<p>My district separates junior (9 and 10) from senior (11 and 12) high school and divides the day into seven periods with an optional zero hour (only certain courses offered). Im trying to decide between the following two options:</p>
<p>Option One:
AP Calculus BC [zero]
AP Computer Science I
Honors French III Honors Physics
[commute back during lunch]
Honors English II
Honors Chemistry
AP World History
Orchestra</p>
<p>Projected Effect:
Junior [with zero] AP Statistics, AP Physics C, AP Chemistry
Senior AP Biology</p>
<p>Option Two:
AP Calculus BC [zero]
AP Computer Science I
Honors French III AP Statistics
[commute back during lunch]
Honors English II
Honors Chemistry
AP World History
Orchestra</p>
<p>Projected Effect:
[test out of honors physics over summer]
Junior [without zero] AP Physics C, AP Chemistry
Senior AP Biology</p>
<p>Option two would allow me an extra year of math (Id lose two credits of easy weighted 4.5 GPA though), but my mom swears that Ill flunk out of AP Physics C without any knowledge base to stand on (this was right after she told me physics was one of the easiest courses shes ever taken, second only to chemistry).</p>
<p>I'd go with the second one, extra year of math as you said, plus I don't think you really need two Physics courses, do you? Wouldn't you be learning similar things from honors physics to AP physics</p>
<p>Im also beginning to have doubts about continuing with orchestra. The only reason Im keeping with it is because I know colleges like to see a passion or at least something you stick to all four years. I play violin, and honestly, Im not that great probably above average, but you wont hear anything amazing coming out of my instrument. Its hindering my course selection and raping my GPA, and is it really worth it? Would a college rather see a decent violinist who kept with orchestra for four years or a person ranked second versus fourth or fifth? Everyone else ranked in the top 1% is either dropping/has dropped their fine art or taking art (for honors and AP credit).</p>
<p>Yeah, I do hate it, but then again, four out of five of my varsity swimmer friends hate swimming, the varsity golf captain complains to no end about the sport, and most of the musicians in our schools top orchestra (ranked top five in the state) do not like their respective instruments. They all are amazing at what they do, but that doesnt mean they enjoy it. Its a sad state of affairs, I agree, but its how they roll. Same goes with violin for me, except Im not as good as any of them. I might make All-region next year (from an extremely competitive area), but thats about it. From a technical perspective (ignoring whether I like it or not), is orchestra worth taking?</p>
<p>What you say makes sense; its just that I dont want to seem like an one-sided studyaholic. And Im not. I like to have fun and do other things, but those other things usually arent very productive or talent-based. I was thinking about teaching myself some computer programming stuff over the summer because it sounds fun, but really, how stereotypical is that? Nerdy Asian who likes math, science, and computers. Id kill to be good at something else (I mean, really, basket-weaving would sound as cool as hell on my resume), but Im not and the things I enjoy well theyre really Asian. I dunno, I guess its pretty stupid to hang on to something you hate, even if youve been at it for practically forever. Ive got a whole [extended] summer to consider it, and maybe something fun and unusual will pop up. :p</p>
<p>I taught myself web design and computer programming at 10 yrs. old, so I'm pretty biased when I say teaching yourself computer programming is an excellent idea. While I have yet to take AP Comp Sci. (my school doesn't offer it), I will say that it teaches Java, which is a pretty useful language. So if you want to learn a programming language over the summer, you may as well learn Java, so you'll be well prepared for AP Comp Sci. You make good money with it as a freelancer as well. I run a small online business that makes money with this type of stuff.</p>
<p>You might like playing a sport. I myself play basketball (no, height is not needed, just skill).</p>
<p>Wow, the programming stuff sounds pretty cool. ;) As for sports, Im quite frankly, physically retarded. Tall, yes, but also really lanky, and people shoving and balls flying at me isnt exactly my cup of tea. I might look into some other sports, though. I used to swim when I was younger, and then theres always gulf, which my dad tried to teach me when I was five. I wasnt exactly a Tiger Woods, though. :p Who knows, Ill try them out this summer and see if Im any good.</p>
<p>If you're tall, go for hurdles for track. I like the "stereotypical Asian activities" as well, but it's all based on how you carry yourself for others see you as the stereotypical Asian nerd or not.</p>
<p>I'd advise sticking with orchestra from a purely technical perspective. Music in Texas is really frustrating, I completely sympathize. Especially if you're in a competitive area-which you've said applies. But sticking with it is quite impressive.</p>
<p>But if you don't like it, then you won't be passionate about it, and you'll flounder. Since this is the situation, I'd say quit. If you don't find enjoyment it will just be one more thing weighing you down(especially in violin where to be the best you have to invest SO much time)</p>