My daughter is a senior and has been fortunate enough to be accepted to several music schools in her chosen field of Music Education (voice). We are now faced with a difficult decision. She has been accepted to Lawrence University's 5 year double degree program (planning on studying computer science as well) and University of Michigan SMTD. She was not accepted to the LSA school separately but has been assured (by the university) that she is free to register for LSA classes and complete a major or a minor in Comp sci if she desires-though it will surely take more than 4 years. These 2 are currently her top 2 choices.
In many ways Lawrence is perfect for her- given its small size, attentive and low key atmosphere and ample support for students wishing to double degree. Plus my daughter can be weak in terms of executive functioning and I think they are more supportive academically there.
However, it is awfully hard to turn down an offer from a U of M caliber program. I know that U of M SMTD will be a "smaller school" experience than attending the university at large, but I do wonder if there will be as much academic support as well as academic counseling for someone attempting to double major or minor out of the school. (I myself graduated from U of M and I can tell you that the LSA school is pretty much sink or swim). Furthermore, I worry that music education majors at U of M may be second class citizens to the vocal performance majors in terms of access to faculty and participation in the top level choirs. So I guess I am asking 2 questions.
1. How crazy is is to turn down a top tier music school in favor of a less prestigious (though from what I understand, well regarded) one?
2. Does anyone have experience at the U of M or Lawrence in Music Education who might be able to add some information to help her make this decision.
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