As a freshman I took a Sophomore English and Math class. I got an A in Math, but I was taking a Honors English, and go to a B in that. I also took Honors Biology. For my English, next year as a sophomore i did not make it into the next honors class despite having a B in the class both semesters. In my Honors Biology class, I got a high B first semester and a high C second semester which takes me out of my honors science course. And I am not planning on taking Honors Algebra 2/Trig as algebra is not my strong suit.
So with that, my main academic classes are: Algebra 2/Trig, World History, Chemistry, English 3
I have no honors classes, but am taking higher levels of classes as compared to the “normal” track of classes.
Without any honors classes, I’m worried about not being able to get into good, reputable colleges. Should I try to remediate my Honors Bio grade or would I be okay taking normal Chemistry?
If you do not consistently take honors and at least 3 APs you will not be considered by top colleges
@EmpireFrontier
Who on earth told you that?
@pennies As long as you are taking classes that are challenging, regardless of level, you are fine. Colleges want to see rigor and not a specific number of honors and APs on your transcript.
There are many great colleges in the country (and in others as well) and not all require honors classes in high school. Do well in the classes you qualify for, apply to colleges that fit you as a student, and you will have options and choices.
Quick tip that might help is to look at the common data set for a few colleges and see how important “course rigor” is for admissions. Your course load might not qualify as “most rigorous offered”, so you would want to target colleges that aren’t so worried about that.
GPA will matter at most/all colleges more than course rigor, so keep that in mind too.
Don’t worry. There are lots of strong, reputable colleges that accept students who don’t have any honors or AP courses. CC is a tough place, with so many kids aiming to tippy top colleges that are looking for certain things, but honestly most colleges in the US won’t hold this against you. As a previous poster said, just target the right schools and you will be fine.
You know, strike my comment about the common data set. I was looking at some and they were all saying they very strongly consider course rigor, but I’ve known students who haven’t had what most would consider rigorous courses (or super high grades) who have gone to regional (locally known) hidden gem type colleges that are claiming on the CDS to very strongly consider rigor.
Realistically, you aren’t likely to get into super selective colleges. But that is not a bad thing. There are so many nice colleges to go to where they will value you and want you.
OP is concerned about getting into a good, reputable college. That is a different thing than a “top” college, EmpireFrontier. @pennies, do the best you can for YOU, work hard (but not to the point of undue anxiety) and remember to do some things you enjoy just because you enjoy them. You will find a good, reputable school that fits you.
Selective schools require taking some of the most challenging courses your high school offers.
What about foreign language? A good, reputable but not tippy top University (such as your state’s flagship non honors) will expect you to reach level three.
An issue is that it sounds like you took classes for which you weren’t prepared. You’d have been better off taking English 9 Honors and getting an A, than getting shut out of the honors English track for taking a sophomore class freshman year. What’s the pre-req for a regular English student to qualify for AP English Language?
Taking regular algebra2 and regular chemistry is ok as long as you get an A.
This is a classic example of why many adults here dislike chance threads - incorrect information being spouted by a HS student who has not even been through the process. The reality is that applications are evaluated in context. I challenge anyone to provide an example of a US college to which a completed application has been submitted where that application “will not be considered.” Also, for the OP, this really is not a “chance” post, so I moved it to the correct forum.
Yes, there are many many “good, reputable” colleges which may be a fit for you. There are many tippy top colleges that are be a reach for everyone. If, when you’re a junior, and have taken SAT/ACT, and have discussed budget with your parents, come here, and we’ll help you with a list of colleges.
That said, I would suggest you take Honors Algebra 2 so you at least have an honors course and you got an A this year, unless you think an A In Honors Algebra 2 in not achievable. And I am concerned about the lack of a foreign language.