<p>Hello,
So I have been playing an instrument in the orchestra ever since i first picked it up which was about 7 years ago. This year due to scheduling mistakes made by my school, all the classes filled up and the only math class i was able to take is during the orchestra period. I was wondering if this has a negative effect on my chances at going to a good college. It isn't like i am quitting, it's just that i won't be able to take orchestra, but i will be continuing on the side. </p>
<p>Stats:
3.9 GPA unweighted, 4.5 weighted
Im a junior, so AP Languages and Compos., AP Calculus BC, AP Physics B, AP US History, AP stats, Spanish D H.
Didn't take SAT or ACT yet, but am studying hard
I am aiming for top 20 schools</p>
<p>No, it shouldn’t be a problem as long as you have other good ECs. Your guidance counselor can able to note in his/her recommendation that you dropped orchestra due to a scheduling conflict. And you can keep the instrument as an activity. </p>
<p>You might ask your parents to call or ask for a meeting with the guidance counselor and ask if your schedule can be reworked to allow you to take orchestra.</p>
<p>I would still see if you can make any other class substitutions or rearrange your schedule to take it. If you can’t, try to take it again senior year. This is something your counselor can note in their rec- it happens at my school all the time. The other suggestion I have is does your school have multiple orchestras (symphonic, concert, etc)? If so, your director may let you switch down a level (usually switching up may be a problem due to section caps).</p>
<p>That happened to one of the top student I know a few years ago too. He skipped orchestra for one semester (or 1 year) due to schedule conflict but resumed in senior. It would be fine unless you are going to major in music or claiming it as your most passionate EC.
Also, guineagirl86’s suggestion is actually very nice. There was also a senior in my D’s class last year volunteered to step down one level in orchestra to help the concert level. At the end, he got a lot of praises and received an award for doing that.</p>
<p>Agree with all the suggestions. I’d definitely ask my parents to call/meet the guidance counselor during the first day or two of school (if they are there before school starts, even better). For better or worse, the concerns of parents are often acted upon/fixed more quickly than the concerns of students (at least in my HS).</p>