<p>Hi, I'm a sophomore in high school and I've been involved in the choir program since freshman year. I'm really passionate about the program and I have been a featured soloist as well as a finalist for a few of the choral competitions my school attends. </p>
<p>My dilemma is that to attend competitions, you must be enrolled in the after school, 7th period choir class (in addition to the choir class you take during the day). I have been doing well in school as of right now, but I'm afraid that I won't do as well second semester since the competitions are around the time of AP testing (I have two AP tests) and I'm afraid I won't be able to balance 3+ hours of rehearsal, studying, and homework. </p>
<p>I'm contemplating whether or not to drop the after school class since I could not maintain a state of sanity when the time comes. However, I'm reluctant to because it would seem like a lack of dedication (this is my main extracurricular). What is your perspective on my situation (How do you think it would appear to potential college admins)?</p>
<p>My view - and take this for what it’s worth - is that it’s time to step up your game and make a decision you will just manage your time really well and keep up with choir and homework. My daughter is a dancer who has always danced about 20 hours a week outside of school in addition to lots of hard classes. She had minimal social life though… but now that she’s a senior it’s nice to have a very serious skill in her dance as well as good grades. Part of what colleges value about EC’s is that they show a person can do academics AND something else, because in college they want people who can do the academic work and also participate in the community activities. You know yourself though - if you really cannot do both well, then yes - don’t let your academics suffer. But if you’re really just worried about not having time to relax and hang out for hours with friends too… then I’d say try to be more dedicated. Good luck.</p>
<p>Let me be frank: what sort of college do you envision yourself attending? In general,the more selective, the more weight is given to ECs. But if your intention is to go to less selective one (and there’s nothing wrong with that), then I say focus on the classwork. Getting a 3.8GPA and few ECs is more important (in the long run) than getting a 3.4 and a long list of ECs.</p>
<p>OP - two AP tests isn’t two bad, though I commend you for already taking AP classes as a sophomore. If you are passionate about choir and this is your primary EC, I would suggest you stick with it and just mentally prepare yourself for a really busy semester.</p>