I know I’ve posted on this forum many times before with different things I’m looking for each time and it’s late but please bear with me…
My high school had this class where you basically just play rock music in groups (like 4-8 people). I know there are lots of opportunities to meet people to jam with in college but I’d like a structured program/group/class like that. Most colleges seem to only have jazz or classical opportunities.
Anyone know of schools that have this?
I also care about strong AI/CS research (music-only schools are out of the question), preferably medium/large student body
Me: 3.4 GPA (upward trend to 3.8 in 11-12 grade), 1520 SAT, 770 Math 2, good ECs, prospective computer science major
Colleges I’m already considering: USC, UCLA, URochester, NYU, U Denver, Indiana U (accepted), Hamilton, Case, most UCs, Cal Poly, Lehigh
@pleasgod, the mix of schools are very different. What makes both UCLA or NYU and Hamilton all attractive? While your test scores are strong, I think your GPA will be a hurdle at the best schools - Case, Hamilton, Lehigh, NYU, Rochester, UCLA, USC.
@Chembiodad I know my list seems random but I like Hamilton (despite it being a small LAC) because it has good financial aid, an open curriculum, bioinformatics research, and music opportunities. I also like both NYU and UCLA for those last two reasons; UCLA for its affordable in-state tuition, good weather, general strength in research, and student culture; and NYU for its self-driving car/AI research, Gallatin individualized major program, and location.
I’m just trying to get into the best school I can for financial aid, research opportunities, recruiting, making connections, and general resources to pursue my interests in music and building things. I had health issues to explain the low GPA and my ECs are good so I’m hoping that helps my case. Do you have better suggestions of matches?
Hamilton has a great jazz program and instructor, – Doc Woods. Very small school in rural NY. You will need top scores and a higher GPA tho, it is highly selective. Most schools have jazz – USC has a popular music program, but it is a BM through Thornton and an audition is required. My son is auditioning next month. USC is really flexible so you can do a double major. However, they are academically highly selective as well. Check out St. Olafs, DePauw, Lawrence, Luther, Bard, Oberlin. Wesleyan also has great music opportunities, but highly selective. Also remember that the UCs will only look at your 10th and 11th year grades. Check out UC Santa Cruz as well, they have good music department and CS.
@astute12, yes the jazz program / music scene does seem great at Hamilton as we have two DD’s that are Freshman and am always hearing about pop-up and concert hall performances happening.
Agree that its tough and getting tougher to be accepted - for the Hamilton Class of 2021:
High School Ranking: 85% of accepted students ranked in the top 10% of their high school class.
Middle 50% testing ranges for accepted students:
New SAT: 1420-1510
Old SAT: 1430-1540
ACT Composite: 32-34
We visited Hamilton with our son and it was very impressive. Doc Woods spent two hours with our son. Ultimately our son was not happy with the remoteness of the campus and decided not to apply. Hamilton, I think, will soon join the ranks of the “little ivys.”
Hamilton College is already one of the “Little Ivies” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Ivies
And is currently ranked #18 of LAC’s by USNWR (last year it was tied for #12), although the ranking does include Service Academies which is a little odd. Yes, the location is rural, and agree that the ranking seems to be headed up as the applications continue to increase every year.