So, I’ve been in choir literally since Elementry, 4th grade actually, and I’m currently a high school Junior, as fun as it was, in the beginning, I can’t take 1 more year. I plan becoming an Elementry/Middle School math teacher, something I’ve been wanting do since I was really little. While I still get joy from teaching, especially now that I’m in a student teaching lab program at my school (is a class and it counts for a grade), I feel like I’ve gotten all I’ve can from choir and I’ve outgrown it. Although, I know colleges like to see you stick with something all 4 years, I still don’t know because I’ve literally grown up with most of the girls in the choir, so it’d be very hard to leave, but I also don’t plan on doing anything with my choir experience. I’m a good student, I’m in the top 16% of my class and I’d be 1st generation Latina college student. I’m currently taking Dual Credit Courses and will be taking the ACT in less than 2 weeks. I’m also the president of a club and the Historian of another, and also I’m part of Rho Kappa. Should I continue on in choir, so colleges can see I’m committed or what should I do?
Is it an easy enough commitment of your time? Is it for a grade? Is it an easy A? I think if all of these are yes, why not do it? The impact on your transcript and admissions could be well worth the bit of extra effort. I guess though that depends on the colleges you are applying to. If they are in the least bit competitive, then every bit helps tell a story which can set you apart from another applicant. You are almost to finish line. Finish strong!
Because “ I can’t take 1 more year”, ”I feel like I’ve gotten all I’ve can from choir“, and “I’ve outgrown it.“.
Unless you can’t find another class where you think you can get an A, sticking with something you don’t enjoy makes no sense.
IMHO, choir isn’t going to “set you apart” unless you’re qualifying for regional/state/national audition-based groups. Sticking with a foreign language can be important. Not so much for most performing arts.
(This assumes you’ll take a course that’s equally or more valuable, not a study hall. Most academic courses would meet that criterion.)
You don’t ever have to explain why you didn’t enroll for choir for another year. It is perfectly OK to take a different class that is more interesting for you.
Choir is an elective or an EC depending on where you do it. It should “scratch some itch” for you. If it doesn’t, find another itch to scratch. Something that gives you joy, something that interests you, something that seems important. There is no reason to do it for another year for college apps.
Some other thoughts:
- What would you replace choir with? If you say study hall, then I would stick with it. But if you want to try something new, then go ahead.
- Are there any senior year activities you will miss out on? Leadership possibilities? Senior awards? anything like that you will wish you did?
- Have you talked to your choir director and discussed why you want to quit? I am not sure if there is any thing that might make you stay, but it is good at least for the director to know.
- Is choir part of your social life? Will you miss not seeing your friends?
- If you are not enjoying choir, there is nothing wrong with you not taking it next year.