AP Courses vs. Band

<p>Hello :-)</p>

<p>I'm new here but I'm glad to have found these forums. I need advice from the more experienced...</p>

<p>I have a conflict involving band and potential AP (advanced placement) classes. I would really like to take two AP classes for my junior year and two to three AP classes for my senior year. As a sophmore now I am qualified to take any AP classes available for juniors. The problem is band. In my school, our band schedule is set up so that there is no way I can take band and two AP classes in my junior year without dropping a foreign language (ouch) or moving to CP (college prep-lower level) classes. I've talked to my guidance counselor several times and he has not been helpful. I would really love to keep band because it's an extracarricular course and I've heard colleges like well rounded students, but I also want to prove that I can handle college-level work. Furthermore, I don't want my GPA to be left behind as many of my peers take two or three AP classes. What do you think I should do? Take band, or take the two AP classes?</p>

<p>Keep in mind that I'm only an average band player; it isn't really what I had in mind for a future career. I just want to get into a decent college so that I can get a decent job :p. </p>

<p>Any advice? Thanks in advance :-)
(sorry for rambling)</p>

<p>Oh yeah....I forgot to mention that my school has block scheduling......if that even makes a difference.</p>

<p>Think:
1) Do you enjoy going to band? Would you be willing to devote yourself to this extracurricular outside of class, or are you participating just to be able to list it in your extracurriculars?
2) What AP classes are you considering? Are they subjects that you are passionate about? Do you mind devoting considerable extra time to studying when AP exams roll around? </p>

<p>Personally, I would opt for the two APs if band is not something you excel in. Sticking to something despite being average in it is not really admirable. Good luck...</p>

<p>I 2nd rockandrolltime. Take the subjects you are most passionate about.</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>The AP classes are American History and English Language.
It doesn't look as if my parents are okay with me quitting band anyway.....which is a shame because they are both classes that I really would have liked. Will I regret taking just one? Probably....but there's not much I can do about it :-(.</p>

<p>u could always take one at a local community college</p>

<p>ya or self study.</p>

<p>For the self study idea, maybe you could find someone in a similar situation and choose a course to study together? Me and my friend are doing that for AP Art History next year. It's basically like tutoring each other.</p>

<p>Self studying doesn't sound like a bad idea.
I could probably do that for AP American history since I've had the same material for at least two years, not as great in depth of course though. But it's definitely something to think about.</p>

<p>I've also considered taking college courses at a nearby university.</p>

<p>I really hate the way my school has the classes set up. After reading some of the posts here I'm suprised at finding many students taking five APs a year! Lol, I'll just be lucky if I can fit in five APs within all my years spent in high school.</p>