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<p>I’m actually one of the defenders of the faith when it comes to choosing arts courses even at the expense of core academics. I sincerely believe, and my son is a prime example, that art related activities can be significant hooks at selective colleges – no matter what the student intends to major in. This is particularly true at LACs where a small student body needs to participate in all of the musical ensembles, theater and dance offerings and studio arts showings but even middle to large size schools NEED artists, actors, musicians, dancers and writers. It’s part of what makes a liberal arts education so dynamic.</p>
<p>My son and I nearly came to blows over his senior year schedule. I had read all the college requirements/recommendations and I feared for his chances should he not continue with laboratory science, math, three years of a single language. In retrospect I think his art studio and creative writing classes and the related greades, recommendations, awards and achievements did a lot more for him than another B- (or godforbid C) in chemistry or calculus. </p>
<p>The irony of all is that now here he is a senior majoring in art history / art studio and what is he faced with as a graduate school requirement? Calculus!</p>