Magnet Program Dilemma

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>So at my school, they just recently implemented a program last year called the GPS Program, which is pretty much a wannabe IB program, created to attract more students to our school. They say that having the GPS diploma will make you look good in college transcripts. But the thing is the whole program is a waste of time, and terribly developed. The focus of the program is global studies and having an international perspective blah blah. So what you have to do to get a diploma is take 1 class (in your whole four years) that is specialized for the program, and go to the seminars during advisory every 2 or 3 weeks, which are normally just boring speakers who traveled to a different country and talked about their experience there. This year, they are changing it, so it is now more of a club, with a president,vp, treasurer, and fundraising charity events etc.... So its just this odd mish-mash of unfocused blah!!!! </p>

<p>I decided to quit it this year, because my focus is on math and science, and I wanted to take as many AP science classes as possible, so I didn't want to waste one period for doing a GPS class. Also it is just a waste of time, and they give homework because they have nothing better to do. But since I am not doing the program, and a bunch of other people from my school are, will it look bad for me? I am thinking of applying to UCs (i live in CA) and I don't know if they will reject me because "i didn't take advantage of all the opportunities" given to me. </p>

<p>This is really worrying me!! please help!!</p>

2

<p>Taking an extra AP science class instead of GPS is not a problem. </p>

<p>Make sure that your guidance counselor is well aware of your reasons to quit the program.</p>

<p>I will now go beyond what you asked to offer some unsolicited advice for your essays.</p>

<p>Your post makes a lot of negative, judgmental comments. In your college essays and interviews, never badmouth anyone. </p>

<p>If you ever need to speak or write about your choice of AP science over GPS, only discuss the good things about AP science and how interested you are in science. Never say that GPS is a “waste of time”, “terribly developed”, “mishmash of unfocused blah”, etc.</p>

<p>If pressed, simply state that you are extremely interested in science and want to devote as much time as you can to it. Tell/write about specific incidents that show your love of science.</p>

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<p>thank you!!! u are amazing!!</p>