My goal is to get into a top state school like University of Michigan, or a “lower Ivy” like Darthmouth, UPenn, etc. I missed 3 months of school in 7th grade because of a family crisis, so I had to take Pre-Algebra again in 8th grade. Our school dosen’t allow Freshmen to go above Geomtery. I’m doubling up on Algebra 1 and Geometry Honors as a Freshmen this year. Does this significantly hurt my chances of getting into these schools?
Bonus question: Do colleges look at semester or quarter grades? Thanks!
Semester grades are what show up on your transcript. The schools may realize that you’re trying to get ahead. Also, you’re making Geometry as a freshman look like the most advanced option, so if it is, then you’ll be fine.
No. Colleges will judge you based upon the curriculum available at your school and the constraints that the HS may place on the student. FYI, taking geometry as a HS freshman is already on the advanced track. Few freshman are taking more advanced classes, despite what you may think after reading posts here.
They look at whatever appears on your transcript.
You’ll be well served to eliminate this term from your vocabulary, and particularly don’t use it when communicating with someone from Dartmouth or Penn.
Thanks for the replies, but you guys are missing the point. I know that taking Geometry Honors as a freshmen wont’t hurt me, but I’m taking Algebra 1 too. I’m a Freshmen whose taking Algebra 1 and Geometry Honors at the same time. Will taking Algebra 1 as a Freshmen hurt me significantly?
I’m in Biology Honors and English 9 Honors too btw.
No. Taking Algebra I as a freshman will not hurt you. That is normal for thousands of students in the country. Admissions will undoubtedly be able to infer that something kept you from taking it earlier and may actually be impressed by your ability to perform well (assuming you do) in both math classes at the same time. FYI, many people prefer Dartmouth and Penn to HYCP.
It’s normal. Top 25 schools (start thinking like this, and include BOTH national universities and national LACs) expect you to go either to Precalculus (H?) or Calculus (AB or BC or honors, no difference for admissions). So, taking Algebra 1 freshman year means you’ll qualify for Algebra2 sophomore year, precalculus junior year, and presumably calculus senior year, the best sequence.
Remember that selective universities will want to see 4 years each of English, Social Science/History, plus Foreign Language up to level 4/AP and Math up to Precalculus/Calculus. Don’t torture yourself about Algebra 1. They don’t care you’re taking it freshman year (notice how some adults here didn’t even understand what you were asking, because it’s not a shame or bad to be in Algebra 1 freshman year…it’s normal!) They WILL care, however, that you get an A in it.
@MYOS1634 : I think OP’s concern was that taking Algebra I in middle school is generally viewed as the talented/honors track, but (as you and I noted) that’s not true everywhere. It’s not even an option some places, and thus taking it freshman year is not an issue. I totally concur in everything you said – especially the advisability of pulling an A. Go for it, @dfghjk
Yes I did miss the point but the answer is still the same. Where you start in the curriculum is not important; what is important is where you end, and even more so, the path you take along the way.
No it will not, you’re doubling up on math to make up for a family emergency and regardless of whether the college knows the situation it won’t hurt you.
“Lower Ivy”… Not a thing
but the answer is still the same. Where you start in the curriculum is not important; what is important is where you end, and even more so, the path you take along the way.