I'm currently a high school senior, and I'm looking for a university or college (preferably in the Northeast or Midwest) with both a strong music program and a strong academic program. I've been playing piano, my main passion in life, for over 11+ years. To try to ensure financial security when I'm older, I'm looking to dual-degree (or double major) in piano performance (BM) and another academic major (perhaps BS or B.Eng), but I'm undecided as of yet.
I believe I'm much more competitive as a piano performance applicant than as an academic student. Although I'm a fairly good student (maybe top 10, top 5% of my graduating class?), my current SAT and prospective ACT scores don't put me in the same thoroughbred league as a stereotypical top-tier "SAT 1590 and ACT 36" applicant.
Acceptance to an Ivy League is desirable for some. I'm more interested more in how well my school will prepare me for life after graduation, and less interested in the school's ranking. I don't want to go to a school where students spend all their time studying and doing coursework, either.
Does anyone know of a school that isn't considered as cutthroat as the Ivy League, but still has a great music (esp. piano) program, in addition to a moderately competitive and well-regarded academic program? (Or, a good academic school that's known for generous financial support of music students?)
I believe I'm much more competitive as a piano performance applicant than as an academic student. Although I'm a fairly good student (maybe top 10, top 5% of my graduating class?), my current SAT and prospective ACT scores don't put me in the same thoroughbred league as a stereotypical top-tier "SAT 1590 and ACT 36" applicant.
Acceptance to an Ivy League is desirable for some. I'm more interested more in how well my school will prepare me for life after graduation, and less interested in the school's ranking. I don't want to go to a school where students spend all their time studying and doing coursework, either.
Does anyone know of a school that isn't considered as cutthroat as the Ivy League, but still has a great music (esp. piano) program, in addition to a moderately competitive and well-regarded academic program? (Or, a good academic school that's known for generous financial support of music students?)