Hello,
I’m a 14 (almost 15 year old) high school sophomore right now, and I’m wondering about whether or not I should drop a certain extra curricular that has been important to me. I need your advice, so please help me out.
I have been playing piano for roughly 8 years, and I have been playing competitively for some time. I have taken the Royal Conservatory of Music piano exam for levels 3, 5, and 6, and gotten high-honors with distinction on all three of the exams. These exams are taken annually, and the individual who earns the highest grade in their region is chosen to play at the prestigious Carnegie Hall. Since I earned high scores on these exams, I was given the amazing chance to play solos at Carnegie Hall, not just once, but twice, on two separate occasions. I have also taken NYSSMA exams twice, in levels 4 and 5 (out of 6), and have gotten 99 and 100, respectively. I want to take the Royal Conservatory of Music exam for level 7, to attempt to get to play at Carnegie Hall once more to show tenacity and persistence. The preparation for this exam is very time consuming and demanding, considering I have to learn 5 pieces, know several technical requirements such as scales and arpeggios, and be highly proficient in high-level sight-reading. I have already started preparing. In short, I have many accomplishments for music.
On top of this, I swim ~4 times a week with 2 hour practices and 15 minutes each way. Furthermore, I belong to three extra curricular clubs, such as Model United Nations, FBLA, and the Chess Team.
My schedule is the best it can be with the opportunities available at my school:
Chemistry Honors
English 10 Honors
Algebra II Honors
Global History 10 Honors
Business Law
French III
My grades are in the high nineties now, except for Algebra II which is at a low ninety (which doesn’t bother me that much). These are all the full-year courses I’m taking, the other courses are just requirements for graduation and are not worrisome. I am also currently self-studying AP Music Theory because I have not had the opportunity to take any AP classes. I have a lot of background in this, and I am roughly 1/3 of the way done preparing for the exam. Since I will take several APs next year, I want to take this now and get it out of the way to prevent any extra work for later.
To conclude, I feel as though I am overworking myself with all that I am doing, and want to know what I should do. I don’t know if I should not do the RCM program anymore, and focus on AP Music theory. Are two times at Carnegie impressive enough for elite college applications, such as Ivy Leagues or other high-level schools? Should I drop it? If you have any more questions I’ll answer them.