Should I drop orchestra and replace it with an AP Class?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>I am a junior this year, with 4 APs and going into my 3rd year in our school's chamber orchestra. Originally, I wanted 5 AP (AP Chem), but wasn't able to because of scheduling conflicts. Orchestra just happened to overlap with AP Chem. I don't want to make any changes now, but what about next year?</p>

<p>Is it better to just take an AP class? I would have like 6 senior year if that works out. I am friends with many who are taking 5-6 APs this year, while I am taking 4. I am worried that my class rank will fall (and cant catch up). Currently the 4 APs I have (Calc AB, Chinese, US History, Lang) I can handle. Unweighted GPA: 3.95 Weighted: 4.40</p>

2

<p>Read this first:</p>

<p><a href=“"Should I quit music?" Questions - #2 by guineagirl96 - High School Life - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/17560325&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>At the end of the day, do whichever interests you more; do not concern yourself about what the hypothetical college admissions officer will think because you will never know. Do not concern yourself with weighted GPA; colleges will either look at your unweighted GPA or weight according to their own parameters. While top colleges will assess the rigor of your schedule, they are also looking for other factors, of which a dedication to music can certainly be seen as one.</p>

3

<p>Thank you that was very helpful (especially the link)</p>

4

<p>The difference between 4 and 6 APs in the college admissions process is pretty much negligible. Once you show a decent amount of academic rigor and very good unweighted GPA, colleges move on to other things (test scores, commitment to and accomplishments in ECs, rec letters, essays). If you really like orchestra, stick with it. There is no reason to drop it for another AP.</p>

5

<p>Orchestra sounds like a lot more fun than AP Chemistry.</p>

6

<p>I definitely enjoy orchestra. It’s always been my “relaxing” period in school. Another problem is that our concert master who is top ranked will be graduating. And besides me, there are no other current members who have took lessons for years.</p>

7

<p>So they need your leadership. :)</p>