What are colleges looking for?
Check out this article from The New York Times about some of the variables that college admissions departments are looking at in student college applications.
What are colleges looking for? College Docs is excited to be attending a very special benefit concert on December 17, 2017 at 7pm that gives scholarships to college-bound Bridgeport students.
This one-time musical performance will be held to benefit The Irving Moorin Scholarship Fund and the B’nai Israel Music Program, at 2710 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT. Musicians include Rabbi Greg Wall (tenor saxophone), Jaimie Baum (flute), Brian Marsella (piano), Jay Anderson (bass), and Adam Nussbaum (drums). Andres Forero, the drummer for the hit Broadway show Hamilton, will make a short presentation and conduct a charity auction, including two tickets to Hamilton! The fund reaches out to those high school students in the Bridgeport, CT area who show determination to overcome their hardships in obtaining a college degree. Tickets are still available. To learn more about The Irving Moorin Scholarship Fund see: The fund reaches out to those high school students in Bridgeport, CT area who show the same determination to http://www.irvingmoorinscholarship.org/. hardships in obtaining a college degree. Since its inception in 1971, the award has grown in significance. It is highly sought after by graduating seniors, who but for this award might otherwise not be able to attend college. The fund reaches out to those high school students in Bridgeport, CT area who show the same determination to overcome their hardships in obtaining a college degree. Since its inception in 1971, the award has grown in significance. It is highly sought after by graduating seniors, who but for this award might otherwise not be able to attend college. The fund reaches out to those high school students in Bridgeport, CT area who show the same determination to overcome their hardships in obtaining a college degree. Since its inception in 1971, the award has grown in significance. It is highly sought after by graduating seniors, who but for this award might otherwise not be able to attend college. The fund reaches out to those high school students in Bridgeport, CT area who show the same determination to overcome their hardships in obtaining a college degree. Since its inception in 1971, the award has grown in significance. It is highly sought after by graduating seniors, who but for this award might otherwise not be able to attend college. College Docs is delighted to be part of the Countdown to College Expo at the Westport Library (20 Jessup Road, Westport, CT 06880) on Saturday,
September 16th 9:30 to 4:30. We will be presenting "Navigating the Pathway to College Acceptance for Visual and Performing Artists" from 10:00-11:00 am. Check out the link to the event. There will be lots of informative speakers and workshops! We hope to see you there. College Docs was happy to be part of Fairfield Market on the Green on Sunday June 11, 2017.
It was wonderful getting a chance to meet with people from Fairfield and the surrounding communities to talk about college concerns. Some of the questions raised were:
We will also have a booth on the Sherman Green at the Fairfield Sidewalk Sale & Street Fair on Saturday, July 22. Stop by to say “hello” and receive a small gift. Anyone who signs our mailing list will get $50.00 off an initial College Docs consultation. Call us at 203 330-1852 or email us at collegedocsmail@gmail.com Join us at our Fairfield Library presentation in their Getting Ready for College Series.
At Fairfield Main Library 1080 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT Wednesday 4/5/2017 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Rotary Room College Docs is excited to present Navigating the Pathway to College Acceptance for Visual and Performing Artists at the downtown Fairfield Library. Have you invested years developing a talent in art, music or theater arts? Are you interested in pursuing your education in the visual and performing arts in college? Not sure whether to focus on a conservatory or music program within a larger university; an art school or an art degree in a liberal arts college? We will explore the differences between various arts and music courses of study and the unique requirements of each regarding online or in-person auditions and portfolios. Come learn about how to navigate through the additional components that go beyond a traditional college application. There will be time for questions. Click here to register. (Press CTRL + click) We look forward to seeing you there. Vicki Boudin and Joan Franklin
The event is free, open to the public with a first come, first serve format. Since there can be thousands of students and parents attending the event, expect long lines at the more popular schools such as Rhode Island School of Design(RISD), Pratt Institute, Cooper Union School of Art and Fashion Institute of Technology(FIT). Expect to spend 10 to 15 minutes with each school's art faculty getting feedback on your work. As the event is only four hours long, it is beneficial to get there early and do research ahead of time to maximize your visit, as you may only get to talk to 5-6 schools. The event is for all high school students, families, art teachers and counselors and is advantageous for sophomores and juniors who can benefit from the art faculty feedback to improve their portfolios. Seniors can use the event as part of their admission portfolio review at individual schools as a part of their application process. For further information about attending an event at various cities around the country, go to: www.portfolioday.net.
