SAT vs. Band Trip

<p>Haha, I actually had this same exact problem last year, as did many of the juniors in band. I talked to my band director, and he actually moved the date of the band trip for us! He's fabulous, though, and very understanding. Ask your daughter to talk to her director, or I would say to take an earlier test date.</p>

<p>I would have her take the band trip, I mean she can take the SATs at another time.</p>

<p>The SAT people were pretty particular when it came to taking the test on a Sunday instead of a Saturday. I had a friend whose son had an important rehearsal on a Saturday. If you didn't have a legitimate RELIGIOUS reason, it was a non-starter.</p>

<p>i heavily suggest the band trip... IMO skipping it would be like working on a group project for 1-2 months (or more), where each person has a very important part, and then skipping out on the presentation to do something that only pertains to you, and not to what your group has worked for.</p>

<p>Do you honestly think your D will forget the strategies that were taught in the course if she doesn't take the test again right away? Not to be really mean, but if she doesn't want to go on the trips (which I assume are competitive in nature), then she probably should not be in the ensemble. Would you join a sports team and skip out on the games?</p>

<p>I would say band trip. We were in a similar situation. Junior year the PSAT was scheduled for a date that conflicted with a marching band trip. My D opted for the trip....and 2 of her friends opted for the test. My D has never regretted the decision.</p>

<p>When she goes to her 50th reunion, the shared memories that are good for human health will not be about the SAT test.</p>

<p>And if she goes to therapy somewhere in life she is unlikely to complain that her mother make her miss the SAT test to go on a band trip.</p>

<p>Adolescent joy and friendship cannot be standardized; tests can be. And which event will not be repeated monthly for a predictable fee and corporate profit?</p>

<p>I would generally say band trip, as long as some reasonable rescheduling could be done (she will have to pick one of the events to miss).</p>

<p>First, as a band member (like any team ) she would be leaving a hole, that coudl affect the whole group. The memories should be good as well..</p>

<p>I am humored that on other threads there are discussions about ECs and being meaningful and then here we are suggesting for potentially 'selfish' reasons you leave your 'teammates' to fend for themsleves..... just some thoughts
In reality, they specifics of the collage application timing as well as the specifics of the event would have to carry some weight... and ultimately try and make it her ecision</p>

<p>I haven't had a chance to absorb all the comments, as I've just started reading this thread. My vote is to go on the band trip because joining band implies participation in performances and related trips. The band director does count on the kids. I've had two kids in their hs jazz band (one is now in college and one is still in hs), and we always worked around the jazz dates. It taught them a lot about commitment, time management, and loyalty to the band director and their bandmates. My older one remembers the trips fondly.</p>

<p>I would say SAT- if she's a poor tester she is probably nervous and it will be less pressure to do well the first time if there are lots of dates left for retake. Also, if it's right after the SAT prep class ends then her confidence will be high. It's way better to not have to deal with the stress of testing senior fall.</p>

<p>Band trip.</p>

<p>Band trip.</p>

<p>I guess it all depends what your priorities in life are :)</p>

<p>Someone posted about PSAT - I would never allow for skipping this one if a student is a good test taker!</p>