Confessions of a Jacobs hopeful

Sophomore Elizabeth Rodgers applied to the Jacobs School of Music as a freshman, but didn't get it. The now-psychology major is auditioning again in February. She says she's not sure what the results will be, but just in case, she's going to see what happens.

How did you feel after your first rejection?
It's tough, especially since it's kind of a hard process. I got into IU not really knowing what I wanted to do. I was a theater major, but then I realized I wanted to specialize in music therapy. After researching, I gathered I had to have a music degree. So I went for it, but I had a vocal injury last spring. The rejection paired with that was pretty frustrating.

What was the injury?
There was swelling in my vocal chords. I felt like I was on the mend by the time I auditioned, but I had to go through voice therapy. I couldn't really practice as much as I wanted to because I couldn't practice on injured chords, because that would be really bad for you.

What made you want to keep trying to get in?
You know, I thought about it, and I still have the goal to pursue music therapy, and I kept finding over and over again that the most beneficial route for me to take would be to double major in music. I'm still going to get my Bachelor of Arts in psychology. It seems like something that would help me out. And of course Jacobs is fantastic, and I would love to be a part of that. But if that doesn't work out, I'll probably just get a music minor, and it will be just as well.

What do you think you are going to do differently in your audition and application process?
It's not  too different. I am able to prepare a lot better this time, and this time I have an alternate choice, like I might take a minor. Last time I was kind of banking on it, and I feel a lot more peaceful about it knowing it's going to work out whatever I do.

Why do you think Jacobs is worth doing it again?
For me, because Jacobs is so prestigious, I don't want to transfer. I would rather stay here. It's a great school. I like where I am. It was worth it to me because I thought I had a better chance this time. Having been through it and being a lot better, vocally, than I was, I figured it would be worth it to at least try.

Are you glad you made this decision to keep trying?
It comes and goes I guess. But yeah, I'm glad I tried because now I won't have any regrets. If I don't get in, I don't get in. But I won't think, what if I had tried again?

What do you recommend for people that want to get into a difficult school but got rejected the first time?
I would just encourage them, because for music it all depends on just one audition, like five minutes of your life. I would encourage them to try again. It doesn't mean they just have completely written you off. They just didn't have room for you at that time. I think it's worth it if it's something you really care about and really want. Just give it your all so that you don't have any regrets. And if it doesn't happen twice, then maybe it's time for a new route.