<p>Although I start my first regular semester of community college in the fall, I am taking 15 credits this semester and am considered a sophomore due to my numerous AP credits (13 classes). I will complete my Associate's Degree this Fall, even though the degree usually takes 4 semesters to complete. Am I still eligible to apply as a sophomore transfer in the spring?</p>
<p>I also have a question about the quality of credits that I am taking this summer. Although I am taking 4 classes, I have opted to take 2 of them online due to the fact they were classes that I have already had extensive experience in (calculus and intro to computer science). I know that universities generally look down upon online classes due to their lack of rigor compared to sit-in classes, but I felt as though taking these classes online would free up time for me to pursue extracurricular activities, and I frankly found it unnecessary to go to campus in order to take these classes. How will my online classes effect my application strength?</p>
<p>If I am eligible to apply as a spring transfer, I will be transferring in with exactly 33 credits and an Associate's Degree from my community college, as well as approximately 7-10 AP classes worth of credit. I have noticed however, that most spring transfer applicants are already in the sophomore year and are applying with an excess of 45-60 credits, placing them an entire semester ahead of me. Will this result in a significant disadvantage?</p>
<p>My last question pertains to course rigor. How do I prove to universities that I can handle the rigor of their programs? Although I am excelling in my community college courses, I feel as though I am at a significant disadvantage to other students who are transferring from other 4-year institutions. The fact that I will be applying with less than standard amount of credits compared to other applicants in the spring only compounds my concerns. I will be applying with 4 completed classes (2 of which are online) and only a handful of mid semester grades, which I feel does not compete well with the amount of credits and course rigor of other students applying in the same cycle. Will this have a big impact on admissions? What can I do outside of the classroom to show that I can handle their curriculum?</p>
<p>My target colleges are Notre Dame, Cornell, UMich, and UIUC, although I will be applying to more.</p>
<p>Thank You!</p>