A Question about Extracurriculars and AP Classes

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm kinda new to all of this, but...OK, so I have a big dilemma for next year, AKA scheduling conflict. My course load for Junior Year is as follows:</p>

<p>1-2. Honors Physics
3. Honors French III
4. Honors American Literature
7. AP Psychology
8. AP Calculus AB
9. Science Research Methods III</p>

<p>I had to drop AP Chem to take the Honors French; how important is 4 years of a foreign language if I'm looking at the top schools? In dropping AP Chem, I decided to drop Orchestra to take AP Psych because I heard AP classes are really important. Is AP Psych more important than something like Orchestra?</p>

<p>Which brings me to my next question about ECs...here is what I have been doing so far...</p>

<p>Ballet - 11 years - Company member at Toledo Ballet School, a fair prestigious school in the area. I've danced numerous roles in The Nutcracker, a Toledo tradition, and a couple other ballets. I've also done some outreach programs, teaching little kids about the arts.</p>

<p>Speech and Debate - 2 years - Lincoln-Douglas debate; Debate was something I picked up because I wanted to work on my public-speaking skills, but I've grown to really love it. I've placed at a couple of local tournaments but haven't gone to Districts because of limited spots for competition and really amazing teammates. I hope to step it up this year and hopefully qualify for States</p>

<p>Science Research / Science Olympiad - 2 years -
Placed at SO States, won several Regional events.
Superior Rating at both District and State Science Day (Science Fair) and Sponsored Awards:
American Chemical Society Chemical Sciences Award
Governor's Award for Excellence in Biotechnology (District and State)
National Honor Society for Women in Chemistry Promethium Chapter Special Award
Some college scholarships...I'm looking into entering ISEF fair, but our region doesn't sponsor it...</p>

<p>Art - 5 years - I used to take private art lessons, but my teacher moved, I took art in school Freshman year, but had to drop it because of scheduling/ GPA conflicts. I did get entered into some art shows:
District Congressional Art Show
Sylvania Chamber of Commerce Show (1st Place)
Sylvania Youth Art Festival
Sylvania Deck the Walls
Chinese Association of Greater Toledo Art & Cultural Exhibit
Hopefully, I can do more with art next year...</p>

<p>Other - French Club, Interact (volunteer organization), Art Club, new Student Senate commissioner</p>

<p>And finally...Orchestra - 5 years - Private lessons, School Orchestra, Toledo Junior Youth Orchestra (Principal Viola) , OMEA District I Honors Orchestra (Principal Viola), Toledo International Youth Orchestra (Principal Viola) (Recently played in China and Canada, and Europe in the spring!), Toledo Youth Orchestra, Regional Orchestra</p>

<p>Here's the thing. Our school conductor is absolutely terrible and I really wanted to take AP Psych... Is Orchestra something I'm really going to need for College Apps? Membership in school orchestra is required for some of the youth groups, as well as private lessons. Should I keep at it? </p>

<p>Any input about any of this is really appreciated.</p>

2

<p>your stats look better than mine...</p>

3

<p>I would've kept AP Chem and Orchestra, dropped Psych and French and took both classes either online or self study. (Online for French).</p>

4

<p>I think at least three years of a foreign langage is important for most good schools.</p>

<p>As long as the OP takes all three sciences (physics, bio, chem) by graduation, doubling up junior yer is not necessary.</p>

<p>I think playing viola can help in admissions if you plan on playing in college. If you continue with community-based orchestra participation, I don't think doing it in school is necessary. In that case taking the AP Psych instead is great. On the other hand, where is your history class? What about AP US History or Govt.?</p>

<p>I did notice that you are heavy into science EC's. Maybe doubling up on physics and chem would be OK for you. That sure is a lot of work, though.</p>

<p>Look into really prestigious science contests as well. </p>

<p>I would cut ECs out that aren't meaningful (i.e. ones where you are just a member, and will not assume leadership, or ones which do not show achievement or passion).</p>

5

<p>Thanks for the tips!</p>

6

<p>You can usually take language courses at nights at local community colleges.</p>

7

<p>Would that still count as part of my needed 4 years?</p>

8

<p>I don't see why not.</p>

9

<p>Yeah it would. Thats what I'm gonna do for my foreign language (Band slot took its place).</p>

10

<p>i definitely would keep orchestra -- if you drop it, it looks like it's something you aren't very passionate about despite your successes.</p>