I am really torn between schools one where you graduate highschool with an associate degree ( taken in community college) and a normal highschool where I would take AP classes. I really want to go to NYU which one would look better on an application? Thanks
is the associate’s degree a 6-year high school program or would you get it within the regular 4 years of HS? Either way, make sure it wouldn’t make you a transfer student.
@rebeccar It is a 4 year program normal highschool first 2 years then you are on a college campus for the other 2. You graduate with a highschool diploma and an associate degree.
I know I’m a bit late, but I would definitely go with the associate’s degree one. Colleges look for unique students. How many students take AP classes and how many get an Associate’s degree? I think it’s obvious which one is more impressive.
Actually… it’s not clear cut at all. It depends on how many APs you can take in high school and whether the CC program is prescribed AND if you can still do activities in your HS if you’re enrolled in CC for your classes?
If you can choose your classes freely and can still be involved in all the afterclass activities at your HS, then the dual enrollment program may be worth it. However, because super selective schools have several rounds (first cut: academics - you need course rigor, high grades, strong test scores) depth in extracurriculars is what matters most.
Having an AA as well as a HS diploma means NOTHING to any top college (most AP and DE credits don’t transfer because these basic “first semester” classes are pretty much a prereq for their first year class - ie., everyone’s expected to have had AP English Language or DE Freshman comp, and NYU’s seminar assumes you have that level or you take a remedial class to bring you up to speed.)
As for NYU, the main issue is their lousy financial aid. How much can your parents afford? Talk with them, run a few NPCs together (a “super aid” university like Amherst, NYU, and your state flagship - this is assuming you are an A student).