<p>Starmom, your neighbor's son may have benefited from a conservatory program rather than an academic one. Better he got out with a degree like that instead of wafting along taking classes in scattered bunches, without enough of a concentration to get a degree in anything. That is why some more "technical" degree programs can be more valuable to some kids. My H's secretary sent her son who burned out several local colleges in the last few years to Five Towns which is music type school with a curriculum just up his alley. He actually got through his first year there successfully. I don't think the family would have even considered that college at first as they really wanted the kid to take some "real" courses. He was just done with traditional school for now. And some kids are done with formal learning for a few years, and to force them into a college is a waste of time and money, not to mention your energy and nerves as the kid just fails to thrive. I don't put my nose up to a number of the occupational, technical, vocational programs here in our area. Better the kid goes there if he has a better chance of getting through those programs. But, yes, I would prefer that they continue some level of studying the academics. It's just that some kids do not fit into our preferences.</p>
<p>Jamimom-
I think his parents had considered a more conservatory setting for their son, but money got in the way and he ended up having to live at home. But, yes, it most probably would have been better for him.</p>
<p>I have no problems whatsoever with technical, vocational schools. I know of a lot of kids who got college degrees and ended up in a technical school, learning a trade, and now doing quite well. You're right.....college is not for everyone and some kids do need to either take some time off, or not go to college at all.</p>
<p>Hi, nydancemom - I wanted to post on your original question a few days ago but never had the computer to myself (common problem around here). I think you've asked an excellent question about the impact of hs curriculum on MT admissions at academically elite schools. And though I don't know anything about your specific concern, I do know a bit about APs and their impact on a kid's schedule/life.</p>
<p>In our district, APUSH is a real time-guzzler, not because the material is especially demanding, but because there's so much of it. My d2 has taken several APs, and found that only Physics took up more time. Your d's schedule is mind-boggling, but my d's was somewhat similar during junior year: 13-plus hours of dance, an instrument, school clubs, volunteer stuff. No MT involvement, but she had a part-time job; however, a part in a production takes up more time than a weekend job, and is less predictable w/r/t scheduling. She managed well, but at the cost of just about any fun or free time at all. She'd say that her choices this year made it worthwhile - but it wasn't pretty at the time.</p>
<p>I would also be concerned about how the teacher's attitude might affect his perception of your d's performance in class. If his back goes up because you question his reluctance to have her in class (even though she deserves to be there and you absolutely have the right to advocate for her), might there be an impact on her grade? My d's APUSH teacher graded them weekly on class discussions - just a check-plus or -minus, but still a factor in the total grade. If you weren't in class, that day was a check-minus.</p>
<p>It's frustrating that the teacher can't encourage her talent, as some would. (And may I say you are brave to consider dealing with this in another arena, since I happen to know her ballet teacher is similarly unenthusiastic about her MT activities ;) ?) Frustrating, too, that you know she could do well in the class. Good luck - it will be interesting to see what she decides!</p>