<p>I'm applying to colleges. Specifically, I'm applying for a dual degree: Piano Performance and a B.A. or B.S. in mathematics. Several people (including my parents) have been pressuring me to find more colleges. So far my list is:
University of Michigan
Northwestern University
Oberlin College/Conservatory
University of Rochester/Eastman
Indiana University Bloomington
Boston University
I'd prefer a school in the northeast, north central part of the U.S.(Illinois is pushing it for me, but Northwestern seems like an amazing school) although I am open to others (I looked at Rice but they don't have regional auditions...).
Can you help me choose another 3 or 4 colleges with a dual degree program?</p>
<p>Wow, I’m considering the same degrees and have a very similar list! I guess great minds think alike. I would also consider the Johns Hopkins/Peabody program. And, if you really want a reach - the Harvard/NEC or Tufts/NEC programs. Also, Bard REQUIRES that all students at the conservatory pursue a second degree at the college, which means that you’ll be well-supported throughout a tough dual degree program. I think it would definitely be worth while to look there.</p>
<p>Ah thanks a lot. Good luck to you in your audition process! The only thing about JHU/Peabody is I heard that you first have to be selected to both places and then they select only 10 people from those selected to both to participate in the dual degree. NEC I’ve been iffy about. Many have told me that although the teaching is great, the facilities aren’t at par with other conservatories. I definitely won’t get into Harvard but I’ll consider Tufts/NEC.</p>
<p>Any other suggestions?</p>
<p>Lawrence has a double degree program.
CIM has some kind of program with Case Western.
USC/Thornton is possible.
McGill is possible.
Harvard-NEC is a BA/MM program and very hard to get into (as is the Columbia-Juilliard BA/MM program).
Take a look at applying early decision at Oberlin conservatory - it is nonbinding and if admitted would be an ace-in-the-hole; they will also let you know about any merit award.<br>
It is not far from Michigan if you are doing a visiting tour.<br>
If you can, you should try to visit schools and take sample lessons. These colleges offer very different environments! And visit NEC if you can, too, because the facilities are not so bad (the dorm looks bad…but that may only be for a year anyway) - there are worse - and the piano faculty is strong.</p>
<p>If you are on the mid-west tour, do take a look at CIM/Case Western Reserve. I know of a couple kids who are doing the DD program and from what I learned during the audition process and then during orientation, the two schools really try to work together to make things go as smoothly as possible. Practice time is built into your schedule and classes grouped in such a way as to help you make the best use of your time. My experience with Eastman/U of R is based on what I have heard from one student who began the DD program and dropped the academic side in the second semester. He thought the program too difficult and felt like the physical distance between the two schools meant that too much time was spent in traveling from one place to the other. Yes, the two places are not close, but the classes on one site are scheduled on the hour and the other has them on the half hour, and a bus runs between ESM and the River Campus. When considering taking a dual degree, make sure that you do look at the physical plant of the schools and ask about any accomodations made to help DD students succeed. Also, do make sure to inquire about the number of students who actually complete DD programs and the average length of time it takes. Good luck to both of you!</p>
<p>Thank you all very much. I’ll look into all of these, especially CIM/CWRU since it’s not too far away. I definitely will ask that question about how many students complete the dd programs.</p>