<p>Last summer, I moved to the States from overseas. My classes from the two schools clashed, so my counselor ended up holding me back an entire grade for math and science. I was (and still am) extremely frustrated because I've always been high-achieving and this feels like a major blow. I also had to spend a semester taking US Gov, and my counselor refused to put me in AP Gov although that would have made my life so much easier (the on-level teacher was awful). I hate being a year behind, especially because this means that I can't take an AP science until senior year (I was really looking forward to taking AP Physics as a junior) and I really don't want colleges to think that I'm not competent or that I'm underachieving.
I've always heard that taking rigorous classes is very important, especially if you want to get into a good college (namely, an Ivy) - just wondering how big of a setback this would be. Is there any chance the admission officers will take into account my moving overseas as the cause for this schedule mishap?
Thanks so much!</p>
<p>Admissions will take it into account, yes. </p>
<p>But I would try to speak to a different counselor - or go all the way to the school principal - if you feel the classes are below your abilities and will hurt your chances at selective schools.</p>
<p>I don’t know if we are technically allowed to speak with another counselor bc they’re assigned by last name (though I wish I could, since mine doesn’t seem to try very hard).</p>
<p>If your counselor writes her/her recommendation about the restrictions that prevented you from taking a more rigorous schedule, then you should be fine. You are taking the most rigorous courseload available to you.</p>