<p>I'm choosing my courses for my freshman year of college right now. I've taken orchestra since 5th grade, but I am considering not taking it in high school. I would continue private lessons, which I've had since 5th grade, and I might form some sort of duet with a friend. I want to go into a science field, and, if I don't take orchestra in high school, I'll be able to take more science electives, which sounds more fun to me, anyway. I'm leaning towards dropping orchestra in high school, but I'm wondering if playing cello will help me get into a good college. I've also always hoped for a scholarship–I'm a girl wanting to go into a science field, and I've had a 4.0 every semester of junior high–Will orchestra increase my chances of getting a scholarship? Thank you!</p>
<p>If taking more science classes will be more fun for you, then do that. ECs like orchestra help when you put effort into them, and colleges can tell how much effort you put in by looking at things like the solo awards you won, area/youth orchestras you played in, level (varsity vs jv) of orchestra you played in at your school, and the arts supplement you send in if you decide to do that.</p>
<p>@parapp2025 I currently dread orchestra, so I don’t think I’d put a lot of effort into it in high school. That’s good to think about. Thank you!</p>
<p>Oops! Everyone must think I’m insane! I’m registering for HIGH SCHOOL! It’s my first time on a computer.</p>
<p>First time on a computer and you’re using your time on collegeconfidential? But there’s so much more internet to discover and explore… </p>
<p>Joining orchestra in high school doesn’t necessarily increase your chances of getting a scholarship. Like most extracurricular activities, it helps you when you’re applying for college/scholarships if you show you’re dedicated to that activity.</p>
<p>Since you’re in junior high here’s some advice: understand that there are a lot of scholarships out there, based on your academic performance or financial need or ethnicity or hobbies or whatever, ranging from a hundred to tens of thousands of dollars.You can get scholarships for lots of things, and some consider your participation in activities while others don’t. In addition, DO THINGS IN HIGH SCHOOL BECAUSE YOU LIKE THEM, not because you want to look good to colleges. Doing what you’re interested in will hopefully lead you to develop passions for things, and which will benefit you in the end and ultimately make you stand out to colleges. But college should not be the end-all reason for your actions. Enjoy high school. </p>
<p>@mynameismott LOL, I’m nerdy, that’s my sense of humor. And I don’t think I’ll do orchestra in high school. I don’t want to, but all these people are pressuring me to, and it’s making me doubt myself. Thank you for your advice!</p>
<p>I often hate these responses that tell us to forget about college and have fun during high school. Sorry, I’m not like that, and it will be incredibly hard for me to change. Let’s answer the OP’s question, will orchestra improve his chances at scholarship (and probably college)? </p>
<p>Definitely. But, will other science electives also help. Also definitely. It depends on what you make of either. If you want to focus on science, fine. But, (and I’ll be harsh and perhaps rude here) you better be really strong, depending on what colleges you’re aiming for. </p>
<p>4 years of orchestra shows both commitment and a range of interests. Again, depending on the college you want to go to, you might want to be the lead cellist to prove your worth and dedication. </p>
<p>If it were me, I would take orchestra, and if I have time, study the sciences outside of school/enter prestigious science programs or competitions. Good luck with your choosing and I hope I haven’t offended anybody, at least not too badly.</p>
<p>@woandering You have not offended me at all. I have possibly the most honest (and sometimes frustrating) dad there is. 
You should have used the pronoun “her”, though. I am pretty strong in science and I’m not too passionate about orchestra, so I can’t imagine myself being first cellist. Thank you for your input, I will certainly take what you’ve said into consideration. :)</p>
<p>@Marvilles Being a girl, you probably know you have an advantage in STEM related work. Adding on to my point about taking science stuff outside of school, go for the various selective programs that will help you with college, let you experience science work (internships/research), and create more relationships for you in the field of science (rather than similar minded fellow students and a teacher or two at your high school). Basically, what I believe is most helpful to you as a person and as a high school looking into colleges is having a fairly well-rounded range of skills with one that is clearly your favorite if not your strongest. Good luck!</p>