<p>Well, I guess this is not really for Brown uniquely, but for all Ivy League, although Brown is my top choice now. I heard that colleges offer big scholarships to viola players for simply playing, but I don’t know what the Ivy League orchestras are like. How much do you think being a 7 year viola player (4 years with private lessons, an hour) would affect your chances? Thanks!</p>
<p>I'd take up base guitaur personally</p>
<p>Though i told my Harvard interviewer that I didn't plan on playing trumpet in college (8 yr player), but that i did want to take up electric base on my own. I thought it would make me unique. He didn't like it so much.</p>
<p>Well they won't give you a scholarship just for viola. Ivies only do it for need. Viola is actually becoming more popular, from my own experience (which is not necessarily reflective of the whole country.) Nevertheless, 7 years shows commitment and if you are confident enough to send in a tape, do it, because a good one can really help you with admissions - especially if the conductor needs a violist!</p>
<p>Ivy League schools give no merit-based scholarships -- viola might boost your chances of getting admitted, but it won't get you any extra money.</p>