A Taiwanese student we'll call L is now pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree at Oberlin Conservatory of Music, one of America's most respected music institutions. Founded in 1865, it is the oldest continuously operating conservatory in the United States and a recipient of the National Medal of Arts. Oberlin College, home to Oberlin Conservatory, ranks No. 21 in Niche's 2027 Best Colleges for Music in America.
L applied to nine U.S. universities and conservatories and received four offers of admission. In addition to Oberlin, she was accepted by:
• Boston Conservatory at Berklee: Founded in 1867, this renowned performing arts conservatory specializes in music, dance, and theater. It merged with Berklee College of Music in 2016.
• Penn State University: Established in 1855, Penn State is a prominent public research university sometimes described as a Public Ivy. Its School of Music presents nearly 500 public performances and events annually, offering extensive opportunities for musical development.
• Temple University: Founded in 1884 in Philadelphia, Temple is a public research university whose Boyer College of Music and Dance provides specialized music education and performance opportunities. Temple ranks No. 62 in Niche's 2027 Best Colleges for Music in America.
What makes L's story particularly interesting is her educational background and the limited time she had to prepare.
She attended a music program at a regular Taiwanese high school, rather than an international school or bilingual program. When she first approached Trinity Scholar during the second semester of Grade 11, her academic average was approximately 67–73 out of 100, her IELTS score was around 6.0–6.5, and she had not taken the SAT or ACT.
With the college application cycle approaching, she needed a strategy that made the best use of her existing qualifications, strengths, and remaining preparation time.
Finding the Right Universities Without SAT or ACT Scores
For students educated within Taiwan's local school system, preparing for the SAT or ACT can be a substantial additional commitment. Achieving a competitive score often requires months of preparation, particularly for students unfamiliar with the exams.
Given L's relatively late start, adding SAT or ACT preparation could have diverted valuable time from other essential application requirements.
After evaluating her academic background, qualifications, and application timeline, her Trinity Scholar counselor prioritized universities offering test-optional admission pathways. This allowed L to focus her preparation on application materials that could better demonstrate her strengths and abilities.
Under test-optional policies, applicants may be considered without submitting SAT or ACT scores. However, they must still meet each university's other admission requirements, and their academic records and additional qualifications remain important.
All four institutions that admitted L offered application pathways that did not require SAT or ACT scores.
Standardized testing, however, was only one consideration.
Developing an appropriate university list also involved evaluating academic expectations, English proficiency requirements, intended programs, and L's individual strengths. Her musical training was an important part of her profile, particularly when applying to specialized music programs.
Identifying universities where she could meet the admission requirements while demonstrating her abilities required a thorough understanding of how different institutions evaluate applicants, along with the professional judgment to balance realistic options with ambitious goals.
The Value of Expert College Counseling
Choosing the right universities is an essential first step, but preparing competitive applications requires equally careful planning.
U.S. institutions have different application deadlines, essay requirements, recommendation procedures, and supporting documentation. Specialized programs may involve additional steps.
For a student beginning the process in the latter half of Grade 11, establishing priorities and managing these requirements efficiently can make a significant difference.
Trinity Scholar's experienced college counselors provide comprehensive guidance based on each student's academic background, interests, abilities, and aspirations.
Their support extends from university research and school selection to application planning, essay brainstorming and coaching, interview preparation, and guidance on program-specific requirements.
Counselors also help students recognize their strengths and communicate their experiences, interests, and goals effectively through their application materials.
Effective college counseling requires both personalized attention and sound professional judgment. Counselors must understand admissions policies, evaluate individual circumstances, and develop strategies that make the best use of a student's qualifications and preparation time.
L ultimately received four admission offers from nine applications, including acceptances from two established music conservatories.
Her accomplishments reflect her musical dedication and abilities, supported by carefully considered university selection and a structured application strategy.
A New Chapter at Oberlin
Of her four offers, L chose Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where she has begun her undergraduate studies.
About two weeks after arriving in the United States, she sent Trinity Scholar a personal message:
“I've been at Oberlin for about two weeks now! Classes just started today, and so far, everything's going well. I'm settling in pretty nicely!”
Adapted from her original message in Chinese.
Her family also expressed sincere appreciation for the guidance and extensive support they received throughout the application process.
L's experience offers a valuable lesson for families considering U.S. higher education. Understanding a student's strengths, identifying suitable universities, and developing a well-informed application strategy can help students pursue opportunities that align with their qualifications and aspirations.
While starting early allows greater flexibility, students with a shorter preparation window can still benefit from informed school selection, clear priorities, and experienced counseling.
Trinity Scholar offers comprehensive U.S. college admissions counseling, connecting students with experienced professionals who provide guidance from university exploration and school selection through application preparation.
Planning your U.S. college journey? Contact Trinity Scholar to learn more about our professional college counseling services.
Ranking reference: Niche, 2027 Best Colleges for Music in America. Oberlin College ranks No. 21, and Temple University ranks No. 62. These rankings evaluate music education at the university level and are not separate conservatory-specific rankings.
The student's name has been replaced with a pseudonym to protect her privacy. Admission outcomes reflect an individual student's experience and do not guarantee future results.
