Prospective Art history/Classics major wanting to attend an ivy.

Chance Me / Match Me!
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<p>Hi , I'm a new member of College Confidential and this is my first post. (I've been a lurker for a while. lol)</p>

<p>First of all , I'm currently a HS student. I've been homeschooled grades 1-11 and I'm going to be studying 12th grade via a great correspondence school.(This correspondence school has had kids who've been accepted into Princeton , Harvard , etc.)</p>

<p>I've been VERY busy throughout my HS years. I've been a competitive figure skater and equestrienne and , math not really being a strong point of mine , I've only gone as far as studying Geometry and a little bit of Algebra I. I realize how daft this seems but , I was never aware of AP courses. I've maintained straight A's throughout my elementary/grade school and HS years and I have a 4.0 GPA. Despite being homeschooled , the school with which I was registered would check my work , give me tests , etc. so it isn't that I was just 'given' an A or 4.0 , I earned it.
Now , in my senior year of HS , I want to take as many AP courses as I can possibly handle. I'm going to try to take AP U.S. History , A.P. English Language And Composition , and AP English Literature And Composition. There are others that I'm interested in taking but my school doesn't offer them. So , I'm thinking about starting out with these AP's and then , depending on how they work-out timewise , studying on my own for AP Art History and AP World History. For now though I will only have three AP courses for the whole of HS - unless I study on my own and take the Art History and World History. I have to admit , while I'm not suprised that AP's are important to prospective colleges , I'm surprised to have read where Honours classes mean very little these days. Practically all of my HS classes have been Honours Classes and , prior to learning this , I was hopeful because , while I hadn't taken any AP's ,almost all of my classes had been Honors classes.</p>

<p>I am very accomplished in the performing arts and , I don't know if it matters to a a uni but , I co-founded a non-profit organization(It isn't easy becoming a 501(c)(3). lol) However , becausing of my busy training and performing schedule , I haven't really participated in any clubs. I know leadership is important to uni's (especially the ivies) and , I assume , this is where they guage leadership. </p>

<p>I live in a boring small town and I know that small town life is NOT for me and I am set on living and working in Manhattan. I have the tenacity and determination. I would be Majoring in Art History and Minoring in Classics. I would prefer to Major in Classics but I would need the BA in Art History to work at any auction houses or galleries. I would like to work in the art field , either at one of the venerable auction houses like Sotheby's or Christie's , or as an art advisor. I have researched and researched and found that 90-ish% of the people who are employed in these areas went to an ivy league uni or , at the least , one of the prestigious , private Northeastern colleges. I know it's tough and extremely competitive out there so I want to go to a top school. My dream school is Princeton but , 'Ive asked a few people and they have told me that , basically , if you haven't taken AP calculus , they toss your application in the trash can , no matter what your intended major. I've also had someone tell me that they're also doing this at state uni's! </p>

<p>I disagree with this method of 'sizing up' a prospective student but , it isn't my decision. I can't understand discounting someone as a prospective Art History student simply because they haven't taken AP calculus.It's not as if they applying to be an engineer or gain a medical degree.
In addition , they tell me that my HS portfolio doesn't look so good for an ivy because of the lack of AP's.
I plan on taking Algebra II after HS because it's included in the SAT test but , it won't be reflected on my HS transcripts. Would it matter if I submitted somekind of certificate stating that I have successfully completed a study of Algebra II along with my college application?
I haven't taken tests for any of the AP's yet (I haven't yet begun to study them.) , nor the SAT or SAT II's but , I plan on taking them immediately after I graduate.
Plus , I plan on taking a gap year after HS and I'm not sure if that would work against me, what with all the early decision applicants. The point being , I don't want to slight my riding and figure skating , nor my academic portfolio.
I also can't imagine that EVERY art advisor in Manhattan has studied AP calculus.lol </p>

<p>I'd like some feedback on perhaps what colleges might be a good fit for me given my portfolio. I'm interested in Princeton , Sarah Lawrence , Barnard , Columbia , Wellesley , Vassar , Dartmouth (Although I prefer to be in NYC.) , etc. I've heard good things about Swarthmore , Smith , and Bryn Mawr , but I've only conducted cursory research on them.</p>

<p>Here is a copy on the subjects I've studied in HS.</p>

<p>Freshman</p>

<p>Music
Honors English 9
Honors Math 9
Honors Science
Honors history and Geography
Honors Comuter Science
Honors Mandarin Chinese I
Art - Painting with Watercolors</p>

<p>Equestrian lessons
Track
Tennis Lessons
Figure Skating Lessons</p>

<p>Sophomore</p>

<p>Music
Honors Literature/Grammar
Honors Math 10
Honors Biology w/lab
Honors World History
Honors Computer Science
Honors Mandarin Chinese II
Art - Drawing I</p>

<p>Equestrian Lessons
Track
Tennis Lessons
Figure Skating Lessons</p>

<p>Junior</p>

<p>Music
Honors Chemistry w/lab
Honors World Literature
Honors Medieval and Renaissance History
Honors Geometry</p>

