Hello, I have been deciding on this heavily for the past several months and I do not know what to do. Currently, I’m first chair clarinet in the top band and orchestra. I do have the potential to make the Texas All-State band next year, but I also would like to increase my GPA and rank for a higher chance in college admissions. I may receive a leadership position if I choose to audition for the positions in marching band. I do not know what to do and I appreciate any help. Also, I’m a sophomore in high school.
You’ve posted on another thread that you are ranked #2. My answer from that thread does not change
Having a leadership position, making All-State are examples of what I meant, in part, by “the rest of your application.” The schools you are targeting are not looking to fill their class with academic drones who have no other life.
Before you make your final decision, read [this[/url] and watch [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZVxA0J5g28] this]("Should I quit music?" Questions - #2 by guineagirl96 - High School Life - College Confidential Forums) first:
For competitive schools extra curricular activities matter. One more AP won’t make a big difference but not being engaged and passionate about other activities sure will. If you like band, are good at it, and are interesting in leadership positions then I’d recommend continuing. You can also look into self-studying for the AP exam and taking the exam if it means that much to you.
You can watch videos or read articles that are from deans of even the most competitive schools talking about admissions. They could fill their class with kids with 4.0s but they reject dozens of them. Do you need good grades? Absolutely. But for the more competitive schools you’ll generally hear that great ECs + a 3.9 is far better than no ECs and 4.0.
Hello skieurope, your link seems to be broken. It shows up a “Reply not found” page when I click on it.
@legend619 Thanks. It’s fixed now.
Which do you REALLY want to do - band or the AP class? HS should also be enjoyable.
I would reiterate what some others have said, if you enjoy band and want to continue then continue it. Make sure you’re on track to take the courses need to pursue the degree you might be interested in. ie. if you want a stem degree make sure you have your math and sciences taken care of and take the highest level courses you feel you can be competent in. Your GPA is a snapshot of your transcript. If your transcript reflects a lot of AP courses that really don’t support what you claim to be interested in or fulfill some kind of requirement it may not be the boost you are looking for. On the other hand being in the band simply as an EC probably won’t interest anyone but showing a passion for music and performance might be interesting to some. I’ve always thought it best to be the person you are and present that to universities rather than attempt to be the person you think a university will want. In my opinion you will be happier and less stressed that way.
Guys… another question. What if band is stressing me out? I have about 6 solos for the UIL band competition in TX, and they’re stressing me out some. Also, I do not think I can stay as ranked 2 for long since my GPA is dropping slowly and I don’t believe that I can raise my rank back up next year unless I make perfect grades and take another AP course. So, what do you people think?
Stick with the band. First chair is cool. It means something. Another AP course isn’t that big a deal.
Music is special anyway. Best of luck.