<p>I've never EVER been a math oriented student (irony in my name eh?) but more of a humanities type of guy. In fact, I'm quite terrible at math and I don't see myself ever building a career based off of mathematics. </p>
<p>During my fresh, soph, and junior years, I took math courses just below the highest level. I'm afraid just taking regular algebra, geometry, algebra II, and precalc (as opposed to honors) will hurt me A LOT in attempting to get into Stanford.</p>
<p>Next year, however, I opted to enroll in AP Calculus because I want to show to colleges that I'm a well rounded student that can handle a heavy workload. </p>
<p>I also had to face the choice between AP English or AP Euro History and I chose History simply because I love History and intend to major in it. It crushed me when my guidance counselor said I couldn't take both because both are humanities oriented. I couldn't even take honors english so I'm left with regular Brit lit. How much will this hurt me?</p>
<p>I acknowledge the fact that Stanford applicants are extremely well rounded and I feel like taking regular math courses in High school will result in a heavy rejection.</p>
<p>My high school had 4 tracks of math classes to go into, and I took the 3rd (sub-honors but still pretty good) track, and went into AB AP Calc my senior year. It seems like a similar situation, and I'm not a great math student, although I really do try (as in, extra help most mornings for several months for Calc) my grades are average, not stellar. I don't think your math classes will hurt you, as I got in from a similar situation.</p>
<p>I wouldn't say that you are not well-rounded. Just because your not taking the top track in a subject away from your interests is not going to prevent an admission. As for the Brit lit issue, I would STRONGLY recommend making sure that our counselor puts something in her recommendation that you desperately wanted to take both, but couldn't because of the school.</p>
<p>Most students I've talked to at Stanford have taken at least regular Calculus in high school. That could have something to do with the fact that I'm a physics major, although not all these people are physics majors. I've talked to one person (who happens to be a recruited athlete) who didn't take calculus and got into Stanford. I don't know if it is a huge issue, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to do well in a calculus class...</p>