<p>There's no need to make this post much longer than the title. I have a running soon-to-be 4 year commitment to my high school's entire array of concert bands and orchestras. I've done marching band throughout all of high school, and logged 2000+ hours in it of serious work. I've shown constant progress, and made it to state solo on my instrument. </p>
<p>Because of the long-running intense commitment to music, I'm not too worried about my Ec's. My community service hours are barely existent though. The only handful I've done have been helping the band well outside of school hours (summer break etc.), and likely sum to less than 20 hours.</p>
<p>How in trouble am I as a junior? Will colleges discount my hours if I cram a bunch senior year?</p>
<p>CS hours’ value is a myth. Inherently, they offer value to the student and to the service. But to college admissions, they’re like saying you’re on the “honor roll”.</p>
<p>A few extraordinary folks do spectacular things associated with CS. For them, the service (and not the hours) is a boost. For everyone else — FOR EVERYONE ELSE— it’s MEH.</p>
<p>That sounds like an urban myth if I ever heard one. Please cite a webpage. I’d love to see that. </p>
<p>techdude: say someone is the oldest child of a single parent home. Works 20 hrs/week at Burger King to help pay the bills. But is brilliant. The idea of volunteering at a hospital or homeless shelter – never enters this girl’s mind. You’re saying SHE NEEDS 1000 hours in order to be accepted into a UC? </p>
<p>Yeah, I can see where you’re coming from. The prevalence of these “x00 hours required for any good college” statements on the chances forum is insane, and unnerving. Thanks for a reality check.</p>
While you’re planning for and applying to college, a lot of well meaning people will tell you with great conviction things that are complete nonsense.</p>
<p>I think with that type of commitment to music you shouldn’t be worried. I know lots of kids who put they have 400+ hours of cs because they teacher aided during their study halls. And at my school all “teacher aiding” means is having your study hall in a teacher’s room and maybe grading a couple assignments every once in a while. Community service is not always some great thing that drastically improves your community and colleges know that some people stretch the definition of cs which devalues it. What they really want to see is passion and commitment and if your passion is service, great. If its music, that’s fine too.</p>
<p>@techdude - re: "The prevalence of these “x00 hours required for any good college” statements on the chances forum is insane, and unnerving. Thanks for a reality check. "</p>
<p>I love CollegeConfidential, but I discourage everyone from spending much time on the Chances forum - lots of ego surfing; lots of uninformed opinions; few supported facts.</p>