Hello, I am currently a freshman in my school’s wind ensemble. I play the french horn, and I am pretty good at it. I made my state’s all state band this year, and will likely make it again next year as well. I was thinking of how much better will this make my college application look? I will take 4 AP classes sophomore, but I can take 5 if I drop band. I am going to talk to my counselor soon, but I also wanted to get you guys’ opinions as well.
It’ll definitely help towards your application. IMO, I wouldn’t take the 5th AP as 4 seems enough already. Also, I believe colleges like to see that you’re committed to EC’s. I could be wrong on that so I’ll leave that for other posters to decide how that’ll play out for you. However, if you’re wiling to push yourself, nothing’s really stopping you from taking that 5th AP. Btw, what are the four AP’s that you’ll be taking?
My friend actually was in the National Youth Orchestra and that helped him get a full ride to Columbia. Personally, I don’t believe all state will earn a full ride to like Harvard but it will certainly help your app.
Talk to your guidance counselor but 4 APs seems like a lot for sophomore year. If you enjoy band and are accomplished playing the french horn I’d be inclined to stick with it.
Stay in the band, for sure. Is there another regional Youth Orchestra/Band you can join outside your school system?
Stay with band. College classes will be there forever and a day but you have a special talent that you enjoy. IMHO, its an EC that is stronger than sports and just about all others. It makes you interesting, unique and in short - you! Anybody can take an A.P. class. Big deal. Colleges want to enroll individuals who are real people, who have something to contribute and who are interesting. Your future contribution to a college might be playing your French horn. As an aside, I think French Horn is such a beautiful and unique instrument. Good for you!
Stay in band. You will continue to develop your skill as a misician, and you might enjoy participating in band or orchestra once you get to college. If you let your skills deteriorate this might not be an option.
If you like playing and if you like your school’s band please stay. I had a band kid and it was a plus at any college he applied (got comments about it). He did genuinely love band and was a very active member (officer etc.) He joined band at college as well and it helped the transition from hs to college. My kid was not an exceptional musician, just good, but he worked relentlessly for the growth and promotion of the hs band. Again, don’t do it only because it looks good to colleges but don’t drop it for that one extra AP that most likely nobody cares about.
This is good idea, thank. I think everyone take this suggestion.
This is good idea, thank. I think everyone take this suggestion.