Hello. I am a junior looking to apply to the top business schools this fall. However, I am beginning to realize that my course load may not be up to par when compared with the average accepted applicant. Based on the course load below, would I still have a chance at my top choice schools? Can I make up for the lack of APs in my senior year, or would it be too late? If so, what else can I do to improve my chances? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Sophomore (APs):
AP Computer Science Principles
Junior (Full Courseload):
AP Computer Science A
AP English Language/Composition
AP Statistics
Honors Morality
Honors Latin II
Honors Precalculus
Business Management/Marketing
Physics
Senior (Anticipated APs):
AP Calculus
AP Physics C
AP English Literature
AP Psychology
AP US History
There is no lack of APâs to âmake up.â That said, the majority of students in Physics C will be prospective engineering students, math majors, and the like. Unless you have a burning live for physics, another course, like AP Chem, might be a better option. Only 2 year of Latin may be problematic for Wharton.
The 20+ school strategy was covered on your chance thread, so I wonât repeat it here.
You may want to take a look at the collegevine chancing application. It specifically tests for each school whether your academic rigor is excellent, strong, ok or not good enough, and you can play around with it to see what additional classes you might want to add.
Thank you for this. I probably should have indicated that I come from a prep school where everyone takes a ton of APs. Every year, the students who get into the tops schools take 5 APs in their junior and senior years (10+ total). Thus, that puts me at the lower end of the spectrum. I do not have a burning love for physics, but tend to perform better at math-based science than otherwise. Also, I plan on taking another year of Latin one way or another, but I am still working on fitting it all in.
So you have 4 APs through Junior and maybe 5 more next year. Youâre not behind. But donât collect APs for sake of collecting APs.
I donât know your GPA or test scores. But what are you looking to accomplish by going to a âtopâ business school. I always laugh at the term top because short of a few specific roles, outcomes will likely be similar across many b schools.
Your schedule alone wonât get you in. But grades may, test scores and ECs may.
Edit. Just looked at your chance me. Not much to add here. If you have Babson Iâd look at Bentley. And as a UNC sub Iâd add IU. UNC is unlikely but IU is highly rated and likely. Not saying to swap but consider these two as additions.
Donât forget you can score big money at other schools and your parents can get back their college savings accountsâŠif that were a preference. Last chain you thought that wasnât possible. Good luck.
What AP Calc are you taking? AB or BC? Also, I find it odd that you are taking AP Physics C without taking any other AP Physics beforehand - it is a very difficult class.
They are currently taking physics. AP Physics C would be difficult without any physics background, but a prior AP Physics course is not needed. And for E & M, Iâd argue that students are better prepared taking a non-AP physics course.
Makes no difference for OPâs question, unless one vs the other changes the GC rating of rigor
Hello. Thank you for your response. I did not specify what Calculus I am taking because I do not know. I want to take BC, but that depends on my final Precalculus grade. However, I will most likely end up taking AB. As for physics, I wanted to take AP Physics 1 this year but my schedule would not allow it, unfortunately. I have a 97 unweighted average in standard physics currently and was already recommended for AP next year. Though, I am willing to take a different class if this is not necessary. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Itâs doable. My 22 is taking AP physics C E&M this year and didnât have any physics prior to this. Itâs definitely challenging but kids who are strong STEM fans can likely make it work.
Narrow your list and look for schools that are truly a good fit for you (not based on some magazines description on top business schools).
Take your new Narrowed list and make sure you have good reaches/matches and safeties that seem like a good fit. (for example if your drawn to the Georgetown because of the Jesuit foundations, then you may want to consider Fordham, St Joes or Fairfield). Iâm not suggesting you limit to just those schools, but remember you are looking for the best fit for you. For each school you need to ask yourself âWhy would I want to study there?â and the answer has to be more than prestige or itâs a good school.
Youâve gotten yourself off to a good start, my son is also a Junior and the whole process can be pretty overwhelming. You donât want to be the student that goes to BC then realizes that the core curriculum doesnât allow him to dual major in Marketing and Computer Science, or goes to Northeastern without understanding the Co-op program.