Importance of Math and Language on application?

Applying to College
1

How much influence do math and language have on your application?

Math:
I struggled with depression and anxiety freshman and beginning of sophomore year. I’m a rising junior, and in a much better place. That being said, math is not my strong point. I’m not ahead in math in the first place but I’m not behind either.l (if you’re ahead you take alg 2 9th grade) but majority of students take alg 2 sophomore year, which is normal. But if you’re behind you take alg 2 junior year and that kind of means you’re in the bottom academic wise (at least at my school). Anyway, I started taking alg 2 this year but the amount of school I was missing because of my mental health made it hard for me to do well in the class, and my teacher was awful. So I dropped the class thinking I would finish it online. But alg 2 is such a huge backbone in everything else, and I wanted a strong grasp on it rather than learning it poorly online. So now, I will be taking alg 2 as a junior and I’m embarrassed. At my school (if you’re a year ahead in math) in order you take alg 2, trig, pre calc, AB calc or AP stats. You don’t need trig or pre calc for AP stats obviously. I’m thinking of taking trig online next summer so I can be back on track where I was, but in the end I’ll still take AP stats bc math isn’t my strong point. If I’m not trying to major in a math subject (journalism is where I’m heading) then should I worry about taking the extra trig class? I’ll still have all my math credits if I don’t, but I’m wondering if it will look better and increase my chances in getting into a pretty decent school. But if I’m not looking to go in the field of anything math related is it really necessary considering you don’t need it for stats? (It’s required for calc) Will it hurt me on the SAT/ACT? And will good schools dismiss me because of it?

Language:
I took Spanish all of my life, and entering 9th grade for some reason I decided to switch and take French 1- and hated it. I moved to a different state half through my freshman year, and when I was making my new schedule at my new school they said I didn’t have to continue French 1 if I disliked it that much, so naturally I said yes but I couldn’t enter Spanish mid way into the year. Similar to math, if you’re ahead you take Spanish 2 freshman year. But most 9th graders take Spanish 1, which is what I would have done. But 10th grade I’m in Spanish 1 and most of my piers are in Spanish 3 considering I’m in honors and AP classes. I’ll be in Spanish 2 this year, while everyone else will be in their 4th year language and will even get to the AP level. My teachers always say if you don’t have at least 4 years of a language, it will look bad and you won’t get into a harder school. I will have half a credit of french 1, and 3 years of Spanish. Will this effect me too much? Should I take Spanish 3 online next summer to better my chances of getting into a school with low acceptance ratings?

2

It depends on where you are applying, but I assume you aren’t interested in going to a school that specializes in the STEM field. I have a similar concern with math because I didn’t do well at all (C-) in Precalc&Trig this year, but am applying Early Decision t W&M as an English major so I’m hoping they’ll be less harsh on that grade!I’m taking AP Stat, by the way (its much better for non-stemmy people). I’m still pretty worried though, I’m expecting rejection pretty much, but that’s enough about me!

Anyway, remember that you are allowed to provide explanations for certain lapses in your application. If you struggled with depression and anxiety (I can relate, and bravo to you for overcoming those struggles!) and it impacted your grades or any other aspect of your app (EC’s, etc) , you can tell them about that obstacle-even better, provide a brief statement that explains how you grew as a result of that issue. If you have a solid dream college, one that is no doubt your first choice, then it might be a good idea to apply Early Decision, if they offer it. Generally, the acceptance rate is a bit higher and its easier for you to stand out in a smaller pool of applicants. If there’s a part of your app that is simply outstanding (even if it might seem ‘lacking’ in other areas) you might catch their eye, since they are not reviewing as many applications.

As for the SAT/ACT question- The SAT is mostly basic algebra and geometry skills, just in a much more complex and bizarre way. The concepts themselves stem from math you already know, but it isn’t easy because the skills are tested in a different way than they typically are in tests at school. You should definitely practice SAT math problems, but the core skills will not come from any course of math higher than Algebra 2. The ACT is a bit different, I think. It’s more STEM focused, so if you are strong in science you might consider it but the math on that test is of higher level. I think the SAT would probably be the better choice for you, but obviously you know yourself best!

Bottom line, I wouldn’t worry about taking the extra math class if you’re not sure you can do well in it.I feel like I made that mistake this year and it ended up just being horrible. Instead, dedicate more energy into classes and activities that relate to your major (advanced English classes, participating in the school magazine/newspaper, etc). AP Stat is a good idea, but I would say don’t bother with Trig if you aren’t sure about it. As for Spanish, I’m not really sure, but I would say it would be a good idea to consider taking the Spanish 3 class online. But again, you can explain the language situation on your app, or have your counselor explain it in his/her letter of recommendation.

Remember that most selective colleges have a pretty holistic admissions process, so your transcript isn’t all that matters. My advice is to do your best to do well your junior and senior year, participate in some good extra-curriculars (especially if you can get yourself a leadership position), write an amazing essay, and get a killer letter of recommendation from a teacher (be super nice to your teachers this year-don’t even worry about being a pet, and be super involved in class. Trust me, it will help when asking for recommendation letters at the end of your junior year). If you remember to consider all aspects of the application, I really do think that you still have a decent chance at selective school. Either way, hang in there! I just finished my junior year and it was tough-I got my first C and am (as I said) freaking out about that, and it was a very stressful year in general. Don’t get behind on your schoolwork and don’t overwhelm yourself too much. It’s great that you’re already thinking and asking questions about college. I think you will be fine :slight_smile:

Sorry this is so long, I hope it was at least a little helpful! Good luck!!