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Hi,

I am a high school senior at a small town public college prep high school.
I don't have an outstanding GPA(as of the end of last year a 2.4574) or a extremely high SAT (940, in the 50% range) at any rate. The thing that killed my GPA is that I received a D+ in math. But all of the rest of the grades are A's and B's. As an independent learner I homeschooled for my freshman year. I have marked improvement from sophomore year through present time. But my large hook is that I thoroughly enjoy music and singing. I know that I definetly want to something with my ife involving music/singing. I have worked at a concert venue, had voice/piano lessons, chorus/select choir and involved in the school musical theater. I would eventually like to persue a teaching career or a performing career. I will be applying to a couple of the very small LAC's in my state. I know that I could do well in college environment. I have been told the same by my mother and she was a straight A student in college. During my homeschooling year I was evaluated in a development class at a local college by the students and the professor. I got nothing but good remarks.
I know that I am capable of more than I have been demonstrating in HS.I have just one of those people that it has taken a while and a few bumps in the road to come to this realization.
I guess I am writing to see what you think that I should do. Are there any colleges that have even slightly been known to accept students if they really do have the need and the desire for a college education but life has dealt some hardships along the way? Also, what colleges that have a strong music/theater program but still a variety of majors to choose from should I look into for applying?
I guess I'm just kinda confused about this whole thing. I go onto these message boards and there are these people who are "seeming" to be the majority of the boards. I do not come from money, my parents don't own their own large companies, and I don't think that the biggest problem in life is not getting into an Ivy League($30k a year for just undergrad studies) college is the end of the world. I'd appreciate any suggestions, comments, or words of encouragement from you.
Thank you.

By Dave Berry on Wednesday, January 23, 2002 - 05:35 pm: Edit

Hi, Jen. Welcome to College Confidential. First of all, I would like to reassure you that there is a perfect college out there just waiting for you. Don't be discouraged by the circumstances of your life. The answer to your question...

>>Are there any colleges that have even slightly been known to accept students if they really do have the need and the desire for a college education but life has dealt some hardships along the way?<<

..is a resounding "YES!" Your job will be to determine which college that is. If you could post some of your preferences here, perhaps I (and some of our other astute posters) could give you some suggestions so that you might be able to start your search.

Tell us something about what you are looking for in a college. From what you've said in your post, I assume that you prefer smaller LACs. What part of the country would you prefer? What kind of weather? Do you prefer conservative or liberal student bodies? Would you like to be near a large city or do you like rural settings? How far from home (by car) would you want to go? Where do you live (give us a general idea of what part of your state you live in)? Would music performance be your intended major? Any other details would also help.

Let us know and we'll be glad to cook up a candidate list for you. Thanks, Jen.

By Jen on Wednesday, January 23, 2002 - 06:26 pm: Edit

Well I don't neccessarily prefer smaller LACs. Thats just what most of the colleges that are located in my state of NH are.. besides UNH of course.

Yes, I think that there is a large chance of persuing a music performance degree. My other interests are psychology and education/teaching.

I haven't been known to shy away from large city settings but not be overly large. I visited Northeastern University but didn't choose to pursue that school because I didn't have a strong need for the co-op program that they had. I probably would like to stay in the New England region. I wouldn't like to go to college located anymore North though, so that rules out Maine.

As I don't really understand about the whole conservative vs. liberal ordeal I can't really answer whether I prefer one or the other.

I'd like for the college to have a nice auditorium.

I'd like for the professors to be accessible enough that I could get ahold of them to ask questions.

If you think of any other criteria that would help, feel free to ask.

By Dave Berry on Wednesday, January 23, 2002 - 09:20 pm: Edit

Jen, now that you've given us some more information about your preferences, I came up with a few candidates that you might want to checkout:

UMass Boston
U. of Vermont Burlington
Quinnipiac College (CT)
Fairfield U. (CT)
Fitchburg State (MA)
Wheaton College (MA)

Check out their Web sites and their programs in music, psychology, and education. Make some notes if you find anything especially appealing. You might want to make some plans to visit. Keep us posted on your progress and don't be afraid to pick the brains of our experts here. Good luck!