<p>This is a "friend of friend" story. But I do believe it true. Really solid Long Island kid- "A" student-1400 SAT's-good EC's, nice kid and a cheerleader. Applies to several great schools including Columbia. As a NY'er with 1400 SAT, she knew she had a shot, but really wasn't expecting to get in. Anyway- she was accepted and her cheerleading background actually helped her. Apparently not many cheerleaders were applying to Columbia and they needed cheerleaders for their games. We should all remember that the concept of "Ivy League" came about as a sports conference not academics. So I say let her follow her passion and go for it. I also believe that the kid who is true to herself will "shine" in the admission process. When my d was in 9th grade, I suggested the usual activities-Debate Club-Science Research-
Newspaper. She didn't take any of my advice-she stuck with karate, compromised and joined the math and science club (1 hour a week- she could deal with that time commitment) and other school activities like band and key club. She'll be home on Saturday as she is completing her first year at Cornell. It's a good thing she didn't take my advice.</p>
<p>Lhasa - </p>
<p>My daughter played in both honor bands and honor orchestras, so I know about the differences. And I agree that a kid with no passion for music shouldn't waste his/her time in band. And no EC should be pursued solely because it will "look good" on a college app. </p>
<p>But my point is that society views talented cheerleaders and talented musicians very differently. There is no Juliard School of Cheerleading.</p>
<p>I think that most people that do cheerleading are not looking at it as a life profession as someone pursuing music might.</p>
<p>Heaven forbid, y'all. This is NOT your grandmother's cheerleading! Nowadays cheerleaders are athletes, dancers and, above all, gymnasts. This child should be encouraged to follow cheerleading (apparently her passion) to the fullest. There ARE scholarships for cheerleaders at some big state U. You go girl! (From someone who was in 3 bands including the marching band all through high school).</p>
<p>"I think that most people that do cheerleading are not looking at it as a life profession as someone pursuing music might."</p>
<p>True, but most people in h.s. bands and orchestras aren't planning to make music their professions either nor do they have the talent to do so.</p>
<p>I suspect that one reason that the GC is pushing band is that it's far harder for h.s. band directors to find good musicians who are willing to be in bands than it is for cheerleading coaches to find good cheerleaders.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the top colleges -- places like Harvard -- are swamped with applicants who play instruments. Many are at the professional level. In most cases, being a regionally good h.s. band instrument player will not cause a student to stand out in an Ivy pool. Being an outstanding cheerleader, however might.</p>
<p>Maybe we need some clarification here:</p>
<p>It sounded in the OP that the student was choosing between which activity to schedule in their course program. Someone asked why I thought adcoms were looking for ECs that were more academic than athletic. I think my original response was based on the notion that this was taking up a slot in a students class schedule and would appear on their transcript. If this is the case, my answer stands. </p>
<p>As for traditional ECs (done AFTER school, not as part of the class schedule /program), I think adcoms probably wouldn't care, and the student should follow their true passion/talent.</p>
<p>However, otherwise, I think adcoms expect students to take as many "academic" courses as they can within the traditional school day, and band would fit the bill more than cheerleading.</p>
<p>First of all, I am impressed that you have a daughter who will listen to you. I would have loved for my 16 year old to continue her violin study (not for college admission purposes, but because I considered the gradual loss of ability to play the instrument very sad). I tried to convince her to stick with it; she did not. I've tried to convince her to stick with diving; she will not. On the other hand, she's thrown her heart into things I would not have anticipated and she's shown amazing ability in those self-chosen activities.</p>
<p>As to the cheerleading/band question, I don't know your dd so I'm not sure how I'd advise you. Why does she want to quit band? How much time does each activity take? Is she very serious about cheerleading? Will she put the same degree of energy into each activity if it's not her choice to pursue it?
Without knowing more, I'd probably follow my risk-averse pattern and see if she could continue with both on a trial basis. It may be that she finds high school band much more fun than middle school band. Or she may hate high school cheerleading and wish that she'd stuck with band.</p>
<p>Since OP's daughter is not even in H.S. yet, I would also wait, as the minds of 13/14 year old girls change like the wind. She may get to H.S. and feel that she does not want to participate in Band or Cheerleading. She may chose one over the other depending on the social hierachy in the school. She might get to high school and may want to try something totally different.</p>
<p>I don't know how the OP's school works but with ours you could not do band and cheerleading. Dance team and band but not cheerleading and band - they are both active at the same time. Also, they both have summer camp at the same time so I'm guessing the logistics have to be figured out now. For our kids, schedules are finalized within the next month for the fall. Once you start the summer training for either thing - band or cheerleading - you would have to figure your summer schedule around that.</p>
<p>From all I have read in the myriad of books out there, there is no band over cheerleading, football over art, that kind of thing</p>
<p>Its a passion for something and a depth in a couple of areas. Unless D is going to be a world reknowned tuba player, have her do what she likes... that will mean more...lets say she does band and quits after a year...</p>