Music Kid Who Has STEM In Her Blood?

Pre-College Topics High School Cafe
1

<p>In many ways I’m the typical asian female. Perfect 4.0 UW GPA, numerous math/science competitions, takes all the AP classes it’s possible to take, plays the piano, etc. However, one thing is hindering my way of being my parents’ perfect asian child, and it’s my passion for music, more specifically, marching band. I plan on marching for all 4 years of high school and being in the pep band along with going for leadership positions such as section leader and drum major (not because they look good on the college apps, but because I really really love band). However, just recently, there has been another thing I would like to add to the mix- and that is playing in the small ensemble for our Show Choir (kind of like Glee or Pitch Perfect). </p>

<p>For me, band and Show Choir are ways for me to be with my friends and unwind after school. For my parents, however, band is the ultimate creation of Satan and Hitler and is only there to distract me from my studies and will be the sole reason why I won’t get into anything other than a crappy local college. So my question is. <strong><em>Is band worth it???</em></strong>*</p>

<p>I believe it is so worth it. Band is something I really enjoy doing and I’m really passionate about, and show choir will be too. However, band really does take time and my parents’ argument is that doing band will leave no time for me to get that 2200+ SAT score or to win math competitions. So is band worth it? Is pursuing that and show choir for 3 or 4 years worth getting maybe a few points deducted from my SAT score or taking a few less AP Classes? Thank you so much.</p>

<p>My dream school is Duke BTW. Go Blue Devils! </p>

2

<p>Yes, band is worth it! Colleges love to see the dedication. It will help you more in the long run. I went to a math/sci magnet school and was in 8-9 ensembles by the time I got to junior year (counting ECs and 8th period/club ones) plus dance. It is definitely worth it. I ended up getting into both of my top two colleges with full tuition scholarships from music. In college, I plan to pursue music, math, and computer science.</p>

3

<p>If it helps to know: The valedictorian of my HS 2012 class was lead violinist chamber orchestra, lead MAO in number sense competitions, and border perfect SAT I and II scores. </p>

<p>I remember seeing her on college campus occasionally helping the engineering orchestra.</p>

4

<p>The music/STEM combination looks very impressive on college applications. I remember reading an MIT blog post about how students interested in music and mathematics always write incredible essays, and Kwasi Enin, the guy who got accepted into all eight Ivy League schools, also has a huge passion for music. If anything, I think band will help you in the college application process.</p>

5

<p>Don’t let your parents keep you from having the high school experience you want. There are no guarantees either way.</p>