8 answers
Janavi
Student
New Haven, Connecticut
1
Question
Updated
4381 views
Does band and arts give you an advantage for college, even if music isn't your major or minor?
Next year, I'm in the 9th grade and I would like to major in either Pre-Med or Biology. I also take band and I'm in the marching band and planning to take it for the next 4 years. I'm wondering if that factor will give me an edge on my college application and if it will benefit me later. Thanks!
8 answers
Itrat Batool
fresh Graduate
9
Answers
Kuwait City, Al Asimah Governate, Kuwait
Updated
Itrat’s Answer
Hello Janavi !!!
Participation in band and the arts can provide several advantages for college admissions, even if music isn't your major or minor. Here are some reasons why:
Demonstrates Well-Roundedness: Colleges often seek students who are well-rounded and involved in extracurricular activities. Participation in band or the arts shows that you have interests and talents beyond academics, which can make your college application more appealing.
Development of Transferable Skills: Involvement in band and the arts can help develop valuable skills such as teamwork, discipline, time management, creativity, and problem-solving. These skills are transferable to various areas of study and are highly valued by colleges and employers.
Distinguishes Your Application: Participation in band or the arts can set you apart from other applicants and make your application stand out. Admissions officers appreciate diversity and unique talents, and your involvement in these activities can help you differentiate yourself in a competitive applicant pool.
Opportunities for Leadership: Band and arts programs often provide opportunities for leadership roles, such as section leader, drum major, or lead role in a performance. Holding leadership positions demonstrates your ability to take initiative, inspire others, and contribute to the community, which can strengthen your college application.
Potential for Scholarships: Some colleges and universities offer scholarships specifically for students who excel in music or the arts, regardless of their intended major. Your participation and achievements in band or the arts could make you eligible for these scholarship opportunities, helping to offset the cost of college tuition.
Networking and Community Engagement: Band and arts programs foster a sense of community and provide opportunities to connect with peers, mentors, and professionals in the field. Building these relationships can enrich your college experience, provide support networks, and open doors to future opportunities.
Overall, participation in band and the arts can enhance your college application and provide valuable experiences and skills that can benefit you both academically and personally, regardless of whether music is your major or minor. It's essential to highlight your involvement and achievements in these activities in your college application to showcase your diverse talents and interests.
Participation in band and the arts can provide several advantages for college admissions, even if music isn't your major or minor. Here are some reasons why:
Demonstrates Well-Roundedness: Colleges often seek students who are well-rounded and involved in extracurricular activities. Participation in band or the arts shows that you have interests and talents beyond academics, which can make your college application more appealing.
Development of Transferable Skills: Involvement in band and the arts can help develop valuable skills such as teamwork, discipline, time management, creativity, and problem-solving. These skills are transferable to various areas of study and are highly valued by colleges and employers.
Distinguishes Your Application: Participation in band or the arts can set you apart from other applicants and make your application stand out. Admissions officers appreciate diversity and unique talents, and your involvement in these activities can help you differentiate yourself in a competitive applicant pool.
Opportunities for Leadership: Band and arts programs often provide opportunities for leadership roles, such as section leader, drum major, or lead role in a performance. Holding leadership positions demonstrates your ability to take initiative, inspire others, and contribute to the community, which can strengthen your college application.
Potential for Scholarships: Some colleges and universities offer scholarships specifically for students who excel in music or the arts, regardless of their intended major. Your participation and achievements in band or the arts could make you eligible for these scholarship opportunities, helping to offset the cost of college tuition.
Networking and Community Engagement: Band and arts programs foster a sense of community and provide opportunities to connect with peers, mentors, and professionals in the field. Building these relationships can enrich your college experience, provide support networks, and open doors to future opportunities.
Overall, participation in band and the arts can enhance your college application and provide valuable experiences and skills that can benefit you both academically and personally, regardless of whether music is your major or minor. It's essential to highlight your involvement and achievements in these activities in your college application to showcase your diverse talents and interests.
Matthew Polan
1
Answer
College Park, Maryland
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Dear Janavi,
Universities will be thrilled to see your participation in extracurricular activities. This demonstrates your ability to juggle your personal interests along with your academic responsibilities. I firmly believe you should keep up your involvement in the marching band, especially if it's an activity you truly love. No matter what major you're planning to pursue, guidance counselors will be impressed by your diverse skills and interests. They always appreciate a candidate who is versatile and well-balanced.
