So far I’ve been in band for 2 years, but I’m debating whether or not it would be beneficial to drop band class in order to take an additional AP class as a junior. If I did that it would result in taking 5 AP classes next school year.
So which would look better when applying to college: 4 AP classes with band or 5 AP classes?
Would it look bad if I drop even though I would be dropping it for an extra AP class? Or would it be better to be consistent throughout the whole high school career?
<p>Take Band. It's won't matter if you have one more AP. 4 is impressive.</p>
<p>If you like band, stick with it. Five APs is a bit excessive in one year and band will make you look more well-rounded.</p>
<p>do band. i took band, but hated it in 9th grade so I took another AP.</p>
<p>i don't care what my college thinks... I am only doing what I want, not what my college is. don't take things so a college looks at it better, do what you want. :)</p>
<p>Would you guys think any different if it lowered by class ranking because if I didn't take 5 AP classes, while others are, my ranking would probably drop from 1 (tied with 4 people) to rank 3 or 4. If I take band I will be able to take at a maximum of 5 AP classes in my senior year as opposed to 6 if I didn't take band.</p>
<p>Band-easy GPA booster</p>
<p>"Would you guys think any different if it lowered by class ranking because if I didn't take 5 AP classes, while others are, my ranking would probably drop from 1 (tied with 4 people) to rank 3 or 4."</p>
<p>it doesn't matter. just cuz you're ranked lower because you took a non-weighted course doesn't necessarily mean the person ranked above you is more qualified, and when it comes to admissions into colleges, they won't punish you or whatever for not taking an extra AP class and choosing band. taking the band is good.. makes you well rounded, and i'd recommend it just so you have a breather in a heavy schedule. </p>
<p>i also say go with the band.</p>
<p>Colleges will not see 5 AP as being any different from 4 AP classes. Don't drop band just to pad your transcript if you love it. If band is a filler you don't love, then use your time to learn something new.</p>
<p>If you were suggesting dropping band for taking, say, AP Art or Music Theory: Maybe. But otherwise stick with band.</p>
<p>do the band if u like it i agree w/ massguy though</p>
<p>Only do music theory if you REALLY like music. I took it with a kid who just took it "for fun", no real music experience - he was completely overwhelmed. It was fine for a while, but once we got past the add\drop date, the material got alot harder and we started doing intensive ear training - it's a HARD class. Not the written stuff so much, but the aural stuf kills you.</p>
<p>And the AP exam is practically impossible. You've gotta be pretty special to get a 5 on that exam.</p>
<p>ohmygosh people! Don't you realize!? AP's ARE NOT everything. Sure, you might tell people that you took really hard classes, but wouldn't it be much more enriching and interesting to tell them that you actually have a talent that you actually ENJOY and didn't take because you wanted a dumb grade?! This is completely ridiculous. In my opinion, you will look like a grade grubber if you drop band for another AP. Seriously, when you look back in retrospect, you'll realize how dumb your decision was if you took just another AP. At my school, you know the kids in your band for 4 years, and I have had the same band teacher since fourth grade. Being around people for so long really builds strong relationships that will last a lifetime. Taking another AP? So what? no one will care about the John Doe who took 5 AP's. No one will care at all. Take going down a few spots. So what. Colleges will accept you because you are talented and smart.</p>
<p>I'm going to have four years of band; will schools that into consideration when calculating my GPA?</p>
<p>"I'm going to have four years of band; will schools that into consideration when calculating my GPA?"</p>
<p>yes. you won't get punished whatsoever for having a lower GPA than someone else just because they took more weighted classes than you did. if you accompanied band with the most rigorous curriculum available to you and did well, then it should be no problem at all.</p>
<p>Four AP classes in your junior year is impressive, and you always have your senior year to take more. Furthermore, schools look highly upon well-rounded students, not just "book worms" who cram in as many AP classes as possible. If you keep band, they will realize your dedication, and know that you're not just all about the books. Also, don't give up everything for colleges-college will only last so long, but people and passions follow you through the rest of your life.</p>
<p>If you really care about taking another AP class, I suppose you take another period? I don't know about your school, but we can have up to eight periods or so.</p>
<p>Even if I took band would that tell colleges that I'm not taking the most rigorous classes since I wouldn't be able to take 5 AP classes?</p>
<p>No. It'll just tell them you are a real person and wanted to stay with band.</p>
<p>I say take band because you will look more rounded and colleges these days are looking for commitment to one thing rather than being in a bunch of random things, so it will look good on your resume.</p>