So my S18 just found out that in order to remain in the Band Program at his school the only available Govt and Economics classes ( required to graduate) are regular level. His schedule is not flexible at all as he is taking AP Physics2, AP Calc 2, AICE English Lit, 2 Video Game and Programing classes as well as a required Spanish class. He will also be taking AP computer Science thru the Florida Virtual School. He has a 4.8 weighted GPA and is currently at Ole Miss taking 2 college level classes this summer. He plans on a STEM major and I’m hoping the lower level Govt and Econ classes won’t be a problem. He’s done double Math and Science the last 3 years. If he drops Band he can be in Dual Enrollment but feels he prefers to finish out his band career. What do you guys think? it’s totally due to the inflexibility of his other classes limiting his choices. Oh and he’ll have his AICE diploma this fall. Help, I am a mom so therefore I worry. He’s looking at U of Central Florida, U of F, and USF.
Even for Harvard, Yale, etc., it’s not a problem. Assuming that the GC will still check of the “most rigorous” box on the secondary school report, there is no reason a student has to have a schedule composed entirely of AP/Honors classes - there is no “super duper rigorous” box to check. Schedule conflicts happen, and every AO knows this. The GC can explain the situation on the secondary school report.
Your son sounds like a stellar student whose courses support his ambition to study STEM in college. AP Econ and Govt. classes aren’t necessary to reinforce that aspect of his applications, so he should’t drop Band, which he loves and enjoys to take a couple of additional AP classes. By the way, What instrument does he play? Has he studied it outside of school? Does he play well? Finally, does he plan to continue to participate in Band in college? If so, then he should definitely mention that on his applications, since the time, effort and talent required to play an instrument is more impressive than another score of “5” on an AP exam, IMHO.
Thanks for the responses. He plays Trumpet and plays very well. He marched 2 of his high school years. May look at Pep Bands in college. GC is awesome and I’m sure he’ll do right by him. I didn’t know there was a box to check about rigor so that’s good. Thanks for reassuring this worried mom.
I agree…don’t drop band!
@candyce1 I’m so glad you chose not to drop Band!!! This way your son finishes his hs career with no regrets!