Hi everyone! I’ve been conflicted lately and would really appreciate it if some of you were willing to share your thoughts and help me out!
I’m currently a sophomore in high school and have played mellophone in marching band for two years. My initial plan was to do marching band for all four years (most likely becoming section leader senior year), but I decided to not continue marching band because of the amount of time it takes up. I will be taking 5 APs next year and want to focus on getting all As. In addition, I don’t enjoy playing mellophone as much as my primary instrument, French horn. I also felt that this last season was quite dull, and my director annoys me more and more everyday.
My question is, will this lower my chances of getting into a top 20 school, since I know colleges like to see commitment? How much will this count against me?
Some more about me:
I will still continue playing French horn in concert band, but I’m not in any honor groups or anything special. I’m first chair in my current ensemble, but I am only in the intermediate ensemble at my school, so there are still 3 players in the highest ensemble who are better than me.
As for school clubs, I am only in NHS and California Scholarship Federation this year. I will be applying to leadership positions in both clubs. I am also a part of a group of students chosen by my city’s major to discuss matters regarding teens in my city and plan events for teens.
I understand that my extracurricular are a little weak. Next year, I plan on joining more clubs and running for positions. I may also start my own club.
Next year, with free time from no marching band, I want to tutor kids, something I really enjoy, at my local library everyday after school. Will this be able to make up for quitting marching band?
My grades:
UW GPA 3.9 (rank 29th/476)
W GPA 4.1 (rank 27th/476)
If I get all A’s junior year, my weighted will be 4.4.
College Goals:
Major–econ or finance, something business related
School–UCLA, Berkeley, top 20 schools
I know this is a lot, and thank you if you read all of it. In summary, I’m quitting marching band, but doing other extracurricular (volunteering, clubs) to make up for it. Will this lower my chances of getting into a good school?
Thank you very much for reading this and helping me out! 