<p>Regarding the UC's -- the senior year schedule is looked at particularly closely by the UC's, especially the most selective ones (UCB, UCLA, UCSD). I have been told this directly by several UC admissions directors. While they do consider "special talents" such as music in the admissions process, the overall strength of curriculum, including senior year curriculum, gets more focus and weight. Her grades and test scores are great for the UC's, but her senior year schedule is likely to raise some eyebrows at the top UC's. If she follows this path, I would suggest that she pay careful attention to answering the UC essay question about taking advantage of the academic opportunities available to her. She'll have 600 words to explain why she opted to focus on her music. If well done, it could work in her favor. </p>
<p>But, no ifs, ands, or buts about it, the schedule she wants to take is going to be a risk for more selective higher level universities. This doesn't mean that your daughter should NOT follow through with her plan, but make sure that it is a CALCULATED risk. That means you both need to understand that taking this route WILL make some options less likely, and that you and she will need to keep an open mind about a backup plan, especially if money is likely to be an issue. Of course, there is also no guarantee that if she DOES take a deeper schedule that it will get her in anywhere either. :)</p>
<p>That said, as a parent, I also believe that getting into college, or a certain group/level of colleges, is not the most important thing in the world. Sometimes, we really do need to consider the bigger picture of what will be best for our children's mental and physical health. As long as your daughter understands that her choices will likely have consequences at <em>some</em> colleges, but that she will have PLENTY of other great college options IF she keeps an open mind, then I think I too might lean towards the lighter schedule in this particular instance. Her mental and physical health should take precedence over the "maybes" of college admissions.</p>
<p>Finally, I have to agree with Northstarmom's comments earlier: The picture you are painting of your daughter indicates to me that the types of universities you and she seem to be focusing on at this time really may not be the best match for her personality. There is more to a good college match than just the intellectual match --it would be wise to take a closer look at some of the issues you've raised about her shyness, the ways she deals with stress, etc. and perhaps reconsider what type of environment might enable her to do best, not just intellectually, but socially and health-wise as well. Getting in is only half the battle. Staying in, and being happy and well, is the other half. It is sometimes better to address these sorts of issues BEFORE heading off to a college that isn't the right environment than having to head home after a semester because a student wasn't ready to cope. (Not saying that this is the case with your daughter, but the way you are describing her raises some questions in my mind).</p>