<p>Equestrian Lessons
Track
Tennis Lessons
Figure Skating Lessons</p>

<p>And these are my proposed courses for my Senior year:</p>

<p>Music</p>

<p>Honors Shakespearean Literature</p>

<p>English Composition</p>

<p>AP English Literature and Composition</p>

<p>AP U.S. History</p>

<p>AP English Language and Composition</p>

<p>(And ,possibly, studying on my own to take the AP Art History and AP World History exams.)</p>

<p>Fine Art - Art History</p>

<p>Elective - Mechanics of Writing</p>

<p>Honors Algebra I</p>

<p>Equestrian Lessons
Track
Tennis Lessons
Figure Skating Lessons</p>

<p>Feel free to make any suggestions as to courses or AP's that I should try to take.</p>

<p>I guess I'm looking for advice and feedback. Is this enough? Does it look good? Do I need to take more courses? More AP's?</p>

<p>Thanks so much.</p>

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<p>I’m a white (German-American.) female from the Northeast , not applying for financial aid.</p>

<p>I’ve studied piano for 15 years.
I’ve studied ballet for 15 years.
I’ve studied riding for 10 years.
I’ve studied figure skating for 15 years.
I’ve taught riding for 3 years.
I co-founded a non-profit organization.
I’ve performed and worked in fundraisers to keep music education in schools and for historical preservation societies.
I’ve participated in groups that work to promote ‘truly’ clean energy.
I’ve worked tirelessly to promote clean energy on my own and as a member of various community groups.
I fronted a jazz band for ten years.
I was a member of a political debate group.
I work on issues regarding historical preservation.
Excellent oratorical ability - I’ve been asked to be a speaker at various fiundraisers and events.</p>

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<p>Honors Algebra I in 12th grade? >_></p>

<p>It’s true that AP Calculus isn’t required for an Ivy; however, you haven’t even taken Algebra II yet. That is an enormous difference. You have to remember that you are competing with the best students, students that excel in all areas. Ivies want the whole package in their applicants and they DO get it by admitting students that, regardless of their intended major, do good in all areas (only slight exception is applying to engineering schools, but this is not your case). Math is important because it builds you logic and quantitative reasoning skills. Ivies will assume you lack these skills. You simply can’t make up your lack of math with extracurriculars that you’re interested in.</p>

<p>For a decent chance, you really should have taken at least Pre-Calculus. I’ll be blunt and honest: the fact that you haven’t taken Algebra II yet really have annihilated your chances at an Ivy. The possibilities still exist, but it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be admitted to them.</p>

<p>You have a higher chance at the Liberal Arts Colleges (Swarthmore, etc.) that you’re interested in. What’s your SAT score btw?</p>

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<p>Hi.</p>

<p>I haven’t taken the SAT yet. I took some practice SAT’s before they changed the test to add the writing component and I scored close to 800 on the verbal. </p>

<p>I hadn’t realized how bad my math record looks until I began sizing up my portfolio and getting feedback.</p>

<p>I have a couple of questions , a) Are the ivies age-biased? and b) Would they still disregard me as a prospective student if I submit proof that I’ve completed a study of Algebra II and Pre-Calculus (Or Calculus?) along with my college application?</p>

<p>After all , I’m not really in a rush to apply to college as I plan on a ‘gap year.’ So , in theory , I have time to study these maths it’s just that they would not be listed on my HS transcripts. I wonder how much this , in and of itself , matters?</p>

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<p>As mentioned before, not having taken Algebra II is a big blow, not just with your transcript, but also because the SAT I math section covers some Algebra II concepts, which would likely lower your score. Your arts and literature education focus is commendable, but you seem to have neglected core subjects in the process.</p>

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<p>^ I agree.
Take the SATs and see what you get.</p>

<p>Amazing ECs</p>

<p>Return the favor, and
Chance back please? =)
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/954853-hypsm-chances-if-you-also-applying-you-better-chance-me-im-pretty-competitive.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/954853-hypsm-chances-if-you-also-applying-you-better-chance-me-im-pretty-competitive.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>If you are taking Honours algebra 1 in 12th grade, what did you cover in “Math 9” and “Math 10”? </p>

<p>It is one thing to not take AP Calculus. I am fairly confident a great percent of Ivy Leaguers have not taken the class. But taking Algebra 1 in 12th grade shows that you have very little knowledge whatsoever in Math. </p>

<p>I see a few potential other problems with your transcript. I usually hear that you are supposed to get to a 4th year level course in a Foreign Language, but you have only gotten to level 2 Mandarin Chinese. Is there a 3rd level you could take? I would substitute that in for your Senior year schedule.</p>

<p>Also, I think you should probably take honors physics or something, though of course that might be hard considering your level of math. </p>

