Course Rigor- Am I Screwed?

Applying to College
1

<p>Current Junior in high school, starting to think about what colleges I want to apply to. I'm looking at a lot of selective colleges (Cornell, Georgetown, Berkeley), and I didn't realize how important class rigor was until this year.</p>

<p>My school doesn't offer ap classes, and I've probably only taken 1/3 of the honors classes I could freshman and sophomore year. The way honors works at my school is a bit disorganized, but I probably took the equivalent of 1 honors freshman year and 2 sophomore year. I'm taking all the honors classes I can this year, and I'll end up with around 4 honors classes. This year I'm taking advanced calculus, which is the equivalent of AP calc.</p>

<p>I'm really worried that this will ruin my chances. At the very least there is an upward trend, but I'll be competing against people who have taken the most rigorous courses all 4 years. My GPA is around a 3.9, and I'm expecting good test scores, but I haven't taken any yet. Overall how will my lack of course rigor effect my chances.</p>

2

<p>Adcoms will attempt to consider your transcript in the context of your high school. If your course work is more rigorous than any of your classmates and you simply do not have access to AP and higher level classes, be sure your GC mentions this in his LOR.</p>

<p>However, based on the way you describe your course selection, it sounds like you coasted without taking any real challenges for a year or two. If this is the case, you will need to prove this year and next that you have sought challenges and can succeed in difficult environments.</p>

<p>Perhaps consider taking some community college or on-line classes. Start a self-study program now for taking one or more AP tests this spring (Micro- and Macro-Econ, Psych are some that lend themselves to successful intense self-study).</p>

3

<p>you are at a disadvantage compared to those who take rigorous classes.</p>

4

<p>Ace this year and all is forgiven.</p>

<p>Sent from my ADR6410LVW using CC</p>

5

<p>I’m taking 3 AP tests this year. French I know I’ll get a 5 on (I’m fluent in the language), AB Calc will be a 4 or 5, and French Culture which I’m not to sure about, but probably a 4 or 5. I might be able to self study for another test in the spring. </p>

<p>Do you think this will make up for the rigor of my freshman and sophmore year classes, considering our school doesn’t actually offer any AP classes?</p>