I am an oboist, and I have gained acceptance to each of these schools. I have a 4.17 gpa and ACT score of 29. I adored both CU and Carolina equally, and currently I feel stuck in the middle when it comes to my decision. I have considered double majoring, but as of right now I am strictly pursuing an oboe performance major (although I may pursue a double major later in my studies). CU’s music program is much more well known than Carolina’s it seems, but I felt as though skill level and teacher’s worthwhile were equal. I like the studio teacher at CU a bit more than Carolina’s (although they both are great), but I don’t even know how much opportunity I will have with him because CU has masters and doctoral students. Carolina, on the other hand, has a strictly undergraduate music department. Another thing is that CU has an official school of music, whereas Carolina only has a department. It seems that Carolina’s academics and school record are much greater than CU’s, and my mom keeps on reminding me how Carolina has a 95% retention rate and is one of the top public universities. CU has offered me academic scholarships and I’m still waiting for my music package, but Carolina has only offered me a 3500 music scholarship (which is good, but not much considering that I will have to play out of state tuition at either institution). I was a finalist for a full ride to Carolina, but I did not receive the honor. It’s a struggle because I really like both schools but I don’t know which one is the right decision. I know I will get a good education either way. I just feel foggy in my head because people keep telling me how much Carolina degrees hold their value, but I have not heard the same regarding CU degrees, even though the music department is more renowned. Any guidance is much appreciated.
Not to be offensive but with a music degree, it doesn’t really matter where you get it. With music your on your own, no degree from college will help you. So you should convince your mom to go to Boulder as its music program is better.
I agree with blueguy all the way. CU has a better music program and you seem to hint that they’ve given you more money. CU is a solid school in a beautiful area; I’d say go bison.