<p>I have about two more weeks to finalize my class schedule for next year. So far I have:</p>
<p>AP US Government
AP Statistics
AP English Lit.
Chemistry II (we don't have AP)
Biology II (ditto)
Gym- ugh
Athletic Training- Together with gym as 1 credit
Band IV</p>
<p>So, I'm maxing out my schedule at this. I'm wondering how much it would hurt my application if I drop band. I have a decent amount of other ECs, but a lot of my most dedicated ones somehow involve band (Indoor drumline, etc.) </p>
<p>Here are the pros:</p>
<p>[ul]
[<em>] I will be able to take another class and do some more ECs.
[</em>] I don't have to start school at the beginning of August due to band camp.
[<em>] I won't have to deal with the 75% of the people in my band that I can't stand (over 300 kids in band).
[</em>] I'll be able to see my boyfriend off to his college and be able to spend an extra month with him.
[<em>] I'll be able to get a job! (first time)
[</em>] I will actually be able to do my homework.
[<em>] I will be able to be part of our state varsity cross country team (more than likely).
[</em>] I won't have to deal with out highly political/favorite-picking band where a sophomore who scores a 250/300 on his/her audition can beat a junior scoring 285. = less stress
[/ul]</p>
<p>And the Cons:
[ul]
[<em>] Again, it's one of my main HS commitments.
[</em>] I actually enjoy making music.
[<em>] Our band is playing at the national championships for NCAA football next year.
[</em>] I'll be section leader (unless I get screwed over again).
[<em>] I'll miss out on all the senior events
[</em>] My parents would probably be a little sad - my sister dropped out before her senior year.
[/ul]</p>
<p>I'm not sure what to do at all. Any advice?</p>
<p>By the way, I am in no way intending to carry on with my music career past HS, except maybe a few ensembles.</p>
<p>Would it be really bad for me to assume that you are a girl? I think it might get someone mad. So I won't except for in my head. It doesn't matter but I just like to have clearer pix of ppl.</p>
<p>I think that if you don't like it, then you shouldn't do it but it sounds like you do like the actual course, just not what results from it. If you will get more hw done that way, then drop it though b/c GPA matters a lot. That is a toughie.</p>
<p>Yep, I'm a 16-year-old Caucasian girl, just for some prospective.</p>
<p>The thing is, my GPA is 4.0 UW. I get my homework done, I just do the minimum needed to get by. It's not like I won't do well if I take band, but I will be less stressed without it, and I'll be able to explore more. (I'm the only one in my school with 4.0 UW, so it's not like there are 50 people with 4.0 UW, signifying grade inflation).</p>
<p>Have you taken foreign language? I know this is not your question, but if you are pursuing a highly competitive school you will be competing against kids with 3 or more years of a foreign language.</p>
<p>Yep, I have 3 years of Spanish so far. I guess if I wanted to I could take spanish 4 instead of band. Or I could do an independent study for AP Physics C (Took B this year) or AP Calc BC (AB this year). Or I could take AP Computer Science.</p>
<p>I don't believe dropping band will hurt your admissions at all. </p>
<p>It sounds like that's what you want to do- maybe taking another academic course that you're interested in, and/or another EC instead.
If you were my kid, I'd say go for it.</p>
<p>From the purely admissions standpoint, a fourth year of foreign language might actually look better.</p>
<p>If you want to do band, do band...I was in choir instead of an extra AP and I still got into my top choice lol. </p>
<p>I also didn't take a fourth year of foreign language, but there were some sort of "extenuating circumstances." But still, it's not necessary. Just do what you WANT to do!</p>