<p>My school’s schedule is messed up this year, and I’m forced to choose between German or Wind Ensemble. My dilemma concerns whether or not our school plans to institute the weighted GPA system this year. Last year, GPA wasn’t weighted. Btw, our school goes by the 100 point scale instead of the 4.0 scale.
These are the respective “positives” for taking either course:</p>
<p>1.) German: will probably get into German Honor Society this year if I do take this course. (I started from German I soph. year, which is why I couldn’t apply junior year.) Since this is a CP course, it is worth more in the weighted system–that is, if our school does institute the weighted GPA system. </p>
<p>2.) Wind Ens: This is the “elite” band of the school–and you have to audition to get in, so I guess it’s considered an “honor.” I’ve made it into regionals before, and I’m considering trying out again this year. But, I have to be in the band program to try out. I chose this course first b/c I thought colleges would like to see something I had shown commitment for throughout high school. I’m not planning to take the German SAT II anyway, so I thought electing to take Wind Ens. would be more “worth it.” My worry right now is if we do use the weighted system, then wind ens. as a standard course, would not help my GPA very much. (Standard is below CP.)</p>
<p>Do you guys think I should continue with wind ens, or take German if it would help my GPA more? Ultimately, the dilemma is between taking a course that would show consistency/passion for music, or taking a course that would help my GPA?</p>
<p>There is a joke at our school that if you take band, your weighted GPA is doomed. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, petition your district to give more credit for what sounds like a prestigious ensemble. While schools like to see four years of language on your transcript, if band is your only EC which you have shown consistent commitment to, I would recommend sticking with it.</p>
<p>Band isn’t my only EC, but it’s one of the defining characteristics of my profile. I’ve been taking piano and flute since elementary years, and this year I’ll probably be first or second chair flute.
On the other hand, I will be taking the SAT II Chinese, so technically, I’m already fluent in a foreign language. I started from German I sophomore year, so this year I’d be taking German III–but b/c of the conflict…I’m thinking of dropping it.</p>
<p>If you plan to major in music or a related field, then I would suggest that you take the Wind Ensemble (as you said, to show consistency); otherwise, it would likely be most beneficial to your academic growth to take German.</p>
<p>I’m not planning to major in music, but since it is one of my more important ECs, don’t you think I should continue with it?
I’m already fluent in another foreign language, and I’m planning to take a SAT II for it. My main concern is the weighted GPA system–which could hurt me since wind. ens. is a standard course whereas German is CP.</p>
<p>I would stick with wind ensemble, especially if you have a reasonable chance of getting into regional band, etc. You already have a language. But…do you have a good idea of what the effect on your likely class rank would be if they go to weighted grades? If the difference would knock you out of the top 10%, say, my advice might be different.</p>