Universities will be thrilled to see your participation in extracurricular activities. This demonstrates your ability to juggle your personal interests along with your academic responsibilities. I firmly believe you should keep up your involvement in the marching band, especially if it's an activity you truly love. No matter what major you're planning to pursue, guidance counselors will be impressed by your diverse skills and interests. They always appreciate a candidate who is versatile and well-balanced.
Michael Vallee
Music producer
1
Answer
Spokane Valley, Washington
Updated
Michael’s Answer
I believe that music in any capacity will be beneficial for learning, whether it is something you pursue or not.
If you get really good at it, it could lead to a scholarship. If that happens then you have offset the cost of a college tuition. Just something to consider.
If you get really good at it, it could lead to a scholarship. If that happens then you have offset the cost of a college tuition. Just something to consider.
Dr. Giancarlo Poletti
Pianist, Composer & Teacher
1
Answer
Updated
Dr. Giancarlo’s Answer
Yes- for sure any ensemble work will help you with college degree applications. You will be committing ti an instrument, and you will be committed to working with others. My experience is that the most important aspect of work life is working with others. What better way to present yourself? Plus, music is very good for concentration, focus and seeing patterns.
Rian Alam
Student
139
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Rian’s Answer
Hi Janavi,
Being in band will definitely help your college applications. If you choose to pursue a pre-med path, you may also consider looking into continuing some form of music in college which can then ultimately help your application stand out when it comes time to medical school!
Being in band will definitely help your college applications. If you choose to pursue a pre-med path, you may also consider looking into continuing some form of music in college which can then ultimately help your application stand out when it comes time to medical school!
Cassie L
Associate
1
Answer
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Cassie’s Answer
Hi Janavi,
When I was applying to college (~ 6 years ago), I was advised that consistently participating in a specific extracurricular activity would show commitment to this activity but also show an ability to manage time. Additionally, the more experience you gain in band/ marching band the more opportunity there is for a leadership role as you move through high school, which is also great to demonstrate your abilities. Even though this may not be directly related to your planned major, you can definitely still develop/showcase skills that will transfer over! Best of luck!
When I was applying to college (~ 6 years ago), I was advised that consistently participating in a specific extracurricular activity would show commitment to this activity but also show an ability to manage time. Additionally, the more experience you gain in band/ marching band the more opportunity there is for a leadership role as you move through high school, which is also great to demonstrate your abilities. Even though this may not be directly related to your planned major, you can definitely still develop/showcase skills that will transfer over! Best of luck!
Gary Revel
President
1
Answer
Killeen, Texas
Updated
Gary’s Answer
Music opens up a world of unique possibilities that are hard to find in other fields. Participating in your school band is not just fun, but it's also a fantastic way to connect with others. It's more than just playing an instrument; it's about enhancing your college application, showcasing your versatility in education, and laying the groundwork for potential music scholarships. Your choice to be part of the band brings with it a multitude of benefits.
Delving into music studies reveals a fascinating connection with mathematics and a scientific approach that aligns perfectly with the medical and biological sectors.
So, I wholeheartedly urge you to remain a part of your school band. It's more than just an activity; it's a valuable life lesson and a significant boost to your college application.
Delving into music studies reveals a fascinating connection with mathematics and a scientific approach that aligns perfectly with the medical and biological sectors.
So, I wholeheartedly urge you to remain a part of your school band. It's more than just an activity; it's a valuable life lesson and a significant boost to your college application.
Miranda Rodriguez
Lawyer
2
Answers
DeSoto, Texas
Updated
Miranda’s Answer
Extracurriculars usually help show a well-rounded student. If your application includes a statement of purpose or other essay, your experience in music might give you a life experience or challenge that you can write about. Applications aside, music education benefits other areas - math, reading comprehension, team work, etc. While not medical in nature, those life lessons will still support you in whatever field you choose.
Some universities also have marching band/concert band opportunities for non-majors. When you're looking at your undergrad options, you might take a look at the school's music program and whether you'll be able to continue to develop your interests/passions for music. For example, my undergrad was Computer Science and later became a lawyer - but I was also in the Goin' Band from Raiderland at Texas Tech and still play in a community band now. You can do both!
Some universities also have marching band/concert band opportunities for non-majors. When you're looking at your undergrad options, you might take a look at the school's music program and whether you'll be able to continue to develop your interests/passions for music. For example, my undergrad was Computer Science and later became a lawyer - but I was also in the Goin' Band from Raiderland at Texas Tech and still play in a community band now. You can do both!
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