If you, or someone you know are planning to major in the visual arts at college and are interested in receiving custom, one-on-one guidance through every step of the college application process, contact College Docs. We specialize in the visual arts and offer personalized college action plans . When College Docs visited Muhlenberg College we were impressed with the friendliness and enthusiasm of their students and their wide range of academic and extracurricular offerings including numerous interdisciplinary opportunities. Muhlenberg has robust programs in the arts including art history, dance, film studies, music and theatre. Students interested in the visual arts may qualify for a Muhlenberg College Talent Grant, even if they are not art majors. Melissa W. Falk, Dean of Admission and Financial Aid has provided College Docs with the following valuable information on Muhlenberg College: Explore Muhlenberg College (www.muhlenberg.edu) and find out why our students are happy, busy and making the most of their college experience! Muhlenberg College is a warm, welcoming and vibrant community situated in Allentown, Pennsylvania, which is conveniently located just 90 miles from New York City and 60 miles from Philadelphia. Our 2,200 students choose from over 45 academically rigorous majors and minors (many of whom will ultimately graduate with double majors), actively learn and research with our hands-on faculty and are passionately involved in the campus community and beyond!
Come experience Muhlenberg and join us for a visit!
We hope to see you at Muhlenberg soon! Melissa W. Falk Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Muhlenberg College mfalk@muhlenberg.edu Many high school students and parents are overwhelmed with the task of applying to college. They recognize how much information they have to decipher and look for resources to assist them with the college planning process. Some may have heard of Harlan Cohen or seen his bestselling book, The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College. He also hosts webinars and speaks at schools around the country. He focuses on helping students transition to college life and 'becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable'. Check out his website: www.harlancohen.com. ''Harlan was visiting Fairfield, CT in the spring and College Docs went to hear his presentation and spoke to him afterwards. At Harlan's next visit to the area he arranged to meet with us in our College Docs offices. We discussed our experiences working with students and were pleased to give him our feedback on his Naked Roommate College Boot Camp that he launched this summer. He addresses many issues for both students and parents including getting involved on campus, time management, dating and relationships, safety on campus, and diversity and other sensitive issues.
He was interested in hearing our views of his video series from our perspective as educational consultants working with college bound students, as well as our backgrounds as psychologists. In particular he wanted to discuss issues concerning special education students, regional attitudes, as well as parental concerns with the college planning process. We were glad to review his summer video series and contribute our expertise to Harlan's extensive resources. We have also utilized some of his materials with our students and parents. College Docs offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to students and their parents who are planning to attend college. www.collegedocs.com By Dr. Deborah Barany Barany Educational Consulting www.baranyeduconsult.com After years of music recitals, high school performances, choir concerts, rehearsals, tech weeks and maybe even more than a few musical theater productions, you are ready to apply to college music programs. The music application process takes planning, time management and attention to additional requirements. The music application has more steps and requirements compared to a typical college application. Start researching early and learn about the following:
Almost every college or university offers a music major. The most important takeaway from this entire blog post is: THE MUSIC STUDIO AND TEACHER ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE NAME OF THE SCHOOL. All music programs are organized around the studio system. Students select or are assigned a faculty member in their instrument. They typically stay with this teacher throughout their degree program. Private, group and master classes are taught through the studio. Students in the studio become colleagues, collaborators and friends. One of the benefits of the studio system include meeting students at all levels, -freshmen- senior and even graduate students. The studio becomes a home away from home as well as the center of music training. Now you might understand why music students are choosing a studio as well an institution. There are all kinds of structures for earning a degree in music. Conservatory - Only offer music degrees. Some liberal arts courses are required for graduation but do not form the majority of the course load. Examples include Eastman, Manhattan School of Music, San Francisco Conservatory. Conservatory/Liberal Arts College- -There are a handful of schools in the US that have conservatories and liberal art colleges. Students can enroll in either the conservatory or the Liberal Arts College, OR they can enroll in both, earning two degrees. Campuses offering both are are