I go to a really small school, and getting enough kids for AP (and even non-AP) classes is a major struggle. I was supposed to take AP Computer Science Principles, that got cancelled. My next choice was Physics, also cancelled. Next I had Psychology, which I ended up getting. My counselor is trying to put me in Photography/Art for my other open class, but I already took it freshman year. My only other option is a TA period. I am a straight A, super focused student, and to miss out on my top two choices seems like a major hit. How bad does a TA period look on my transcript?
I don’t think a single class would look bad or be the reason you are not admitted to one of your target schools. It also doesn’t make sense to retake a class.
However, if you are looking to up your rigor do you have access to an online option. My kids took online community college classes and had a free period in HS.
Can you take a non-AP science?
Agree that one TA period is no issue. Perhaps the teacher you TA for can even write a LOR.
I would ask your guidance counselor to note the cancelled AP classes in his/her letter of recommendation to colleges.
I would respectfully disagree with the above posters who say it won’t matter,
and will chime in with an “it may well matter” vote.
Having a TA period is not a huge issue, but it does put an unquantifiable class on your transcript.
The schools you’ll be applying to won’t know if you are getting coffee or dry cleaning for the teacher you’re assisting, or if you’re actually grading (don’t laugh, I’ve seen this happen) student papers.
A lot depends on the types and specific schools you’re targeting.
If you’re looking for a Top 20, Ivy or many of the competitive public flagships, I would say don’t do it,
as it won’t add to the rigor of your course profile.
Instead take a class with a letter grade based on work completed, even if it’s not a tough AP class.
If your targets fall outside of the rarified air of the highly selective, then it’s probably just fine to TA.
The non-AP science option was Physics, which was also cancelled. Since my school is largely based around public safety and law enforcement, we are required to take a public safety related class every year (they’re all dual enrollment). I’m taking Community Relations this upcoming year. Do you think that would perhaps make up for having a TA period?
Just to add: I was thinking of applying to Ivys (just to see if I would even get in), but I doubt that I would and I don’t think I would go even if I was admitted. I think the main 2 that I would actually go to are UC Davis and UC Berkeley (hoping to stay in-state).
I’ve known people who did a class independently for credit with the sponsorhip of a teacher. It was listed on their transcript as a regular class, during that hour they went to the library and did the class on their own. And this was back in the day when they just used the textbook and worked thru the syllabus the teacher gave them. It would be even easier today since you can look on the internet and perhaps find online material covering HS Physics or AP CS, as well as Khan Academy and similar resources. Before school is out talk it over with one of the teachers who usually offers these classes and see if one would sponsor you.
I do recall that last year, when AP Calc was about to be cancelled, the counselor suggested a similar self-teaching option, except it would be on the computer. We ended up getting the actual class, but there is no such option being offered for AP CS. What’s worse is that I found out about these cancellations just yesterday, which was our last day of school.
My D’s high school offered her the chance to take a class independently this year, online, since the school couldn’t make it happen otherwise. Worked well for her. My S took several classes at our local CC during his last two years of HS and several colleges called out his success there during interviews.
then you need to hustle! Teachers may still be around today packing up the classroom. The administrators (principal, counselors, etc) may still be around or may be working this summer (especially if your HS offers summer school). Contact everyone you can think of and see if you can arrange something. Rewards go to those who aren’t passive but make things happen.
Since you’re in California, you need to make sure that any outside class you take is UC-eligible and will count toward your a.-g. requirements. Although it sounds as if you’re a high achieving student, so you’re probably already fine.
The Community Relations class, since it sounds unique to your specialized school program, sounds like a great option.