<p>Actually, now that I think about it, the fact that you are taking Algebra 1 in 12th grade raises some other questions about your application. How could you get an A in honors Chemistry without even having Algebra 1? Also, computer science. Isn’t computer science fairly math-based (that is always the impression I got). How could you get an A in two years of CS without Algebra 1?</p>

<p>Also, I have no idea what you mean by submitting a certificate that you completed Algebra 2 and Pre Calc with your application. Won’t you be applying this fall?</p>

<p>Finally, collegeconfidential is a good source, but you (just as every other student on this site has) need to hire a College Counselor, pronto. They will help you figure out how to apply to colleges, so find one.</p>

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<p>Atypical, I’m sorry to say that I don’t beleive that you even have the requirements to send your application to an Ivy. They require at least 4 years of math, and to my understanding that includes Algebra 2 and Precalculus. Also, the ACT/SAT has many, many Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and some Precalculus problems. I really don’t know what to say, almost all colleges require mastery of Algebra 1. Have you considered community college first?</p>

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<p>^Wow, davidoga.
I just checked your chances thread, and you are in no position to be this harsh to posters.</p>

<p>It does not include Algebra 2 and Precalculus…</p>

<p>Just FYI</p>

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<p>you simply won’t be prepared for college math with the level you’ve taken at this point.</p>

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<p>I think by submitting a certificate he means he would be self studying or taking the course during the summer (i.e. online).</p>

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<p>Hi HenryMoore , </p>

<p>Thank you so much for the nice compliment about my EC’s. I will definitely “try” to chance you back but , I’m not very good at knowing which colleges look for what. :)</p>

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<p>davidoga , </p>

<p>No , I haven’t considered community college. I have asked the question , are the ivies “age-biased”? Because , if the big problem is that I haven’t studied Calculus , then why would they toss my application if I studied those subjects after HS and submitted proof of it in my college application?</p>

<p>I don’t understand a school schooting down a prospective student simply because they’re a bit older , took a ‘gap year’ , and studied these maths on their own. If anything , I think that shows maturity , self-responsibility , and determination. I’m not in the admissions dept though.</p>

<p>As I mentioned earlier , I have taken some of the practice SAT tests before the test changed a few years ago , and I did very well on the verbal and I did “ok” on the math. I fully expect to push hard in math and get top scores.</p>

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<p>IBfootballer , </p>

<p>I understand that I need more math to score well on the SAT , and to demonstrate that I possess logic and quantitative reasoning skills. However , I do not plan on studying math at college. I want to Major in Art History and Minor in Classic.</p>

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<p>Proclivity , </p>

<p>Yes , that’s what I mean. Thanks.</p>

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<p>A gap year shouldn’t pose a problem at all - I have heard from several Ivy representatives that they may actually look favorably upon that (depending on what said gap year is used for).</p>

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<p>Thanks for the information Proclivity.</p>

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<p>wagsthedog , </p>

<p>Forgot to mention in my original post (They only allow twenty minutes ,after posting, to edit your post. That’s why I kept adding posts. lol) I will also be studying Latin I and German I in my senior year. I think they want 3 units of a foreign language , 2 of which must be of the same language. </p>

<p>I think one of the maths , either 9th or 10th grade was consumer math.</p>

<p>I had a tutor work with me in Algebra I (We also went as far as doing a little of Algebra II.) and I made it through those courses with the knowledge I gained from that. But yes , all of the more advanced science subjects and computer science deal with the more advanced math.</p>

<p>Granted , I’m not the best at math but , I think the issue here is not so much that I couldn’t “do” these more advanced maths , if I studied them , but that I haven’t studied them “yet” and they would not be reflected on my HS transcript. I wonder how much of a problem this alone poses? Are they age-biased , would they shun submitted proof that I have studied Algebra II and Calculus and scored well on them? Maybe even if , in the future , I took an SAT II for one of them?</p>

<p>I am no way am saying that I <em>could</em> apply to any ivy this year or next , so I have time to work on these things.</p>

<p>Has anyone been in this position , where they applied to an ivy a couple of years , or a year , after graduating HS? </p>

<p>My correspondence school offers college counseling but it’s around 2,000.00. Are there any counselors that are less expensive or gratis? I would like the extra help. Thanks.</p>

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<p>Ivies (and other top schools) make it clear that they want 3 or 4 of years of foreign language in the same language. That’s another problem you have.</p>

<p>Why must you go to an Ivy? You seem to fit a lot more into the good liberal arts colleges. If I were you I would save myself the trouble of thinking up last minute solutions and just apply to other colleges instead. I really don’t see any significant advantage of attending an Ivy if you’re majoring in Art History.</p>

<p>Remember, colleges only know you according to what you have already done. They cannot take into account too much of what are you going to do because they can’t be sure how you will do. For example, because of your math record so far, they would not assume that you’ll ace your Algebra II and Calculus courses.</p>

<p>If you really want to go to an Ivy, you might as well as pay the $2000 for college counseling.</p>

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<p>Apply to Williams College! It’s as prestigious as the Ivy League, but it’s like the number one school for art history specifically.</p>