<p>I'm a rising college freshman and am working on transferring my sophomore year. The school I'm interested in is Georgetown University -- in addition I am interested in applying for transfer to two ivies and a few other schools.</p>
<p>My major is political science (with IR focus). These are the classes I registered for fall semester freshmen year:</p>
<p>Intro to IR
Principals of Economics
Expos. Writing
Chinese</p>
<p>Should I do 4 or 5? What classes should I take in order to have a better chance to transfer to the above schools (including spring semester)? Thanks, all relevant answers are appreciated.</p>
<p>You should probably take some math class to fulfill the general education requirements. Calculus? Statistics? Intro to analysis, perhaps?</p>
<p>I am also a rising college freshman majoring in political science looking to transfer to Georgetown.</p>
<p>Hey, nice to meet you! Would Georgetown look down on my academics if I do not take a math class the first semester? After all, there is a minimum math requirement that can be fulfilled any year.</p>
<p>What classes are you going to take?</p>
<p>Nice to meet you too! And no, I don’t think so. It is required for applicants to send a mid term report for the second semester so if you take a math class in your second semester, Georgetown will see it. But I think it’s better to have a balanced, well rounded schedule.</p>
<p>This is not a definite schedule, I still need to consult my advisor.</p>
<p>English 101
Math 101/102 (depends on how I do on my placement exam)
American government
International politics</p>
<p>English 102
German 101/102/103 (AP credit exempts me from German 101 but I’m pretty sure I failed the placement exam)
?
?</p>
<p>How many classes you take depends on how many you can do well in. It’s usually a good idea to go on the light side first semester of fr year as you’ll be adjusting to college life. That said, one strategy is to start with a heavier load, but keep your eye on the deadline to drop classes (w/o getting a W) and see how it goes.</p>
<p>One suggestion, you will likely need LORs from 2 profs/TAs, so if possible take a fr seminar course or other small class so that you can participate and get to know the instructor.</p>
<p>Oh, okay! I will register for a first semester seminar group with a professor.</p>
<p>So do you really think these classes will be enough? </p>
<p>Intro to IR
Principals of Economics
Expos. Writing
Chinese</p>
<p>I will also have a seminar class added into the schedule somewhere. Honestly, looking at these courses looks like nothing special, A+ or not. Of course this is in addition to recs, SAT, ECs and the not-so-great high school transcript (3.5 ish gpa).</p>
<p>Should I add a difficult class? Also, should I add statistics or something? I’m worried about how G-town would perceive math (considering I got two C’s for the past 2 years in high school for math – my only C’s on the transcript). Since math is my weakest subject I’m not quite sure if an A+ is plausable. In this case, would it be better to take math the second semester so the colleges will see that I took it but not see the final grade until after the decision? (assuming the grade is a B or above.)</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>@Rain202: Are you taking 4, 5 or 6 classes? Wasn’t sure by your post.</p>
<p>Also, I think I came up with a good list. How is this?</p>
<p>Intro to IR
Statistics
Expos Writing
Principals to Economics (should I replace this with something more difficult?)
Chinese or Acting (depends which class I place in higher after taking the placement test and audtion</p>
<p>Also, should I add a good-reviewed course like business ethics? I’m going to take 5 classes I guess. 4 is too little right?</p>
<p>I’m taking 4 in the first semester and 4 in the second semester.</p>
<p>What was your high school transcript like? I feel like we would be more competitive applicants with 5 classes, rather than the usual 4. Wouldn’t Georgetown want to see a student challenging himself/herself with more rigor and a bigger courseload?</p>