Author: EEBaum
Date: 2009-02-12 19:45
Assuming all the schools have reputable programs in music and in some other areas she might be interested in, I'd look at other things...
First, look at the atmosphere. Visit the place, walk around, talk with some people, and figure out if you'd be comfortable there. I'm on my second round of grad school apps now, largely because in my first round I wasn't taking that into account. I discovered that, for me, it's most important that I go to a department that is focused on an open atmosphere of music and creativity first, rather than reputation. If the department has good people, the reputation will follow. There are some places, though, where reputation seems to be the top priority, and while it often leads to a good department as well, it can provide a somewhat burdened atmosphere, where people do things a certain way because they feel expected to do so.
I also look for where you find the musicians... are they out and about and sociable, or holed up in their practice rooms, too concerned with what they're practicing to give you the time of day?
So that became the top priority for me, and right now I'm waiting for responses from places that, in my impression, have a reputation that comes from having good people, rather than having good people as a result of wanting a reputation.
Another factor, as others have suggested, is finances. I lived with my parents throughout undergrad and they paid my way. Being debt-free after graduation is a HUGE bonus, especially for musician-types who are quite likely to not pull a big salary just after graduation.
I'd wait to see what the exact offers are from A, B, and C, and further weigh it then. In any case, not having actually been to the places makes it impossible for me, by my criteria, to offer much of a comparison.
IMHO, skip the honors programs. It might make sense to some in high school (though I bailed on it after two years even then), but in college I'd much rather take a few extra random courses I'm really interested in than spend a bunch of extra effort in some invented "ooh, look at the smart people" scheme. It's college. You're all, supposedly, the smart people.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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