<p>Hi I have a decision to make in terms of what elective I want to take for my sophomore year. Basically I have to choose between doing Orchestra again (for the next 3 years) or I can switch to AP Computer Science. I am more interested in technology (matches my hobbies and interests) but have heard that Ivy League colleges look for dedication (i.e. 4 years of Orchestra). What should I do? This is extremely time sensitive as I only have 2 days to decide. Any responses would be very welcome.</p>
<p>too many tryhards play intruments. Take computer science, try to be different from others</p>
<p>Orchestra for sure. Most kids don’t even take an AP class sophomore year - if it is, it’s usually World History or European History.</p>
<p>OP is interested in technology but wants to “look good” for colleges…It makes no sense to take classes just to “look good”. You want to stand out from others…</p>
<p>Take Comp. Sci. There’s no point in taking orchestra if that’s not where your interests lie.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies! I really appreciate it. Just to clarify what I originally meant by my post was that I love computers but would also very much like to get into a really good college. I am worried that if I quit orchestra it’ll sink my chances of being accepted (at least that’s what some people in my class said).</p>
<p>More input please?</p>
<p>Yeah, I agree with JHUorDUKE, don’t try to impress all the time, so do what interest you for once in awhile. Personally, I couldn’t care less what colleges think most of time. I’m not going to take AP U.S History, or AP Lang just so colleges can accept me. If I were you, I would choose AP Computer Science. It sounds really interesting by the way. When you mentioned that colleges love dedication, you can show dedication with extracurricular activities.</p>
<p>Don’t do ANYTHING just because you’ll think you’ll impress and admissions office. Sometimes that even backfires. Do what you want and if computer science is it, go for it.</p>
<p>If you still like orchestra, by all means continue it over the summer or as an extracurricular. That would show commitment, however, you don’t have to.</p>
<p>Definitely computer science.</p>
<p>I think generally you should pick whichever you like the most. Since orchestra is a good class to take continuously, I think you should take it if you know that you will be able to take Computer Science a different year alongside orchestra. But if this is your only chance to take Computer Science or you’d have to choose between the two again anyway, then choose Computer Science since you like it more.</p>
<p>Good luck with your decision, I know I’d be torn apart if I had to make it since I love both those things!</p>
<p>Thanks once again! Would it be okay if I took AP CS and took private lessons (I play the violin) outside of school? Would admission officers penalize me for that?</p>
<p>Sure, why not 
I play the piano and I didn’t have enough space for piano 3 & 4, so I’m taking private lessons. Hey, you never know, you might get twice as better and become stellar in orchestra! Admission officers won’t punish you, your fine. You can still show dedication outside of school.</p>
<p>Honestly I would think taking AP CS sophomore year looks better on a college app than Orchestra. If you really do like music, continue it as an extracurricular outside of school.</p>
<p>Anyone else?</p>
<p>computer science, orchestra is pointless if you don’t love it</p>
<p>Whoops, sorry. I originally said orchestra, but I didn’t read your post correctly saying that you enjoy technology more. I change my vote to computer science. :)</p>
<p>Any final thoughts before I make my decision?</p>
<p>Do what you would enjoy. Too many people do things to impress colleges, but the ones that actually get in are the ones who pursue their interests without worrying about how it will look on their college application. You’re only in high school once; why be miserable?</p>
<p>Thank you all for taking time to help resolve my issue!</p>