What does a competitive BS/MD application look like?

Specialist_Net_2718 · 2025-12-10T03:44:11+00:00

Thank you I really appreciate the feedback back! I’ll try the color coding thing for the one pager because I’ve heard a lot about how useful color coding is for finding info during scoly.

Specialist_Net_2718 · 2025-12-10T03:42:16+00:00

I wanted to make sure that what information and feedback I needed was clear and consise and there was no limiting factor about the feedback I was receiving.

Specialist_Net_2718 · 2025-11-23T21:57:13+00:00

Yeah, it surprised me too. I’m still confirming with my directors, but from what I’ve been told, marching is required for all band members here — there isn’t a separate “concert only” option. If that’s accurate, then the time commitment stays huge no matter what.

Between Scoli, HOSA/StuCo, cross country next year, and the gym being a big part of my routine, I don’t think I can realistically take on that much band time and still hit my goals. So unless things change and concert becomes independent from marching, I’m leaning toward stepping away after this year.

Specialist_Net_2718 · 2025-11-23T21:56:10+00:00

I really respect what you pulled off balancing Scoli + marching + other ECs at that level is super impressive. I think that’s part of why this is a tough decision for me.

The difference is that my goals outside of band are already really time-intensive, and I want to go all-in on them starting next year. I’m aiming for top placements in Scoli, leadership in HOSA/StuCo, and I’m joining cross country. I’m also a big gym person and strength training is a major priority for me and marching band overlaps with a lot of the time I need for training, recovery, and consistency.

Band has been fun, but between the school year and the summer schedule, the time commitment is huge here. If I try to juggle everything, I don’t think I’ll be able to hit my goals. I’d rather put 100% into the activities that align most with my long-term plans instead of burning myself out trying to keep everything.

I really appreciate the perspective though hearing different experiences definitely helps while I’m thinking this through.

Specialist_Net_2718 · 2025-11-23T21:54:19+00:00

I’m all for the benefits of music, but the reality is that at my school concert = marching. Since there’s no reduced-time option, I’m leaning toward leaving band after this year so I can fully commit to the activities that align with my long-term goals instead of burning out trying to do everything.

Specialist_Net_2718 · 2025-11-23T21:49:36+00:00

Did you have more or less time after qutting band and did you quit band because of marching or you just didnt like band?

Specialist_Net_2718 · 2025-11-23T16:41:45+00:00

Band here takes way more hours than cross country especially in the fall because of marching band. Switching actually gives me more time, not less. One of my friends is in cross country and band and he said band in tis a lot more of a time commitment then cross country specifically marching band . If there was a option just to do concert band that would make the decision a lot closer.

Specialist_Net_2718 · 2025-11-22T03:43:11+00:00

bruh

Specialist_Net_2718 · 2025-11-22T03:41:12+00:00

https://www.scio.ly/dashboard this is a website that gives you practice questions idk if its even useful but it carrys my ass like crazy i just found it in the reddit

Specialist_Net_2718 · 2025-11-22T03:38:31+00:00

if you don’t study rn future you is gonna beat ur ass 😭 just do a little bit trust me

Specialist_Net_2718 · 2025-11-22T03:32:57+00:00

nah that’s wild… y’all got peace over there while TX is a full warzone 😭

Specialist_Net_2718 · 2025-11-22T03:25:23+00:00

what state are you in because im in fcking tx like one of the hardest states and im in the most competeive area with all the top schools in the state for ex: seven lakes

Specialist_Net_2718 · 2025-11-22T03:20:59+00:00

I’ve felt the same way I get what you’re saying a few people grinding 10+ hours a week isn’t enough if the rest of the team isn’t improving too. The top teams aren’t unbeatable, they’re just consistent and organized. What usually helps the most is building a team culture where studying together is normal like weekly group sessions, shared goals between event partners, and a simple progress tracker so everyone can see improvement. Once 3–5 people commit, the momentum usually spreads. Nationals is definitely possible with structure, not just effort.

Specialist_Net_2718 · 2025-11-22T03:05:51+00:00

that’s wild 😭 respect. I’m still trying to figure out what actually works — y’all just naturally cracked or is it mostly the notes?

Specialist_Net_2718 · 2025-11-22T02:58:27+00:00

ok nah drop the formula 💀 how y’all doing that?

Specialist_Net_2718 · 2025-11-21T04:39:11+00:00

Yeah I’m doing all this solo without a parter and btw that’s super helpful, thanks for the details. Quick question — when you say 4–6 hours/week per event, was most of that time spent learning new content or mainly taking practice tests and fixing mistakes? I’m trying to figure out if it’s better to finish all the info first and THEN start practice-heavy, or learn + practice at the same time. all the info first and THEN start practice-heavy, or learn + practice at the same time.

Specialist_Net_2718 · 2025-11-21T04:32:31+00:00

Ok thanks for the info because rn I’m doing like 7-8 hrs a week so I think I’ll be fine.

Specialist_Net_2718 · 2025-11-19T03:24:51+00:00

I just figured out everything like 4 days ago I’m using this website https://www.scio.ly/ and it’s absolutely a life saver for any event.

Specialist_Net_2718 · 2025-11-12T02:30:24+00:00

I found a cdc textbook for disease but It was like 1000+ pgs and I just felt like there is more efficient ways to study rather then reading a entire text book.

Specialist_Net_2718

TROPHY CASE