<p>I go to a really small school where there are no AP or Honors classes available. I want to go to a school like MIT, Cornell, or Carnegie Mellon, but I don't think I'll even be considered without any of these classes. I am taking the hardest classes available at my school and have a 4.0, but I still don't know how much that will help. I am involved in a lot of ECs, but none of which involve engineering, which is what I really want to major in. My school doesn't have any computer science (my 2nd choice of major) or engineering clubs or classes and I don't even think we have Calculus. I also can't get much help from my guidence councelor because no one from my school has ever gone to a prestigious college.</p>
<p>We do have the option of making our own course and/or taking classes at the local community college. Would taking classes at the community college help my chances? I would make my own course for engineering or computer science, but I don't know how I could actually learn the stuff. Do you have any ideas for how I could get material for this and advice on the community college? Also are there any other things I can do to help my chances? Thanks!</p>
<p>If you have exhausted the course offerings at your high school, consider taking community college courses in calculus, English composition/writing, physics, and (if needed for your major) chemistry. Be sure to choose courses which are transferable to the state flagship university and (for the math and science courses) which are suitable for those majoring in those subjects (i.e. don’t take “calculus for business majors” or “physics for pre-meds” if you can take these courses for math, physics, and engineering majors).</p>
<p>Remember that the schools you list are “reach for everyone” type of schools, so be sure to consider safety options. Depending on your state of residency, your state flagship may offer a fine education in engineering and/or computer science.</p>
<p>Yep! Taking community college courses is a huge plus. It shows that you are a bright and curious individual who is willing to use any opportunity to learn some more. You could design your own course (independent study) as long as you offer proof of this to colleges if needed. And be sure to check with your school’s requirements on dual enrollment.</p>
<p>Schools will want to see you take the most challenging courses that are available to you. If your school does not offer APs, it will not be held against you.</p>
<p>Yes, take as many community college classes as you can. And look for summer opportunities in science and engineering. MIT has some free ones and many other summer programs offer scholarships if your family can not afford them. But you have to work hard on your own to find opportunities outside of your high school to impress top colleges. Google and use the search function here, many are in your shoes.</p>