Congratulations to everyone who has recently received their college acceptance letters! Now, the challenging part begins—choosing the right school. After a year of intense preparation and nerve-wracking interviews, your efforts have finally paid off 🎉.
Let's dive right into the crucial factors to consider when selecting a school, prioritizing what matters most to you:
Faculty
In any field of study, teachers are crucial, but this is especially true in music. The right professor can make your educational journey both enjoyable and enriching.
For early-stage music students, if you really like a professor and feel a mutual commitment, it's worth choosing them even if other aspects like scholarships or rankings are slightly less competitive.
Advanced music students should consider what they ultimately want from their education. For example, if you admire Professor X from School C and find their classes outstanding, versus Professor Y from School D who might offer more resources and a larger scholarship, choose based on who can best help you achieve your next goals.If professional advancement is your priority, studying with Professor X at School C would be suitable. If you already have strong skills and need more resources and exposure, then Professor Y at School D might be a better fit.
Finances
This includes scholarships and cost of living.If finances are a major barrier, undoubtedly choose the school offering the most substantial scholarship. I personally value scholarships highly as they indicate how much a school wants and values you.
Consider living costs as well. For instance, living in New York City can be affordable if you manage your budget wisely—utilizing student discounts, choosing cheaper supermarkets, and cooking at home can keep living expenses manageable. Ann Arbor might have lower living costs in some aspects, but the lack of public transportation and the necessity of owning a car can add to expenses.
Reputation & Rankings
If Juilliard offers no financial aid but Mannes offers a full scholarship, which would you choose? Would you prefer a smaller role at a more prestigious institution or more significant opportunities at a lesser-known school?
While Juilliard may not offer significant financial support or roles, its platform could provide exposure to influential critics and agents, benefiting your career long-term. Mannes, by providing a full scholarship, suggests a commitment to using your talents extensively, possibly offering significant roles and more performance opportunities.
Location
The geographical setting of the school can significantly impact your experience. Urban environments like New York, Boston, or San Francisco offer extensive cultural, networking, and career opportunities that might be limited in more remote locations.
Lastly, as you decide, remember a piece of advice I received during my own selection process: don't be afraid. Trust that whatever choice you make, you have the capability to succeed. Having the option to choose is a privilege, even if it's a tough decision. Discuss your options with friends, family, teachers, and even online acquaintances. Often, you might find that you already know the answer.
Once you've made your choice, move forward confidently and don't look back. Congratulations again on your offers, and whether you make the right choice or make your choice right, the future is yours to shape.
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