<p>I am going to be an incoming freshman in the fall in the honors program at DePaul University as a political science major with a double major in peace, justice and conflict studies. I am going to apply to Columbia, Penn, and a few other schools, but I want to know how much of an impact my schedule will have on the decision (in particular my math class level). I have not had orientation yet, but here is a sample schedule of what I plan to take for the first semester:</p>
<p>Honors Explore Chicago: Social Reform in Chicago (this is required)</p>
<p>Intro to International Relations</p>
<p>Writing class</p>
<p>Most likely Math 145 (which is calculus with elements of precalc... This is definitely not the lowest math class offered at DePaul, but I wanna know if it makes or breaks my chances as a transfer if I am not in the highest math class available? I dont plan on going into math/science related field)</p>
<p>If you’re not going into math or science, then don’t sweat not taking a math class if it doesn’t suit you. There is no specific curriculum to follow, but successful transfers to Penn, Columbia, and their peers generally have above a 3.5 and take a rigorous course schedule (but not so rigorous as to kill their GPA, of course). </p>
<p>Bottom line: Take classes that interest you and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself! You’ll do better in classes suited to your interests and they will make your college experience more enjoyable, which both translate into material gains on your application. Take some upper division electives - it can be daunting, but I tried this at USC and ended up working under perhaps the best professor I have ever had. (We ended up growing very close, but he was more than pleased to write me a great rec for transferring.) It allows you to work with serious students at a higher level in an intimate setting.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input :)</p>