<p>you know how colleges are always saying they're looking for students who "take advantage of all educational opportunities in context" of their school/background/etc.? that's kind of worrying me because i haven't taken any community college classes during summer/school year, and it seems like many other students at my school have, some have been doing it for the past couple of summers. i never did because i didn't really understand how it worked and i had no idea ANYONE could just sign up and do it...maybe my own fault for being ignorant. i thought that taking the toughest course load possible and getting A's and 5's in AP classes would be enough. it's possible for me to sign up for a class during this upcoming fall semester, but i already have quite a hectic schedule and am wondering if it's unrealistic to add so much, esp. with the app process starting. is this important enough for me to squeeze in the college class anyway? at the moment i think my number one school is stanford. anyway, i just wanted to ask what y'all thought. appreciate any advice!</p>
<p>It's entirely optional. The vast majority of people at top schools have never done classes like these. The only people that definitely should take CC classes are kids at terrible high schools that don't have AP or equivalent classes.</p>
<p>What does matter (though it's not critical) is what you've done with your summer. Classes, community service, research, work - all of these are fine. Colleges prefer to take kids who stay active during the break.</p>
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"take advantage of all educational opportunities in context" of their school/background/etc.? that's kind of worrying me because i haven't taken any community college classes during summer/school year, and it seems like many other students at my school have, some have been doing it for the past couple of summers.
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<p>first of all you are going to be evaluated in context of the opportunities avialable to you. What is key is that you take the most rigerous curriculum that your school offers and you do well. </p>
<p>Colleges are also looking for students who have lives outside of the classroom. Proclastic brings up a very good point in asking how have you spent your summer? Did you simply spend your days lounging around the house or at the beach or have you worked, done an internship, community service, etc? </p>
<p>These things are important also and there is no shame if you have done this vs. taking community college courses (which for most people are not free) and doesn't level the playing field because people who cannot afford to pay for college classes are at a disadvantage.</p>
<p>i have been volunteering and working during the summer actually, so i guess that's good. and i hadn't even realized you had to pay for community college classes. thanks for the advice!</p>
<p>I don't know where you live, but in some places, you don't have to pay for taking community college classes. Where I am, there is a dual enrollment program called PSEOP (post seconday education opportunity program? I think) where you can do both, free of charge (school pays for it). If you decide to take classes during the summer, however, it costs.</p>
<p>But to answer your question, don't worry. You've been doing work and volunteering.. plus you're taking AP classes. Not taking a cc class is not going to hurt your chances.</p>