referred to as double degree programs. Any two degrees can be combined, for example, Bassoon performance Major (Bach. of Music) and Biochemistry (Bach. of Sci). Examples include Lawrence University, Gettysburg College, Oberlin College and Conservatory. School of Music - Usually found at the university level. Most schools of music operate like conservatories but have the resources of the larger university. Examples include Boston University, University of Puget Sound, Indiana University. Music department - Usually found at colleges and operate like any other department, eg. biology department. Examples are St. Olaf College, Pacific Lutheran University, and Amherst College.gg Music program - Programs are not full departments but in some colleges a student can still major in music. Best to check out the offering carefully. Art school- - There are a number of Art colleges that offer music programs. Good examples are The University of the Arts, Cal Arts , and Cornish College of the Arts . This type of school offers both visual and performing arts majors. The Music Application In addition to the regular application process (transcripts, essay, letters of recommendation, application, test scores) the music application is likely to require: 1) Audition 2) Resume 3) Head Shot 4) Additional Application 5) Additional Letters of Recommendation from Music Teachers 6) Pre-Screen Submission Audition- Make sure you know the requirements for your instrument. Requirements are listed on each school’s website. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE...this is not the time to wing it or come in underprepared. The audition will make or break your application. You might have the perfect GPA and test scores but that will not overcome a bad audition! There are several options for auditioning. The best option is audition live, on campus and in front of faculty. If that is not feasible many schools hold regional auditions around the country. If you really can’t get to campus or a regional audition you can submit a video to the school. You must submit a complete application to the school before you can schedule an audition!!!!! Even though you will most likely only be able to apply regular decision, submit your completed application by the ED1 or EA1 deadline. Audition season is generally in January and February. - Unfortunately for the musical theater students it usually means no high school show for you in senior year. Resume- This is a music resume which should include your instruments, all the ensembles, performances, current repertoire, and music teachers/lessons. Additional Application- It is common for music programs to include a separate application in addition to the general application for the college/university. Check each school to find out what they require. Music Letter of Recommendation- These letters must come from your private music teacher in your primary instrument (and secondary if you have one). You must also include your high school music teacher and community ensemble (if you participate in one). Pre-Screen Submission- Many schools have so many applicants they can’t listen to everyone. Make sure you know if a school requires a pre-screen video submission. From this pre-screen video they invite candidates to a live audition. If you don’t pass the pre-screen stage then you are denied an audition and will not be admitted to the music program. Check with each school’s application to see which portal, such as SlideRoom, they require for the pre-screen video. Some colleges have their own arts submission portal. Application- Apply RD but think ED!!! In order to schedule an audition you have to submit your application to the college/university first. A couple of schools offer early action/decision for music students if they hold fall auditions. In most cases music students can only apply regular decision. Nonetheless, in order to secure an audition date your application must be submitted in the fall. You do not have to worry about high school transcripts or test scores. Your common app and all your music materials must be complete and turned in early. What about admission rates? Unlike non-music majors, schools rarely report admit rates. The admit rates for music are very low- sometime even more competitive than the Ivies. This changes year to year and is different within the music program itself. For example, a large group of Baritone singers graduate making room for new Baritones. At the same school, Alto Sax is full so no new students will be admitted in the Alto Sax studio. This is because of the studio system. Schools admit new students based on openings in the various studios. I have seen schools take 0% in a particular instrument because they had no room for new students that year. Sometimes schools will let you know but most of the time they will still hear all instruments in case there is an opening. Because of the level of competition, be sure to allow yourselves a variety of program options. TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION PROCESS:
Personalized College Action PlanMany thanks to our colleague, Dr. Deborah Barany, IEC, for sharing her expertise with our readers.
For further information or help with college admissions for the arts, feel free to contact College Docs and check out the Performing Arts page on our website. College Docs offers personalized college action plans to help with every step of the college admissions process. |
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