Ashley Said:

Help - Applying to good university with low predicted grades...?

We Answered:

Apply to as many universities as you are legally able to.

Write a positive personal statement and I am sure someone will take you.

We all make mistakes in life and if you own up to them people are very forgiving and understanding. Hold your head up high and apply. Tell the truth, be remorseful and start university on a positive note.

Rhonda Said:

Music Theory, Music Tech or Anatomy?

We Answered:

Okay, I think I can help with both experience and a hypothetical approach here. I am a high school senior, and I'm actually currently enrolled in AP Spanish, AP Euro, and AP Stats. Last year (my junior year) I took AP Bio, AP Calc AB, AP USH, and AP Music Theory. So I definitely know where you're coming from in your assessment of how much time these classes could suck up. However, I have not held a job so I will do my absolute best to weigh in what I feel it would be like but forgive me if I over or undershoot it.

It is clear you are very dedicated to music, even when your parents don't financially support it (which is absolutely fine.) I think, even if you are only planning on a music minor over a major, you should do your absolute best to fuel that passion. I'm not sure how dedicated you are to your scientific endeavors but I will assume that those are just as important given your choice of a major. However, I will warn you...

You probably do not know now what you want to do the rest of your life. A happy few high school students do, but most stories I've heard from personal friends of mine in college or from college students I met during my college search say that they switch their major from what they expected. This doesn't happen to everyone, and I admittedly don't know you, but most of those two bulky paragraphs you typed were about music, not science. It makes me wonder if you are absolutely reserved that you're going into pre-med and therefore don't feel you have to talk about it as much because it's set in stone, or if you aren't really as passionate about it.

This isn't me trying to change your college plans at all. I'm simply giving my opinion that you should do what you're passionate about now and let the future work itself out. AP Music Theory was a very fun class and to me, did not feel like an AP class. Granted, I had a bit of theory background going in, but I feel it was my passion for the subject that fueled my gettting an easy A and 5 in that class/exam. And if you're taking those particular AP classes (English lit is much tougher than English lang jsut as Calc BC is much tougher than Calc AB, and Euro is my personal passion but a LOT of reading) on top of a job, I imagine finding 1-2 hours for practicing a day could be tough without Music tech. However, that class also sounds like you'll be learning new things from the private instructors, not just practicing, so you'll probably need at least a little practice time at home on top of it to hone the new skills.

On the other hand, you're right, anatomy would be good for college, and college admissions people will likely want to see a science course of some sort if you're applying for pre-med (not sure how that works exactly but I've had to put down history major quite a few times so I assume they want to see if you have an idea and what you've done to push for it.) But colleges would also love to see another 5 on an AP exam, and the Music tech class, well, that's more for you.

So I would probably push for AP Music Theory and then one of the other two, but I really can't decide between them because I don't know the difference in commitment levels to your pre-med college plans and your current and music minor musical plans.

Sorry if this was indecisive but I hope it was helpful! I know, as a high school student I can offer empathy, but I'm also just as confused as you, haha! Good luck!

Tommy Said:

What classes should I take my senior year?

We Answered:

(If you're interested in performance, you may want to check for a Performance major at the place you attend - just a side note.)

Let's see- you have:

AP Calc.
AP French
AP Lit. and Comp.
AP Euro.
Orchestra

and you want to choose between Theory, Tech., and Anatomy.

Well, to start, music schools do not care whether you get a 5 on the AP Theory test or not; you will have to take a placement test that the department has for further credit. (Some schools differ in this policy; check your place for details.) In the case of the University I attend, credit by AP is only allowed for music *majors*, and people who got a 4+ on the AP test (plus I had to take a placement exam and final exams for all 4 courses that AP encompassed, which is kind of a pain). If you're going to minor in music, there's really no use to take Music Tech. (unless it interests you).

So I would choose AP Theory (or Tech.) and Anatomy. But, if I were you, I would honestly do AP Chemistry and Anatomy - I taught myself AP Chem. (got a 3 on the test), and it's fascinating stuff which you will probably see again in college, gvien your major. Plus you'll get college credit if you pass the test. It is, though, a lot of work.

Good luck.

Janet Said:

Can I Become A Canadian Astronaut Pilot?

We Answered:

Can't speak for the Canadian Armed Forces, but quite a few American airline pilots are also Air National Guard pilots too. But do check with the CSA, as mentioned. Also look at universities like Simon Frasier to see if they have a space [flight] studies course.