What is the importance of English honors for a science/math/medical major?
i ask this because all my classes are honors except english and i wonder what disadvantages i get for not being in it (except the obvious lower weighted gpa).
Thankyou
<p>Even in your proposed majors, there is a lot of writing involved. You'll have to write lab reports and research papers. At virtually any college, you'll also have to take some courses in the humanities and social sciences, both of which areas are very reading and writing intensive. The lack of having a strong background in English will hurt you.</p>
<p>Well, I never took an honors or AP english class and got into Columbia ED. I also am a prospective math major, and colleges recognize that if you take a lot of math/science classes that english is not your forte and understand.</p>
<p>not having English Honors or Ap doesnt mean that you DONT have a strong english background does it? You can still have regular English and still have decent skills in that field</p>
<p>There is a big difference between what students learn in English AP and honors and regular English classes. The difference in the classes also is reflected in terms of how well students do on their SAT I verbal and writing tests. I can not emphasize more strongly that it's important to take a rigorous English class if one is colllege bound. In addition, if there are things that you don't know about grammar and writing, high school teachers are, in general, prepared to teach you those things. That's not what college professors expect to have to do. Check out curricula at colleges. Virtually everywhere, students have to take a freshman English or writing class no matter what their major is.</p>
<p>Northstarmom, while I love reading your opinions, I have to disagree. As a student that is going to partake in the country's largest and most rigorous core program at Columbia, English is important. I do not believe that there is a very large difference in the way regular or honors english is taught, and the AP english courses are very specific in literature and goals. I am currently taking Science Fiction Literature at my school versus 2 possible AP courses and have found out that the Sci Fi class is actually more difficult than the AP's because of the vast amounts of writing we do per book during the year. </p>
<p>I got a 690 in verbal on the SAT I (not great...but it still got me in) and an 800 in writing. While it would be nice to take an honors english course, I think that is more important for a math/science student to take more of those classes. If it is possible to fit in and do all the work for an honors english class along with large amounts of math and science, then one should do it. Otherwise, I say that the math/science student should focus on their strengths and let colleges realize this.</p>
<p>I think it all depends on the person. Even if you did not take an honors class, but you still feel confident in your writing, and can recognize errors, revise, edit etc, you are already exhibiting excellent writing skills. Developing your writing takes time and effort on your part, and this can be achieved regardless if you are in an honors class or not.</p>
<p>I'll only say that Honors teachers are often better qualified to help edit and revise your work to help develop your writing.</p>
<p>O man... im sorry but there must be a misconception on the question
i was trying to ask "what is the importance of honors and ap english when 'applying' with the science/math/medical majors?"
Will the colleges give me a big disadvantage in applications for not having these classes?
i didnt mean how well i would do when i am already IN these majors.
sorry i should have made the questions more specific
thanks for the input though
any replies on this question?</p>
<p>I have to agree with Northstarmom- there is a complete difference in the way AP English and college prep english is taught. After TAing for a college prep english class in high school and taking AP English classes my jr and sr year, I can attest to the fact that college prep english is no where near the caliber as AP English- college prep's goal it seemed was to produce somewhat competent writers and the class was filled with nonsense exercises whereas AP English had a set goal- reading and writing analytically under a time constraint. </p>
<p>Jose1, the importance of honors and ap english is well-roundedness academically. You won't be looked upon in the same light if you had the same standarized test scores and relative gpa as someone who has taken other AP courses along with AP science/ math (this of course is ignoring ECs for all intent and purposes), regardless of the fact that your goal is a science major in college.</p>