier than in High School but it will still be a big adjustment. It might be easier for you to succeed at those if you started at a community college. And as others have mentioned, the community college route will give you access to all kind of resources and guidance you don't have now trying to do this on your own. Academic advisors, disability office to help get SAT accomodations and things such as study skills guidance, financial aid advise, etc. Why waste an entire semester or even two hoping to get into a musical program somewhere? And, you can continue to take classes and perform outside the community college until you are accepted to a musical performance program. Maybe if your parents see how hard you are working they will give you until next September to find a four year college in your field and you will enter that college much better prepared to take those required classes outside the musical area.</p>

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<p>Hi. I know that The College of St Elizabeth offers a Music program. However, I think it is only available to women students.</p>

<p>CUNY CCNY offer a music program too. I think that you could commute to that too!</p>

<p>William Paterson has a music program too.</p>

<p>I am sure that you can get into college. I do not think your parents will force you to go back to PRC. I think that they are very proud to have you study in the US.</p>

<p>Are you willing to study something else?</p>