CP3

Greetings. Yes, I do have a Masters in Composition. I know that the GRE is not super important in music. but if you have a sub-par GPA like I do, then a high GRE score can help offset grades. Also, some committees use the GRE score as a way to "weed" out applicants. The most important aspect of the comp application is the music. But as you said, it is very subjective. Some schools look for very complex rhythmic music. Others like jazzy stuff. Some prefer heavy electronic or electro-acoustic music. I chopped good schools off my list because they were really into electronic music, I write purely instrumental music. Most schools like complex music (like you said, tuplets inside quintuplets etc) But this isn't always the case. Some schools like to see accomplishment in regards to competitions, awards (the only awards I have come from the University I studied at) Sometimes it is very political, if you have connections with a University before applying, this can increase your chances of getting accepted, just like with jobs. The whole point is that this process is a complete crapshoot, especially for composers. We don't have publications and specific research goals that fit perfectly with different schools. Everyone writes different music, so it is virtually impossible to find a "perfect fit" Good luck to you with your applications/interviews

grape jam

I understand the funding issue. I purposefully applied to schools with great funding because I didn't want to borrow money to work on a PhD. The problem with this is that most of these schools are BIG reaches for me. I applied to a few that I have a better chance of getting accepted, BUT, they don't offer very good funding. So, if I do get accepted into a low-funding school, I will probably have to turn it down and reapply next year. We shall see.... Yeah, I agree, planning out where/when I will apply next year makes me feel better about rejections, it's helping me keep my mind off of my current situation.

3 rejections, no interviews, no acceptances, not even a wait list. Waiting to hear from 5 schools, most are a reach for me. So, with that being said, I am already beginning my plans for next year's application cycle. Making a new, bigger list of schools, preparing to study for the GRE to retake this summer, etc etc etc. Is anyone else preparing for next year already? I still am waiting to hear from 5 schools, but I figured while I wait, I may as well starting planning for the future. AM I THE ONLY ONE BEING CRAZY???

THANKS!!! Yep, 2-3 of the schools I'm waiting on are practically guaranteed rejections, the 2 left after that give me a better shot, but they don't offer good funding. I am in HUGE debt already, I really don't want to borrow anymore money to go to school. Unfortunately, the best schools offer the best funding, and so far I have struck out on 3 schools that offer great funding. I'm already planning on next year, it's safer to assume completely getting shut out this year, that way I can mentally prepare myself to go through this hell all over again next year!!

This is my first time "around the block." (applying to PhD programs) I received my third rejection today. I have 5 more schools to hear from---I am already thinking about how I will make my applications stronger for next year. Think ahead, that's my new motto

Fantastic!!!! Use that Marching Band voice more often!!! hahahaha

no comment...

Hang in there!!!!

Yes, I already assumed that this year is the same as any other. I was just trying to get a glimmer of hope that maybe this year was different! Good luck with NW hiroshiman!!

We all come from different areas of expertise, backgrounds, ethnicities and countries. Does anyone want to share their journey to applying to grad school??? I will begin--- I graduated from xxx University with a Bachelor Degree in 2006. 2 weeks later, I began a Masters degree at the same University. I goofed off, taught classes hungover and got mediocre grades my first two semesters. It took me a few years, but eventually I got my $%% together.... then I took a one year break to sell products to make good money. Then, I returned to school to finish my Masters Degree. I graduated and got married, now I am applying to PhD programs. I think it would be really great for all of us to share our unique stories, instead of the usual bitching and moaning that we all participate in on a daily basis!

This is perhaps the BEST thread I have seen posted since I found this website! I was just married 8 months ago to the love of my life. We have been together for nearly 6 years. She HAS her teaching job, I'm working part-time right now in the hopes that I will be accepted to a PhD program. I turn 30 in a few weeks, we want to start a family in a few years. If I don't get accepted, I may have to postpone starting a family, etc. This is a very difficult situation. She is 100% supportive, but women have a limited time to have children, men can reproduce when they are 70!! hahaha. My whole point is that you should be thankful that you have the opportunity to make choices ON YOUR OWN. You do not have to worry about a significant other in your decision making process. We have all made huge sacrifices, be proud that you have put yourself out there like the rest of us have, GOOD LUCK to you my friend!!

Geesh, you are that stressed and you have already been accepted to UCLA!!?? Imagine the kind of stress I'm feeling, I just received my third reject today, no acceptances, interviews or waitlists so far!!! Be THANKFUL that you have a choice next fall!!!!!! Nonetheless, best of luck with the rest of your schools

I don't know anything about Cornell, I did not apply there, HOWEVER.... that's indeed a strange email. Although all of the generic rejection emails I have received always mention "an unusually large amount of strong applicants this year," I am almost beginning to believe that perhaps this year IS a strong year for applications. All of the database and forum entries seem to be far more numerous this year as opposed to last year of the year before. Do any of you think that perhaps this year is an unusually prolific, competitive application year???

Got my 3rd rejection today. Needless to say, my enthusiasm is waning

Just got my 3rd rejection email today, not looking good

My info might be irrelevant... Well, it's been quite awhile since I taught. On a few occasions, students were talking during my lecture in a large hall while I was speaking and writing on a chalkboard. I slowly turned, stared at them, and said "You have all of the time in the world to talk BEFORE and AFTER class, surely you can wait 50 minutes to talk some more." They shrugged down and were silent the rest of class. Of course, I am tall, foreboding, and I give a face that scares myself at times.....I guess I don't have good advice! BE FIRM!!!

Sugar Daddy

These are all great points and insights. Unfortunately, I am a composer/musician. My stats are almost PURELY subjective (besides GRE, GPA, LORs, etc) Much depends on what the comp professors "think" of my music.

This would work for me!

Yeah, can't that process go on well-through April? Who knows, I may end up in the same boat as you! Good Luck to you!!

vanilla icing

All is well! I have applied to "Big Name" schools mainly because of performance opportunities and the composers who teach at these institutions. I did find a few "safety" schools with great composers, so I applied there as well. I appreciate the compliment, it was hard to choose schools, but when it came down to it, I knew whom I wanted to study with, and which places would give me the best chance for growth as an artist. Of course, most of these were "Big Names," but I figured it was worth a shot. I came to the realization not long ago that if you don't have thick skin there is no sense staying in the music world. If I don't get accepted this year, I will take another swing at it next year. No sense in wasting the next several years of my life studying at a place that doesnt' do anything for my future. Time will tell .....