<p>Okay, so I know this board is really for those applying to colleges, but I have a question for all you current/past domers... Does anyone have any info on the various choirs at ND? My d auditioned for them this week and basically, it seems ended up with her choice of them...and as I am sure she doesn't need MY advice!!! I am wondering what insight any of you might share on them...thanks! Also, what about the amount of hours to carry? She seems to be taking on a little too much and I am wondering what is the norm? When I was at school (I know, long, long ago) about 15 hours seemed normal. Anyone?</p>
<p>I share your concern about the load these kids take on. My daughter is like a kid in a candy store with the choices of things she can do--music among them. She's also really into vocal music, but didn't do any auditions because she figured those were for official university choirs, involving touring, etc. For all I know, that may eliminate her from other choirs as well. For my part, I've been encouraging her not to make too many major commitments, but rather to freelance and see how things go. </p>
<p>She is carrying 15 hours. My son carries 18 and has since his freshman year--ROTC adds a lot of requirements. </p>
<p>One thing I've told her is that college is a different ballgame. Since our kids were small, we've been a "finish what you start" kind of family, as far as commitments go. It's been a good rule of thumb that I think contributes to the fact that both of them are at ND today. BUT it is a rule that needs to be rethought at ND. The interhall team is not high school varsity--if you are time pressed, you don't have to show up, you don't have to finish the season. Same holds true for clubs, etc. </p>
<p>By the way, these boards are about ANYTHING Notre Dame--be it admissions, student life, parent support, etc.</p>
<p>Son is in the same boat--17 hours in engineering each semester. As he is a soph, he has learned to say NO! when he has felt overwhelmed by the workload. He is trying to play club sports--something he never did in HS. Yes, we have had the same rule about commitment, but I will say that college is different and the number 1 priority is an education. As husband reminds son when son has had to say no, he is not at ND to play club sports, but rather to get an education. I am glad that he is learning to say no, as this will go on for the rest of his life. He is learning priority--how many of us have truly learned to say no to any number of ops that may or may not interfere with our family lives? I would encourage your daughter Irishcali to try to find a good balance and if NO comes into the picture, then so be it!!!</p>
<p>You are so right on, Alabama! It took me, really, until the third child--the one who is ten now--to be able to look people in the eye, smile, and politely say no to volunteer commitments, without feeling guilty. </p>
<p>I'm glad the activities fair signup thing isn't until the 4th of September. I think by then, these wide-eyed frosh will have gotten a better feel for what is expected of them and what kind of time constraints they're going to have. In high school, that is pretty much pre-ordained for you. In college, you make your own decisions.</p>
<p>Thanks all~d is taking 17 hours with an additional 2 for ensemble/voice. She is actually a SCPP intent, but wants to add the music minor/major if possible. She, like your kids just thinks it's a step up from high school and doesn't realize that it is a whole flight of stairs higher! She has always run her own program well, and so, we are trying to step back like we always have, but it's tough when you just think she is taking on too much too soon! aaahhh!</p>
<p>We learned from our mistakes and experiences. Now I guess we have to let our kids do the same! In the case of my own, they have their act together infinitely more than I did at their age... I lit a grotto candle--hoping that helped! :)</p>