I was just wondering…I know colleges like to see good grades all around, but will they dislike it if you show an obvious interest/ability in the humanities and a lesser interest/ability in math and science? Will they be sympathetic to that?
Personally, I am really, REALLY interested in the humanities and rather apathetic about math and science. My SATs were 800 Verbal and 650 Math (the latter after much preparation.) None of my grades are really catastrophic, but i had a C in precalc and it’s clear that I put more effort into my english, history and language classes.
This is just very frustrating for me because I’ve known what I like and what I’m good at for a long time, and I want more than anything to pursue my interests at a high level at a good LAC. I know i don’t like math or science, and I’m not good at either, and (unless I change drastically in the next few years, but I don’t think I will) I’m going to deal with them as little as possible for the rest of my life.
I guess I’m just venting about the whole “well-rounded student” paradigm.
Anyone share my sentiments - or want to offer another opinion? Any advice for kids heavy in the humanities but weak in math and science? Anyone in the opposite position (good at math/science, but lousy in humanities?)
<p>I understand what you're going through. I am not a math/science person at all...my grades in PreCalc and Chem ranging from B+ to B-... I think it depends also on whether you came in for extra help for your classes. If so, I'd have a math/science teacher write you a rec saying that even though you didn't get an A, you came in every day for help...or something like that. Colleges like perseverance. Good luck!</p>
<p>I think it's great that you're passionate about the humanities, and, like you mentioned, you'll be able to study primarily the subjects that you like in college. That said, it's still important to focus on the subjects that you don't like as much while you're in high school. You don't have to do as well in math/science as you do in the humanities, but you do have to take challenging courses and work hard in them. You can show your interest in the humanities by joining related clubs, taking history or english electives, independent projects, etc.
hope this helps!</p>
<p>wow, i have the EXACT opposite problem. im all math and scinece, cant STAND english and history and languages. lol i need to like team up with some one like u guys, and then i'd be like ultra-smart or somethin. my SAT was like 720 math, 680 english (after a HUGEEEEEEE amount of studying, started with a 490 english...lol)</p>
<p>Hyancithgirl, I absolutely share your sentiments. I detest math-not quite as much science. In fact, I posted on this subject in the parents forum. I plan to branch out in college, and fulfill the math requirement with a logic class, but still follow my interests in humanities. </p>
<p>Hold on there!! If you don't mind some old geezer input. Loved my History; Philosophy; Law and so on. Showed up in Chem., Physics; math just enough to pass. Now, I regret it. My personal interest in the liberal arts has now intersected with the sciences and I wish like _____ I had more foundational knowledge in those areas. Just a thought.</p>
<p>All things considered, most colleges would prefer to take a student with strong writing skills and weaker math skills over a student with strong math skills and weak writing skills. One or two C's in math classes aren't the kiss of death but keep in mind that at many selective schools, you'll be asked to take at least a few math and science classes to meet general education requirements.</p>
<p>Obviously, lopsided test scores and grades are going to affect overall stats, but it appears that your stats are going to be strong regardless. You appear to be a SOLID candidate for any LAC (except maybe Harvey Mudd) and an EXCELLENT candidate for schools below the Amherst, Williams, Swarthmore level of selectivity. </p>
<p>And fortunately for you, there are dozens of superb LACs for students with interests in the humanities: Vassar, Wesleyan, Carleton, Oberlin, Pomona, Davidson, Smith, Barnard, Kenyon, Bard, Connecticut College, Skidmore. . .</p>