Hi,
I’m a homeschooler and I am looking to join an orchestra this fall (it’ll be the start of 11th grade). I am Ivy League bound, and my parents and I think that orchestra could be a key element in my application. But we are at a crossroad. I have the option of either attending a homeschool orchestra that meets (and normally performs) at a renowned Christian College, or I could do part time at my local high school and join that orchestra. Now, this might seem like an easy decision, but orchestra #1 (the one that meets at the College) normally has two free recitals at the College, and they perform in D.C. once a year. Also, nearly all of my friends who have been a part of this orchestra have personal problems with it and have dropped out. Orchestra #2 (the one at the high school) I’ve heard incredible things about. They go to New York to perform, and they compete and just have way more opportunities. Given it is just at a public high school, but the high schools where I live are some of the best in the state and have a good reputation.
My question is, for a student who is Ivy League bound, which orchestra would be more appealing on an application?
You aspire to the Ivy League, but you are not guaranteed admissions. Choose the one that is most appealing to you. Nobody knows what Admissions at an unnamed school will prefer, if they even care in two years.
Thank you for the response! The only problem is: the one that is most appealing to me is the one that will be most appealing on my application. I REALLY don’t want to take any chances with getting into this school.
However, I thought I should mention that if I did the one at the high school, I would be allowed to pursue clubs in my other interests, like Shakespeare club and photography classes. Whereas, with the orchestra at the college, I would not be allowed those opportunities.
I guess to narrow the question down even further, in the eyes of an Ivy League school would it look better if a homeschooler just stuck to respected homeschooled actives, or did part time and was able to go deeper into broader subjects?
Sorry, but you aren’t Ivy bound until they admit you and then you accept their offer.
You need to learn more about Ivies and what each individual college values. It’s not an attitude that, “the one that is most appealing to me is the one that will be most appealing on my application.” Not that thinking, at all.
The one that is most appealing on your applications is the one that is of more value/is more appealing to you. Don’t choose an EC to “impress” admissions officers. They won’t be impressed; indeed, they will see through the subterfuge.
Thank you for all of the replies! I am definitely joining the orchestra because I love my instrument, but I am just making sure that I am investing the next two years of high school into something that will benefit my future. And @lookingforward, I see my mistake! I have definitely not been accepted, therefore I am not bound.
From the bottom of my heart, I love my instrument and I have worked so hard at it, and I see where I worded some things wrong. I just don’t want to make unnecessary mistakes!
There are so many high school students in youth symphonies that it really makes no difference which youth symphony you join. You should join a youth symphony for your own musical development and passion, not to make yourself look good in the eyes of the Adcoms. There are plenty of high caliber musicians that are at first class conservatory level that are applying to Ivy League and other top colleges. These musicians typically have a long list of competition wins and honors – at national and international level – and they stand out with their accomplishments and get the Adcoms’ notice. So if you want to join a youth symphony, do so for the love of music, not to get yourself noticed unless you can distinguish yourself from the crowd.
same as above, a lot of high schoolers are in orchestra. Try something that differentiates you from other applicants
It doesn’t matter which one you pick. FWIW, the public school kids who are in the local community youth orchestra are required to participate in their school orchestra as well. So “both” is a reasonable third option.
OP,
Not sure who you’re talking to, but choosing one or the other orchestra won’t matter a lick for Ivy admissions, trust me. As a college consultant and homeschool parent whose kids were admitted to Ivies and who are musicians, what matters is what you do with it!
My middle son, who did not have the most stellar stats and GPA, was a cellist for over 12 years when he applied to colleges. He had been a cello soloist, had played professionally for a couple of local theater companies, had busked, had done chamber music for some years, and he submitted a cello supplement. He had also been a part of several orchestras, but it wasn’t the orchestras that got him into Penn. It was his music supplement, his love of cello, and his dedication over many years that undoubtedly made the difference. No doubt it was his music teacher’s letter of recommendation, as well.
You are really looking at this all wrong. Colleges don’t want students who do things for college admissions. They want students who do things because they’re passionate about what they do, and will be world changers in their areas of passion.
So you CANNOT mess up your admissions chances by choosing one orchestra over the other. Shine where you are planted.
What orchestra’s playing level is most similar to your playing level? Which group of players would you enjoying playing with more? Would you be middle of the pack at one and first chair at the other? Way too many factors.
The previous post is excellent. The “impress the ivy” focused attitude is a bit immature. Think about finding the right fit for you and blooming there wherever you are. No one is ivy bound until they are accepted at an ivy league school and accept their spot.