<p>Hi CC.
I was just wondering which schools put the most weight on the portfolio over the other parts. I do have decent GPA (save for a couple of C's in Math over the years) and SAT scores (1340/1600) but I feel my musical talent is my strongest asset.I'll be applying for Jazz.
Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>The stand alone conservatories put the least wait on academic performance…if that’s what you’re asking.</p>
<p>There’s no one answer, as it depends on the general type of institution, and their own internal policies (and sometimes instrumental needs).</p>
<p>In general, the strict conservatories, Curtis, Juilliard, NEC, Mannes, Manhattan, Berklee are soley audition based. </p>
<p>Conservatory level programs within institutions such as Eastman, Peabody, Hartt, Oberlin, Indiana/Jacobs, UMich/Ann Arbor, Rice, SUNY Purchase, and others place more weight on the audition, with a minimum institution academic threshold that must be met. This can be “bent” or overridden for a marginally academic candidate, depending on the strength of the auditon and the needs of the school. The academic thresholds can vary widely.</p>
<p>In some cases such as Oberlin, you can study at the conservatory without gaining admission to the academic college; others, like IU/Jacobs and Rice (I believe) require admission to both.</p>
<p>In many smaller schools with very good programs (including most publics), both academic and audition requirements must be met.</p>
<p>There are prior posts on the board asking similar questions, as welll as jazz specific discussions. They can be accessed by searching, or simply scroling through the titles.</p>
<p>It would be helpful if you posted instrument, your background musically, and some other general info (school size, location, public vs private) in pointing out specific programs.</p>
<p>Sorry. I’ve asked the mods to delete the reposts. Site is acting strange this morning.</p>
<p>There are also schools that weigh academics, but their academic requirements are less imposing - University of North Texas, for instance, requires you to apply to the school and to the music department, but their school requirements are not difficult. I don’t believe you’d have a problem.</p>
<p>As long as your audition is up to their standards, your academic stats would only be a problem at a handful of schools like Rice, Michigan, Carnegie Mellon and perhaps a few others. Your academic credentials would be well above average at University of North Texas or William Paterson, both of which have excellent jazz programs. They would be somewhat above average at Temple University and Indiana, also excellent programs. Although they may be a little low for the college, they would not keep you out of Oberlin Conservatory provided you audition well. As people have said, at conservatories like Juilliard, Berklee and NEC, it is nearly all about the audition. Best of luck finding a school that is right for you.</p>