<p>I've recently heard of students in previous years who do not get accepted to top-tier schools because of taking music/art throughout highschool. (Apparently, admissions may consider this to be an easier course-load than taking all academic subjects??) In my school (I'm from Canada), our music program is HUGE and it is well-known and often win gold awards at nationals. In order to be a part of the band, I have to take 2 Music credits per year- 1 on my timetable and another 1 that is also on my timetable but takes place afterschool. Music is one of my passions and I never considered that having these credits will bring me a disadvantage.</p>
<p>The rest of my courses are about as rigorous as it gets at a school that does not offer AP courses: 3 sciences (Bio, Chem, Physics), 2 Maths: (Functions, Calc), Economics. Only reason I'm not taking English is because I did it last year. If anything, having to take a music course outside of my timetable is even more rigorous because it takes up a lot of time. I never considered this before so I didn't add a letter of explanation on my applications but should I write a note/letter and email or mail it to the schools I applied to (incl. Harvard)?</p>
<p>If you have a weak course load then a good amount of Extracurricular Activities will balance them out. For example I joined 17 clubs, played 4 sports (include football and I’m a girl), held leadership position and involved in endless amount of community service.</p>
<p>the music will be a good thing. Harvard/other schools like to see special talents and aptitudes. You could actually send one of those portfolios with perhaps your music playing ability recorded. Who knows, it can never be a bad thing.</p>
<p>And no, pretty sure they don’t look too fondly on 17 ECs…you have to be passionate. Even if you were 100% passionate, who’s going to believe you? No one on this forum does.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies!
I do have decent leadership, e/c’s and volunteering, sports etc. although nowhere close to 17.
Also, I’m quite good in my band (soloist) but I really don’t think it’s up to the skill level that they’re looking for so I didn’t submit a supplement.</p>
<p>sometimes they will ask you for a supplement anyways. Which is always a good thing, because it means they are interested in you. But, just having the music background will be very beneficial.</p>
<p>No amount of EC’s “balance out” a weak transcript, seeing as the latter is almost always weighted far more heavily than the former. Please do not confuse other CCers with your moronic college advice.</p>