I took geometry honors in 9th grade and it was a disaster- completely messed up my GPA. I switched to regular math in 10th grade and got an A in it, didn’t receive a grade lower than a 90 the whole year. I’m now in regular precalc and I’ve had an A+ for both quarters so far. I intend to take AP Calc AB in senior year (it’s basically a required class at my school unless you’re a complete idiot)
Math is not an interest of mine and I don’t intend on majoring in anything math or science related. Will taking regular math severely hurt my chances at elites?
Considering that math/science is not your intended career path and you’ve shown a great upward trend/admissions officers will understand you took it in middle school, I would say it won’t severely hurt your chances. It’s tempting to chase after a perfect GPA/classes (I know I did this, at least) because grades are concrete, and while good grades are certainly important I would say that when applying to ivies (where there’s a wealth of such applicants) ECs and essays (stress on ECs) are more important in how they show your passion, initiative, and hard work.
I would think when applying to Ivy’s every subject better be your thing and any you’ll need to excel in any high school subject. Each Ivy has more than enough applicants that do.
the question you need to ask yourself is “can elite colleges find kids that don’t intend on majoring in anything math or science related but that have taken the hardest math classes offered and done well?”
and ask “Am i such a stand out in all of my other non-math classes that an Ivy would admit me?”
Also use the “SuperMatch” tool over on the left of this page to see what more realistic colleges will be a better fit for you. Most likely you do not have an 800 in math on your SAT…
No need to make stupid assumptions about “realistic” colleges for me; I have a 2350 SAT.
Not really a “stupid” assumption when all the information you gave was that honors math was too hard for you and wrecked your GPA. No need to be snippy about responders not knowing the information you didn’t tell them, lol.