<p>We are trying to decide which conservatory would be best for a student who is strong in viola performance (already at a special arts school/conservatory for high school) but not strong in academics. Will likely graduate with a B to B+ average but struggles with academics. SAT not taken yet but will likely not be strong. Student is doing well in viola performance and music theory classes. Has to work really hard in all other academics to just do okay. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>You’ll find a great resource in the music majors forum: url]<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/</a></p>
<p>Meanwhile, as the parent of a violist, let me suggest a couple of options. Obviously, conservatories that don’t look at standardized test scores would be an option.</p>
<p>My D3 is an intelligent violist who doesn’t do well on standardized tests, and she is having a wonderful experience at the Hartt School. Hartt’s viola department is very, very strong and their academic requirements are less stringent than, say, Oberlin or Northwestern. (It’s associated with the University of Hartford, and the Hartt students tend to be stronger than the Arts & Sciences students there.)</p>
<p>The music major forum is a very supportive place, and folks there can give you lots of useful advice!</p>