Parent of a senior here with three questions about applications that have come up as I have been proofreading some of my son's recently completed applications to check for typos, missing info, etc. I have been trying to call the school in question to ask but their line has been perpetually busy today (not a big surprise since it is the day before Thanksgiving and they are likely shorthanded if they are even there at all). I also sent an email to Admissions with my questions, but don't know if I will get a response by early next week when the app has to be in. I can try to call on Friday or on Monday, but DS wanted to submit this app over the weekend if possible.
1. The school (a conservatory) asks DS to list the other schools to which he is applying. I can understand why schools would want to know, but I also can think of many reasons why applicants might be wise to keep that information private. It does not say the question is optional, but I don't know if it will allow DS to submit without it. I plan to ask the school if it is required. DS filled out that section, but I have reservations. Do you think that list could potentially affect how much merit an accepted student is offered since it will give them an idea of what your top choices and safeties are likely to be?
2. This same school also does not seem to have any place at all on the application where the student can attach a resume or list musical experience, ensembles, honors, or awards, unless I missed it, and I looked at each page/screen of the application three times. That seems odd to me since all of the other schools he is applying to either ask for a resume or have you list all that information in some form elsewhere on the application. They do ask for a repertoire list, but that seems to be the only part of the application that gives clues about the applicant's musical background. Is that unusual? I guess that means this school really just cares about the audition and letters of recommendation vs. if you made All-State, play in an elite extracurricular ensemble, won a prestigious competition, etc.
3. If a school asks you to put an asterisk on the repertoire list for each piece that has been performed publicly, am I correct that would include masterclasses where the student performed a solo in front of other students and faculty?
Thanks for your thoughts and opinions! Hopefully I can get definitive answers before this app has to be in.
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