I do have two more years yet to decide, but the question has been plagueing me, where should I go to college? I live in central MN, and would like to stay fairly close, but thats not a large deciding factor. Right now, I am number one in a class of around 500, and am fascinated with music and calculus. My main instrument is the horn, but I also play piano, violin, and most other brass, string, and double reed instruments. I also enjoy science, but calculus and music are my two main interests. Thanks for your opinions!
*A follow-up question: At college,what should I major in?
First, sit down and make a list of what you want in a college. Proximity, programs, people, etc. Try to put them in a general order, but don’t be too rigid with it. Then, go to your guidance counselor. They know the most about colleges and their respective strengths. They also help you sort out what you want in a college. There are websites like www.review.com and www.embark.com in which you can put down what you want in college and they’ll tell you what matches your criteria. Review even has a thing where you can put in your qualifications and they’ll tell you what’s a reach, ballpark and safety (It’s a bit outdated though, because it’s getting harder to get into places because of a growing applicant pool). Once you figure out where you want to apply to, visit them and, if possible, do overnights there. Overnights give you a good feel for the school.
I did an overnight at Macalester and I loved it, it was my second choice after the school I’m going to next year (American). It’s fairly close to you but I’m not sure about the relative strengths of its music and math/science departments, I just know it’s got excellent social studies programs. If you’re looking to apply to a conservatory, try Northwestern. I have a friend similar to you inasmuch he’s very smart (First in a class of 500! Good job. The first in my class of 350 is going to Harvard next year) and also interested in music. Oberlin also has a conservatory, but like Macalester it’s a liberal arts college so I’m not sure how strong the sciences and math are.
I take it you’re still a sophomore, so junior year is an excellent time to figure out what you want. Keep those grades up, junior year is most important for most places. If you really know where you want to go apply ED, it enhances your chances greatly. If any of the places you want to go has EA, take it.
You sound bright, I’m sure you’ll find somewhere good. Good luck and welcome to the boards!
If your desire is to experience the single most intensely intellectual experience a college can offer, you can do no better than Reed College in Portland, OR. Other schools have brand-name-recognition. But if you want the real deal, Reed College is the place for you.