<p>a bit of musical background info: So I'm a high school senior, and I play the flute in both marching and concert band. I'm a section leader, and I am first chair in my school's wind ensemble. I also have this flute quartet, which plays at little community gatherings and such. </p>
<p>ANYWAY My band teacher desperately wants me to be in his Jazz Band (which is the advanced Jazz Ensemble) since the only flute dropped, but my schedule is completely full. The only way I'd be able to switch into the period would be if I were to drop out of AP Art History, which I really enjoy (Plus- it's weighted and my </p>
<p>I've been wanting to do Jazz band since freshman year. I've always regretted not taking it, so now, since the opportunity is literally right in front of me, I REALLY REALLY want to do it. But .... I also really like AP Art History, especially because it's weighted.</p>
<p>Will taking Jazz band instead of a more "rigorous" AP class really hurt my chances when it comes to College Admissions? </p>
<p>My other AP's are AP Literature & Composition, AP Physics 1, AP Macroeconomics (self-studying Micro as well), as well as a College-level spanish course. Since I've only taken one other AP course last year (APUSH), I feel like I should try and show colleges that I am capable of doing well with a more challenging schedule. </p>
<p>I'm seriously stuck. I want to do Jazz Band SOO badly, but again, I'm so worried about college admissions that I'm wondering whether it's the best choice. I don't know what to do. Help please</p>
<p>At the end of the day, do whichever interests you more; do not concern yourself about what the hypothetical college admissions officer will think because you will never know. Do not concern yourself with weighted GPA; colleges will either look at your unweighted GPA or weight according to their own parameters. While top colleges will assess the rigor of your schedule, they are also looking for other factors, of which a dedication to music can certainly be seen as one</p>
<p>That thread is so reassuring! Thank you. The TED talk was wonderful too - I feel like I’m leaning towards taking Jazz Band. </p>
<p>Most of the colleges I am really interested in are small, liberal arts schools who really are into music. So you’re saying they will look at my dedication to the arts favorably instead of penalizing me for it? I seriously love music so much it physically hurts. I just feel so dumb compared to my peers who take a million AP classes and think they’re better than everyone else … I just don’t know if one more class (that my teacher says I can self-study for) would even be worth it. </p>
<p>I would say go for Jazz Band…You are already taking 3 AP which is showing your academic rigour…You have been working toward Jazz band and enjoy music (and perhaps do more in college?)</p>
<p>Thank you all for your advice! I decided to switch into jazz band after all. I just couldn’t sit in AP Art History every day wishing I were in band.</p>