Internship vs. AP?

Applying to College
1

<p>I want to go to UT, my major would probably be either engineering or computer science. Next year ill be a senior at high school. It will be offering a new coop program where for a few hours a day, students can intern at a local business having to do with their degree. But, it takes up almost half the day. My question- would colleges look more favorably on an internship with an engineering or cs business, or would I be better to take an extra 2 AP classes? Thanks!</p>

2

<p>The internship seems like a cool option but it depends:</p>

<p>Are you still taking your “core four” classes (English, Math, Science with Lab, Social Studies) and a foreign language if you do the internship? </p>

<p>What type of work are you doing at the internship? Can they guarantee you engineering placement? Or is it a more vocational focus (for students who maybe won’t be going onto college)?</p>

<p>What APs are you taking in place of the internship? If they’re just going to be electives I’d say go for the internship. If they’re going to be your core classes, maybe you should pass.</p>

3

<p>Here are the options-

  1. Engineering Internship at local engineering firm
  2. AP stat, AP Euro, Pre-AP Spanish 3
  3. AP Euro, AP Stat, 4th and final year of engineering program at my highschool</p>
4

<p>But are AP stat and AP euro electives or core classes?</p>

5

<p>My recommendation would depend entirely on the nature of the work you would be doing at the internship. Twenty years ago, I would say that you would be crazy to consider an engineering internship as a high school student since your duties would likely be confined to making coffee and carrying the toolbox. However, many high school students today can create mobile apps, draft schematics using CAD software, design web pages and more. If you have these skills and the work would enhance them, I would heartily endorse it.</p>

<p>If you decide to opt for the full-day academic route, I would recommend taking the third year foreign language, especially if you are interested in highly selective universities. Many state that this is a core requirement for applicants. However, if your plans are for a public university engineering program, then it might be better to stay with the technical class.</p>