Thinking schools. Again.

I have college and future plans on the brain again. It's what I obsess over, about 99% of the time.

I have applied to six universities:
1. University of North Carolina School of the Arts
2. University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
3. East Carolina University
4. Appalachian State University
5. Western Carolina University, and
6. North Carolina State University

Those are in order of where I'd like to go.  So far, I have been accepted at NC State and ECU (although I've not auditioned for their School of Music yet).  I have auditioned at UNC Chapel Hill and UNC School of the Arts, which are my top two choices! :)

Basically, the School of the Arts and Chapel Hill are the only two schools that I actually want to go to, at this point.  The other four schools are back up plans (after an elaborate, yet sporadic and daring plan to take a break from school to study music in NYC...but anyways). Plus NC State is pretty much out because they have nothing to offer me: no music, and no B.A. in Math, (only a B.S. in Math)....so, I am pretty much planning my life around UNCSA and UNC-Chapel Hill.

Here's the deal: If I do not get in to either, or if I only get in to one, then all of my problems will be solved, and none of this worrying will matter.  If, however (crossing my fingers), I am accepted to both prestigious universities, I cannot decide which one I should go to. (I swear, sometimes I think that being an INTJ, the way that I think is a curse. In the long run, though, it's always a blessing.)

UNCSA is a conservatory, and so obviously the better choice, in terms of music and vocal training.  It specifically trains students for a professional career as a performing artist.  They also have an unofficial pipeline to Broadway, as most alumni end up there.  Also, I have worked with several UNSCA alumni in the past, and their talent, confidence, and professionalism far exceed those around them.  But it will take me another four years for one degree: a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance (I would start out as a freshman again in the Fall).

On the other hand, UNC Chapel Hill will take 4-5 semesters (depending on one or two summer semesters), to get a B.A. in Music, plus a B.A. in Math, which together would beat most resumés.  Then I could go ahead to NYC or the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati (or any other conservatory, but you get the idea...), for graduate school.

My ultimate plan either way is to be classically trained for my undergraduate studies, then go to graduate school for Musical Theatre. (Since, apparently Musical Theatre is where I ultimately belong....read the post below for THAT story).  So, if I go to UNC School of the Arts, then I will be 24 years old with a B.M., then 26 years old when I finish my Master's degree.  And if I go to UNC Chapel Hill, then I will be 21 years old with two B.A.s, and then 23 years old with a B.A. in Math, and a Master's in Vocal Performance with a concentration in Musical Theatre, and a Classical foundation. Which to me seems like the better choice...(Being an INTJ, I think in terms of the long run. Or in this case, the long-long run).

What to do, what to do....?

Wait until mid-March when I get my notifications, I suppose is all I can do for now.