<p>UChicago is my dream school and I know for sure I'm going to apply for the Chicago EA. Well, anyways, I'm picking up my schedule next week and I really need your advice.</p>
<p>I'm taking 6 classes next year, 5 of them are APs; however, I'm considering about AP Calc. I've not done very well in Math freshman and junior years- straight Bs- and they are my only Bs Sophomore year. I'm usually in the 85-87 range.</p>
<p>I know Uchicago is a really competitive school and emphasize on the class schedule. I have a lot of work next year with the other AP classes and I think it would be better for me to take AP Calc AB. My school counselor said that since I've taken honors math for the past two years, I should just take BC because it's my "path."</p>
<p>I can't decide right now. If taking AB instead of BC would ruin my chance of getting into Uchicago, I would probably go for BC and get a tutor, but I have so many things going on next year...EHH~~!!! Any advice??</p>
<p>There are lots of ways not to get into the University of Chicago. One of the surest is to burn yourself out as a high school junior and melt down. (Inconsistent mixed metaphors, there, but you get the point.) By contrast, taking AB Calc instead of BC Calc would probably not be a very effective way not to get into the University of Chicago – it’s hard to see it having much of an effect at all.</p>
<p>A few things to consider: (1) You should find out from your counselor whether taking AB rather than BC, even with all the other APs, will cause the counselor to say that you didn’t take the most challenging curriculum available. That could hurt you, not only at Chicago but at other similar colleges. I don’t think the counselor would do that to you, but you should be certain. (2) This is just speculation, but I would be very surprised if Chicago cared a lot about AB vs. BC Calculus. For the most part, people who have taken those courses wind up in the same math classes at Chicago. The ones who don’t are so into math that they would never ask this question, but plenty of people who are way into math and would never ask this question wind up in the same math class with people who would. (3) What I said above – both things – is especially true if you don’t plan to take any math in 12th grade. (4) But . . . don’t put yourself in a position where you are bored and unchallenged. Do you like the teacher and students who will be in AB? Are you going to wind up tuning out because the pace is slower than you like?</p>
<p>The best way to get into any college – and, more importantly, the best way to be in the best position to have a successful career at the college you get into – is to be the best version of yourself that you can. Not just academically, in every dimension. Only you can really tell what (minor) contribution the choice between AP Calculus classes will make, and in what direction. That should be your lodestar: You, the Premium Edition. Don’t try to sculpt yourself for Chicago or any college, sculpt yourself for you, do it so that you will be productive, engaged, enthusiastic. The college stuff will follow.</p>
<p>I realize it’s hard not to stress over college admissions stuff, but I think it’s safe to say that no one factor can make or break your chance at getting in somewhere (other than the obvious failing grades/criminal offenses, etc). I’ll admit I made this mistake too, I took AP Chem my senior year even though I sucked at it because I thought I needed a more challenging schedule. I would have been much happier taking something more suited to my interests, not to mention much less stressed out.</p>
<p>Don’t take BC. Math is obviously not one of your strengths, and it’s ok not to go all the way in it. Take AB, and try to get a B+ and show some general upward trend.</p>
<p>JHS said what I was generally going to say, only said it much better. It’s admirable that you have such high expectations for yourself, but I would caution you that you’re setting yourself up for failure (in life) if you peg your expectations to one thing that’s out of your control in an “X or bust” mindset.</p>
<p>The choice between AB and BC is not going to help or hinder you in your quest to come to Chicago. If you are rejected, it will be because your recommendations, extracurriculars or essay were faulty. The fact that you are taking so many AP classes is enough to impress me; I took one AP course my junior year and three my senior year. As long as your application is consistently strong, you’ll be in Chicago before you know it. </p>