Hello there! I’ve been on these forums for a little while now and was actually looking for some insight and advice regarding my own situation.
I’m currently a HS Senior who will be graduating later this summer (non-traditional academic path) and entering college straight after in August. At this point, I’m currently enrolled in 10 classes (2 AP’s and 8 Honors) and I’ve been able to maintain a solid 4.0 unweighted GPA throughout all of high school, despite also working anywhere between 20-35 hours per week at my day job. I’ve taken nearly all of the AP’s that are offered at my school, and the ones that aren’t, I’ve been self studying through textbooks and other resources (with the exception of AP Calc). I often read textbooks just for the knowledge.
Recently though, I’ve discovered that I would be interested in taking a few additional classes at my high school before graduation: AP Language (just because I didn’t take it already in Junior Year), Spanish III, Theatre Credit, and Biotechnology 1, if it is available. Based on my school’s guidelines, I would be allowed to do this, if I choose to do so.
But my question is ultimately this: Do you think I’m crazy for doing all of this? Or more importantly, should I even be taking on this much?
I have my cheerleaders, but the majority of people seem to think the answer to that first question is a definite “yes”, and that I’m an overachiever who takes school way too seriously. What is your honest opinion? Should I take the additional classes that I mentioned above as well?
The reason I am asking is because I’m on a pre-med track and must transfer to a different university, preferably during my sophomore year of undergraduate school – I want to do everything I can to be as competitive as possible, especially if I am applying to a more prestigious university
Wait, but if you are a senior that is graduating this summer and going to college in Ausgust, how will you be able to finish those classes in what is basically a month or two?
I have my ways Haha, but really, I have the option of doing an accelerated path for these courses. It’s similar to the 8-week accelerated path for summer undergrad courses where all of the information is just crammed into that particular time frame.
8 Weeks for AP Lang isn’t too bad. Doing that alongside Biotech and theater is pretty hard. Would not recommend Spanish III in 8 weeks unless you are a native speaker.
Very confused. You already have a college lined up to start in August. You want to transfer as an undergrad. As soon as you begin college, pretty much all that colleges will then care about is how well you doin college and how you involve yourself in college life. So knock yourself out if you like, but I see zero benefit to your plan, unless you want AP credits?
Agree with @Lindagaf
–I see no reason to do that. IMO your time would be better spent elsewhere.
–If you insist on going that route be certain in advance that anything you take over the summer would be accepted by the college you will be attending.
–I also don’t know why you’d “have” to transfer after a year (unless you are starting at a CC or something where you can’t complete your four year undergrad education).
@happy1 Yes, I am beginning at a local CC due to financial reasons and a lack of scholarships, unfortunately. From my current understanding, it is very, very, difficult (if not impossible) to get into a US medical school without first attending a traditional 4 year university, so I essentially have to transfer.
@Lindagaf Yes, that is true However, since I’ll be transferring quite early (preferably beginning of sophomore year), they’ll also want to see my high school transcripts and base their transfer decision off of this performance as well. Thus, wouldn’t it be better to have as many AP credits/A+ Honors credits as possible?
Not really, because your app will only be judged in terms of what your school offers. My thought is that they might wonder why you went to the trouble.
It does not make sense as you should be done with college application are will not be able to take AP exam this week. It would be better to take the same course in college or at least community college that you can get the credit.
I would strongly advise against going down this route. Focus on doing the best you can in college and maintaining a 3.8+ GPA (preferably a 4.0 if you’re starting off at a CC). Colleges will care about HS, but they’ll also want to see that you’re adjusting well to college life.
Also, bear in mind that you’ll have far less time in college than you originally think. You might believe your schedule will be light at first, but things stack up after a while.
