Poseidenj

My highschool requires, as most others, X credit for every subject (occ ed, fine art, english, math, SS, science), and I need 1 fine art credit, which I plan to get as a junior or a senior. I cannot draw to save my life, so I am abstaining from a drawing-class.

My choices get narrowed down to Beginning drama, IB Film, beginning photography, and IB music. I kind of want to do drama because maybe I could be in a play or two, plus there is absolutely 0 HW and I think I could easily earn an A. However, IB music is obviously an IB class so it would be recognized as such, same with IB film (I am not 100% sure if this is a fine art, I would assume it would be though). But actually, I figure for photography if I could take some good photos, I could send them with college applications, I take amateur photos right now. I normally hate people who do things only for the sake of helping you get into college, however, in this case I don't have a choice but to do a fine art course (if it wasn't necessary, I wouldn't do it), so I figure I mine as well make a good benefitiary choice of it.

IB Film: I don't know exactly what this class would be composed of, it's being offered for the first time next year.
IB Music: Again, I don't quite know what you do in this class, only that it's "the easiest IB class I've ever taken" according to some. But I have also heard this is only offered 8th period, depending on my schedule I MAY have to take this, as it would be the only way for me to fit a fine art into my schedule. (I am going to talk with my counselor).
Drama: VERY easy class I've heard, lots of girls too...plus there would be the opportunities to be in plays.
Photography: VERY easy class, but again. With great pictures I think that could boost an application?

If I am not in a club of any kind, and only took a year or so of photography (the class), would I still be able to say photography was an interest of mine?

bessie

Photography has a lot of time commitment to it because you have to do projects outside of class. Drama rehearsals usually require a huge out of class time commitment as well. If you can take music or film appreciation classes to fulfill the requirement, the local CC usually has those in many different areas. IB Music Theory might be hard for you if you are not able to "hear" music very well. Can you take a beginning ceramics class? That might work and will likely be available at the local CC if your HS does not have it. I think you should go with whatever you are most interested in and forget about how it looks for admissions.

einnob

What are you best at?

Its not about whether the class is easy or not easy. A drama class would be 'easy' for someone into acting, but obviously it would not be said the same for someone who is shy.

einnob

^^^ For me, fine arts is easypeasy, but I would completely DIE in a drama class :P

Poseidenj

@bessie. Now that I think about it I suppose you are right about photography. And same to the drama. And yes, my school does have a beginning ceramics class. I guess I'll look at the community college near us, see if I can do a class during the summer or something. And I have absolutely no interest in any of the arts, which is why out of the things I've narrowed it down to, would be the ones which helped the most with admissions If I could not take it, I wouldn't.

nk9230

IB Music is not easy If you have not taken a music class or an instrument for a substantial amount of time. IB Music is a mixture of ethnomusicology, music history, aural analysis, comparison , with some applications from music theory. (Notation etc..)

With IB Music if you do SL you have 3 choices for internal assesment, group performance, solo performance, or composition. If you take HL, you have to do all three. ( Im taking SL)

I do believe IB Film is one of the newest IB courses, and being piloted- my school doesnt offer it, so I dont know much.

bessie

The music appreciation classes at CC's are usually very general and the professors tell you everything you need to know.

Poseidenj

nk9230: Yes, now I realize that. The people who say it's easy are very talented muscians. Plus I've learned you need to be enrolled in a music program to take it.

FindAPlace

To gain admission to a UC, students must take a fine arts class. Which one they choose to take ranges across the map. Some students don't want it to impact their "academic" classes during the school year, so they take an allowable credit at the community college. Generally speaking, except for the one AP class in fine arts, many of the fine arts classes are an easy ride at our public HS. Ceramics is probably the easiest with zero homework. Photography has some outside work but it's not huge and usually easy to fit in when taking a jaunt somewhere. The added plus that photography has over many of the other classes like drama or ceramics is that you can use the skills easily for the rest of your life, whether it's on a vacation or taking publicity photos for a group you belong to.

peregrinator

I would recommend the drama. It stands out for male applicants, and your right about the chance to meet girls! Plus, drama helps you hone your public speaking skills which you will use in almost any field that you choose to pursue. Confidently presenting ideas, cases, projects, etc. will be more valuable than photography, and if it's something you think you might enjoy, go for it!

siliconvalleymom

I would compare the teachers leading each class as part of your analysis. Do you know anyone in their current classes? Can you drop by office hours or after school and chat with them about the class?

bluebayou

AP Art History can be a great class, and adds to your strength of schedule (and UC bonus point for Calif residents).

Keshira

Oh! I was wondering about Art History too.

What's it like? Is it more art or more history? How much do you need to memorize, compared to say, APUSH?

T_nacious

is art history a fine art??

blueiguana

Yes, Art History is a fine arts. Like any class at your school, it can be 'easy', a total 'bear', interesting, or boring as heck, depending on the instructor. Ask around.