Hi I’m new to CC but anyways here goes…
My high school requires one full year (meaning one credit) of a fine art, this includes band, theater, music theory, whatever. I am going into my junior year and (stupidly) haven’t taken a fine arts class yet.
Some friends advised me not to take an art in junior year because “colleges only look at junior year and taking a 4.0 class (we are on 6.0 scale) will lower GPA etc, etc” and instead to take another AP class or to take an SAT prep class.
I’m really considering taking the SAT prep instead of an art b/c I know outside test prep gets very expensive…
So what do yall think? Should I take art junior year OR push it back to senior year (or the summer before senior year?) and take a SAT prep instead?
Colleges also look at your senior schedule, and they wouldn’t be upset if you took a required class junior year. I don’t really understand the 4.0 class thing, but if fine arts would lower your GPA, you might be better off in the SAT class. If you have open spots in your schedule, I would probably go with SAT prep if you think it can improve your score.
Generally fine arts are easier classes. If this is true at your school:
I chose to take my visual arts requirement senior year, because a required class that is easier gives me more time for college applications while not taking away from the rigor of my schedule. If you’re worried about getting a good grade without the class, however, taking it junior year to more easily get a good grade is also a good reason. If you pushed the art class to senior year, what would be your alternative choice? Can you also get a good grade there?
It really would not have that detrimental an effect on your GPA. Plus, unless everyone is pushing it off until senior year, everyone is in the same boat. Honestly, I don’t think it’s going to matter one way or the other.