Composers: thoughts on visiting?

[comp12]

For applicants to PhD/DMA programs, particularly those in composition, do you think one will gain an advantage by visiting the department and meeting faculty in person at some point during the Fall? Why or why not?

[adamscottneal]

From experience, YES, if you can visit, visit. I applied for PhD programs in composition 3 times. The first time I got into Illinois and Minnesota, but decided to get a second master's at Queen's University Belfast instead. The second time I was waitlisted at NYU but rejected from the others. The third time I was accepted to Buffalo and Florida. In every case except Minnesota, I had either visited the school or chatted with a professor at my school or a conference. At some schools, you are one of 100 applicants, so the personal touch definitely helps!

[DrinkAwayTheDays]

I visited the schools I applied to, and from just sitting down and talking with the directors in the music technology labs I applied to (CNMAT, CCRMA, etc.), I could tell that my chances at least doubled.