Senior Schedule

Colleges and Universities A-Z Washington University in St. Louis
1

Would this senior year schedule be considered rigorous at competitive schools such as Wash U?

Speech Communications
AP Macro
AP Micro
AP Human Geography
AP Statistics
College Level Marketing
(Do I need calc in there?)

Thanks in advance!

2

Unless you have already completed Calc earlier, it is highly recommended. And, hopefully you have completed the other science courses on tap. (Chem / Bio / Physics)

3

In regards to science I’ve completed AP Biology, physics, and chemistry honors. Is calc AB ok, or do I need to take BC

4

AB should be fine. But, if you can replace Stat with BC, in my opinion, that is slightly better, since most kids take Stat in Univ anyway… particularly if they follow the premed path.

5

I switched up my schedule. How’s this?
Calc AB
Speach communications
AP human geo
AP macro
Marine sciences
College marketing
Health (required

6

Which department/school do you want to apply under?

7

Okay based on your previous threads, I’m going to assume that you’re going to apply under Olin.

My thoughts on your schedule:

  1. Calculus AB: This is a good choice. I forget where exactly, but I remember reading on WashU's site that for Olin applicants, having taken Calculus is highly recommended.
  2. Speech Communications: If you've been taking this class for a couple years, I would take it again this year to show consistency and passion. If this is your first year then ask yourself why you're taking it. Is it to develop your public speaking skills? If so, does this class have anything related to competitions that you could participate in? Basically, does this class have something substantial to add to your profile that no other class can add and at a higher degree?
  3. AP Human Geography: I've heard many a joke about how AP Human Geo. is a "fluff" AP course. For example, at one of my local high schools freshmen are allowed to take it. Usually, sophomore year and the following years are when AP courses are taken. I'm sure there are people who take APs freshmen year, but for the most part I've heard that AP Human Geo is a joke.
  4. AP Macro: Good choice. Demonstrates business interest.
  5. Marine Sciences: Why? If it's an attempt to look like a well-rounded student then I would substitute this class for an AP science. That being said, don't take an AP Science just for the hell of it. I'm taking AP Chemistry right now and it's literal hell because I have no interest in it. You may even just opt out of the science course and take another course that relates to business to demonstrate even more of a specialty in that field. Of course, if you need a science for graduation then take one lol.
  6. College Marketing: Again, good choice demonstrates business interest.
  7. Health: If it's required there's nothing you can do about it. I would think that this class neither helps nor hurts you.

Disclaimer: I’m not the end all be all on your schedule, but these are my thoughts on it.

Even though I emphasize taking classes that strengthen your profile as an applicant, it’s also nice to just take some classes because they’re interesting to you. Don’t take classes that you think are going to be good for your application, but know you’re going to be bored as hell in them. It’ll have the opposite effect and you’ll do poorly since you have zero interest in it.

Hope this helps! Good luck on the college application process! :slight_smile:

8

@ForwardAlways Awesome! Thanks so much.

  1. I'm taking speech communications because public speaking because I'm currently building an app, and public speaking will help me pitch to investors.
  2. I generally do excellent in Social Studies and AP human geo seems interesting....maybe i can drop it if it won't help my application.
  3. I took AP BIO this year, and i generally am interested in marine biology. Is it worth switching for a college class?
  4. Health is required.

Lastly,

Does a 33 on the ACT put me in a good position? How about a 32?. And lastly, how about a 34?

9

If your school offers it, why not take AP Government instead of Human Geo? If it doesn’t and you genuinely want to take Human Geo then go for it!

As for Marine Bio, it’s up to you really. It seems as if you’re already really interested in it so why not?

I believe a 32-34 is where the mid 50% of WashU admits lie.

I never took the ACT, but my SAT score was around a 33 or a 34 and I got in, so I think if you meet at least that range then the rest of your application would be your deciding factor.

10

Would AP Human geography throw up a red flag for admission officers?

11

I don’t think it would. They don’t offer it at many schools so it might help you stand out.