<p>I'm a junior in high school, and currently I have a period off all year. No academic classes fit into that period. Is it better to take something like art or music, or does it not make a difference, in terms of college applications? The rest of my schedule is fairly challenging. (Four APs.)</p>
<p>Depends on what else you are doing with the time: If you have ECs that you can pursue to a greater extent as a result of the free time, then do it. If you can use that time to get to know a teacher better by helping out in a favorite class, do that. If you can do an independent research project on something that interests you under the guidence of a favorite teacher, do that. The idea is to use the time to learn something new, show initiative, and explore an interest independently. Taking art or music just to fill the time has an opportunity cost.</p>
<p>If you enjoy art or music, take a course. Don’t do it just to fill a void. You can use that period to study and get better grades in your other classes or find a kid who needs help and is free that period and tutor him or her.</p>