<p>But the reason I said “I hope it won’t be too bad” is I love math and science, so I hope I won’t struggle w/ a combo of them…</p>
<p>So I started writing my common app essay today and I’m not having too much fun thanks to the lovely 500 word limit. Anyways, in my essay , I want to combine the language aspect of my experience of moving to America(first day of 4th grade w/out knowing the alphabet or any #s) and how I conquered that barrier and my involvement w/ Persian Cultural Association(new year’s celebration- traditional dancing, food, instruments, etc.) into one essay. These are topics that I feel the strongest about, yet I’m struggling w/ the organization of these ideas. PLEASEE help me w/ any suggestions of how I could combine all of the above into one essay.<br>
If you CCers were admission officers, would you find this an interesting topic to read about? Please be honest.</p>
<p>Dude, what? H requires AP Euro?</p>
<p>From the Harvard website:</p>
<p>An ideal four-year preparatory program includes four years of English, with extensive practice in writing; four years of math; four years of science: biology, chemistry, physics, and an advanced course in one of these subjects; three years of history, including American and European history; and four years of one foreign language. </p>
<p>Not exactly required (b/c “ideal four-year preparatory program”, I guess, but def favorable.</p>
<p>Are you applying this year, too?</p>
<p>Harvard REQUIRES AP Euro?? What if someone’s school doesn’t have it?</p>
<p>Oh, sorry. Just saw the above. My phone was messing up.</p>
<p>Sent from my Vortex using CC App</p>
<p>Yup, and I didn’t take AP Euro (nor did I ever sign up for it) so maybe I’m screwed. 
I’m hoping not. Mebbe I’ll say it didn’t fit (it didn’t) or something.</p>
<p>Yeah, I think it’s really weird that they’re so specific with this history requirement. It shouldn’t be a breaking point in the admission, though. I’m sure many, many schools don’t offer it.</p>
<p>Guys, honestly, I think they just mean you should have some form of u.s. and world history. I don’t think it has to be specifically European, let alone a.p euro.</p>
<p>Sent from my Vortex using CC App</p>
<p>I’m hoping that, cuz history isn’t my strong suit. Thanks though.</p>
<p>Oh btw, have either of you read “Lies My Teacher Told Me” by James W Loewen? It taught me so much US History.</p>
<p>I haven’t, but I’ll keep it in mind for the US History SAT II!</p>
<p>Any advice on the essay question I asked??</p>
<p>By the way, will the fact that I’ve only been speaking English for about 7 yrs(not the majority of my life), yet I’ve made all A’s in all courses, including hon & AP English be a hook? Is it a bad thing to be a permanent resident, and does anyone know why they ask about the language you speak at home?</p>
<p>Eh, the essay topic sounds fine. The thing is how you make yourself interesting/genuine/whatever else adcom is looking for with that topic. Really, the important thing is how you make the topic interesting, above all else.</p>
<p>Jumping in on the AP Euro thing, if you’d rather be taking more physics (or whatever) but are not because you think it’s practically mandatory for admission to Harvard, that’s really foolish. Harvard is not looking for applicants who suffer through a class that they recommend if there are other, challenging course options that the applicant would love.</p>
<p>The Yale website had a quote that “we’ve seen run-of-the-mill topics turn into outstanding essays, and we’ve seen outstanding topics turn into boring essays.” This is common sense, so stop asking our opinions on your topic!</p>
<p>As I mentioned before, I’ve never taken physics, so I don’t know how much I will struggle. I prefer AP Euro anyways(I don’t struggle in history courses), and I never said I’m taking it just b/c I think it’s required by Harvard(I mentioned that I’m aware of the fact that it’s only prefered). </p>
<p>I’ve read the post on Yale’s website; I know the essay is all about how you word things. I just wanted some opinions/ suggestions on my essay(isn’t that what college confidential is for anyways?). Sorry?</p>
<p>^
Frankly, I thank the fact that you have never taken physics is a bigger deal than whether or not you have taken AP Euro because they ask for 4 years of science, and I would think that they would want physics to be in there somewhere.</p>
<p>At my kids’ (public) high school, they have switched everything around, and now you have to take physics as a freshman, then chemistry, biology and then whatever science you want (including AP chem, physics, bio or a combined double course called Neuropsychology in whcih the neurobio part is honors and the psych part is AP - all very complicated).</p>
<p>I am still taking AP physics, just not for 2 semesters (I’ll have it fall semester). Also, I have taken far more than 4 science courses so far.</p>
<p>I am SOOO jealous of the neuropsychology class! I would take that in a heart beat. At least the school is giving students more options than the regular biology, chem, and physics choices available at most schools.</p>
<p>Your course plan sounds reasonable, then! AP Euro > Physics E+M. Especially if you tend to struggle with physics. I adore mechanics, I admit, but electromagnetism C is pretty much objectively bad. </p>
<p>I got annoyed because I’d seen you ask about the essay more than two or three times, not because you were asking at all. I agree that it was a reasonable question the first couple times, and I apologize if I misread you to have asked it an unreasonable number of times (over multiple threads); it’s quite possible I feel like you asked it too much because I skimmed over one or two posts multiple times, rather than you actually asking it too much.</p>
<p>When you get to college, you will be able to take all the specialized courses you like. 
No more “history” for me: nationalism in Eastern Europe in the second half of the 20th century (or etc.)!! Yes please.</p>
<p>I’m sorry if my question bothered you. I guess my anxiety reflected in my posts. I finished my essay today, and it’s about 1500 words… :(</p>
<p>& I’m DEFINITELY looking forward to only taking courses I want to take in college! :D</p>