Need help deciding electives for college prep

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by CV26, Jun 19, 2013.

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  1. CV26

    CV26 New Member

    My goal after High School completion is to transfer into a local Community College. I only have 5 Electives left to choose and I don't know which one to go for. I want to pursue Audio Engineering, but after doing my research and all that, I think it's best for me to go on campus to get hand on experience. I can't really do this through DL. If for whatever reason I am not qualify to go to this college, I might just enroll in one of the big 3 to get my Associates.

    So for college prep, Math and English are important. But whatever is important? Can somebody offer some advice?

    1. Algebra 1
    2. Trigonometry and Analytical Geometry (Pre-Requisite Algebra I)
    3. Calculus (Pre-Requisite Trigonometry and Analytical Geometry)
    4. Geometry
    5. Algebra 2
    6. American Literature
    7. Spanish
    8. Chemistry (Pre-Requisite Algebra 1)
    9. Psychology
    10. Music Appreciation.

    I know I must take Algebra 1 in order to take the other electives, but I also want to take Calculus so that I won't have to take it again in college. Which math do I really need? Thanks for the recommendation.
     
  2. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    Unless you are going for an engineering, or other technical degree, you will not have to take calculus. You will certainly not need calculus for audio engineering. I would advise you to look at the requirements for the college you are considering for insight into which electives you need.

    A word from someone who has been a professional musician in the past; have a backup plan. Pursue your dreams, but have a profession to fall back on if you can't earn a living at it. Music and audio production is a wonderful hobby, a great choice for a very serious hobby, but a poor choice for earning a living. You should go for it, you might be one of the very tiny percentage who can actually pull off a career in it, but don't depend on it for income. I have one friend who is a fantastic guitarist and audio engineer but is also a successful lawyer. He has a good life and does lots of music. I have another friend who dropped out of school, has no backup plan, and depends completely on music for his income; he has to live in his car and is many thousands in debt.



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    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 19, 2013
  3. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    It's possible that your high school has an agreement with your local community college that allows high school students to enroll in actual classes to fill those elective slots. You have the summer off, so your high school counselor isn't on hand, but you should go to your local community college and ask to make an appointment with an advisor. Specifically, ask if they have a program with your high school. It's usually called "dual enrollment" meaning you take 1 class but get credit at dual (both) schools simultaneously. It's typical for dual enrollment programs to offer English 101 and College Algebra, both are requirements at almost any college you would end up in, so you'd be killing two birds with one stone.
    Also, in some states, dual enrollment is free, in others it costs money and you won't be able to use financial aid. That said, you should see an advisor tomorrow and find out if it's an option. Good luck with whatever you choose!
     
  4. CV26

    CV26 New Member

    Thanks. I just called the college and they say class enrollment is really over phone along with payment for the corporate continuation education. There is no need for credit transfer unless I'm getting a degree. Sound good to me it makes things a lot easier.

    As far as having a back up plan, I'm not sure what I want to do yet. Hopefully that will come.

    Thanks for all the information and advice.
     
  5. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    Smart move checking with the school. I'm glad to hear that it cleared up a few things for you.

    Figuring out what you want to do is probably the hardest thing. For me, all I ever really wanted to do was music and music production, so nothing else ever really rung my bell. Try to figure out something that you will not hate, might even sort of enjoy as much as possible, and develop that ability along with your production chops. Don't take the chance of ending up like my friend who lives in his car. I have often said that music is like a drug, you get addicted to doing it and nothing else will light you up. The problem is that, also like a drug, it can leave you on the street.
     
  6. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    I have another friend who went to Full Sail U and got a very expensive degree in music production. I would have tied him to a chair to keep him from spending that kind of money for a career that offers little chance of gainful employment. To my surprise, he is now a sound technician for Bon Jovi, tours with him, and seems to be doing OK. You just never know, and it is good to have a plan "B."
     
  7. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    I don't think you asked the right question. You need to ask to speak to someone about dual enrollment. This would be for classes starting in August and then January at your high school or college for high school & college credit.
     

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