Hello,
I am a senior in HS this year. Between applying to college, working in research labs, and my regular schoolwork, I’m quite busy. I have been in band since 5th grade, and have mostly enjoyed it. Starting last year, though, It’s become less fun. I still signed up for it this year because I wanted to finish what I started. When I went to the first day of class though, I learned that the amount of commitments this year is going to be significantly higher. We are playing 4 regular concerts, a Christmas concert, a jump-up concert, headlining our talent show, and going on a week-long trip to California (I live in the American North). Some of these events will conflict with academic events that I really enjoy, like Model UN. My question is, will dropping band at this point to allow me to do things that I enjoy more (like difficult STEM classes and competitions) hurt my chances of getting into a college like MIT, CalTech, or Stanford (which I already have a fair chance to get into - I’ve fulfilled the STEM needs for the most part). I plan to continue playing the Piano for fun, and I have played for the last 7 years. I am willing to continue with band if it increases my chances of getting into these schools, but I would prefer to drop it. I know that there are issues with only doing things for colleges, but I have worked really hard to be attractive to these schools (and enjoyed doing so, by the way), so making a sacrifice like this isn’t out of the question.
I know this is a difficult question to answer, but I would appreciate any of you guys’ thoughts.
*I should note - it’s not like I’m not taking any liberal arts classes - I’m taking AP English, AP Gov, and AP Microeconomics
Really tough choice. If your HS is anything like ours, your grade gets dinged if you put a MUN (or other) event ahead of a band event, yes? Are you holding any leadership positions in the band? That might be a factor. I take it you are not planning to join a band in college?
Have you sat down with your band director to see if he is open to negotiating a step back in commitment and responsibility? By that I mean you explain you want a better balance between band and your interests related to your future major. This could mean no trips and no leadership positions for you, but you will commit to the major concerts.
If your heart really isn’t in it, then you can find a way to spin the story for colleges. There are ways to do that. It does put some pressure on you, for tippy top colleges anyway, to achieve something in your other ECs. You don’t have a lot of time.
I agree to talk to your Band Director. They may prefer only to have people who want to do everything. They may be quite happy with knowing you want to step back and play 3rd trombone and if you aren’t on the trip it won’t be a big deal.
Also keep in mind how much of your social life is intertwined with band…If you have marching band and enjoy hanging out with your friends you may miss that. Will you miss being alble to participate in any senior awards that they may do?
Are there any leadership opportunities that you would miss out on?
But don’t worry about colleges…Do what works for you. Right now the skills you use for MUN may be more useful to you in college…meeting different people, learning about topics, public speaking. You have already learned what you needed to from band at this point…teamwork, music, practice.
No it won’t. Do what interests you the most and be happy. You’re not doing this to get into a college, you’re doing it because you enjoy it. Bring what you have and who you are to your college application. If they let you in, and the college is a fit and affordable, then GREAT! If they snub you, it’s their loss. Trust me, it’s nothing to stress over. There’s nothing a snooty college can offer you that other colleges can’t. The bachelors accreditation is identical to any university, and here’s a secret…employers know that better than anyone else. You’re the one choosing the college, not the other way around. Good luck!
When my D wanted to quit her most demanding orchestra, after so many years, here’s what I said: any college that will be impressed by the many years of commitment, will be satisfied you did it through 11th.
Of course, things are never that simple. But you weigh your record holistically, just as adcoms will. List band and note you do plan to continue in college.
Also, beware overconfidence when stating you’ve, “fulfilled the STEM needs” for tippy top schools like S, Caltech, MIT. That job is never done. And each of those colleges is highly committed to holistic. It’s risky to assume you have a “fair” shot, without a lot more understanding. Plus, you still have a full app and supp to present. Many potholes yet to navigate.
Take a hard look at your “backups.” There are plenty of very high quality Universities out there! Only apply to programs that you are genuinely interested in, but do not assume the university must be on the tip of the tongues of all your classmates. The widely published “rankings” also do not tell the full story. If you do not broaden the cast of your net, you may have a bad fishing trip and it will not be caused by your band decision and you may never know why.