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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]DS is a current HS soph, high rigor/high stats (so far!). Will apply to a mix of schools, including competitive/ those with low acceptance rates. He is a prospective STEM major. We are hearing so much about how ECs need to align with major. He will probably have 1-2, maybe 3 activities over HS that correspond, but his main thing is his instrument. (he is also a strong pianist in addition to his primary instrument)

There are some opportunities to be recognized nationally, but it's very competitive. Getting close is possible. We're hoping that state or regional accolades happen (even there, luck plays a huge role). Either way, he is achieving a lot with both instruments, loves it, is in audition-based ensembles in and out of school, will have increasing leadership, is making his mark, etc. That's most of his EC time. He's serious about it the way DD is with her travel sport. I learned that some schools will look at portfolios for music, art, theatre, etc. even for non-majors and he will probably submit one. He wants to stay active with music in college too.

Is it a problem that he's not all in on STEM for his activities, and instead has a performing arts interest that he is devoted to? Any advice for how to present himself on his apps? Would you recommend adding a music dbl major or minor? He has some interesting things to say about this STEM interest that he can write essays on. He has come to those interests more through classwork than his activities. At least so far. So, he can speak to what he wants to study and why, but he may not have a &quot;in my free time I cured cancer&quot; thing because he's busy with music. (Otherwise, he def would have cured cancer lol)

I had a general convo with a college counselor who thought DS should try to find an intersection of his STEM interest and his music background, and to write about that. To me this feels like manufactured nonsense. Is it? Ultimately, he's not giving up or lessening his time with music, so if it's actually a &quot;problem,&quot; it is what it is![/quote]

Do NOT listen. My kid has a very deep extracurricular that has absolutely nothing to do with his likely major. Wrote his Common App essay about the activity highlighting a leadership role. His passion and dedication was palpable. He got into first choice school ED (&lt;10% admit rate).

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