<p>Hey guys. In the summer before senior year, I had to transfer schools. My old high school had 500ish kids whereas my new high school now has 2000ish kids. Being new, I have to play catch up and not only go through the college application process, but also try to meet graduation requirements.
Here is what I'm ****ed about. My counselor signed me up for all these basic requirement classes that are way to easy!!! Last year I took AP US History. Now I'm in like a freshmen government class (a requirement for graduation) which is a joke. I also have to take foundations of technology (a tech credit) with more freshmen. I feel so awkward with all these freshmen... And once the counselor sets your schedule, it's way too hard to change it.
I want some advice please. I'm now only taking 2 APs, 2 honors, and 3 graduation classes. Will colleges hold it against me that I have such an easy schedule?? Any advice would be appreciated!!!!</p>
<p>Those “easy” classes are graduation requirements and you can not change that. You must take those or stay another year and not graduate. Also, just write in the comments section of your application that describe why your class schedule is like it is.</p>
<p>Thank you for your insight.</p>
<p>Because of your special circumstances, can you get the HS to allow you to take an additional independent study class that shows up as an AP ? Our HS does not offer AP Comp Sci, so my D took it independent study - which is basically self taught - and got a 5 on the exam. You can obviously self study for the AP classes, but then it doesn’t show up on your transcript.</p>
<p>Also, look into the local community college. They might have classes still starting up that you can enroll in - if time & transportation are a problem then look for online instruction. Some places even offer online AP classes - EPGY, maybe ?? So then, on your college apps, after you explain the issue, you can show what you’re doing to rise above the situation.</p>
<p>And don’t blame your counselor for state mandated graduation requirements. I’m sure s/he will be much easier to work with if you act like a teammate in meeting requirements and making your schedule more rigorous.</p>
<p>I agree with Erin’s Dad. It’s not the counselor’s fault. Anytime you change schools (especially if you change from a private to public or change states) - there are going to be difficulties. </p>
<p>My older son transferred in as a junior (from an overseas school) and had to be in a World Geography and a technology class with a bunch of freshman. He wasn’t thrilled - made easy A’s - and just dealt with it. No choices - required for graduation.</p>
<p>Besides, the difficulties (not just the scheduling issue) and adjustments you have had to make would be a good essay topic.</p>
<p>Can you take any of the required courses on-line? That’s what my son was able to do when he transferred to a new school senior year and had to fulfill some graduation requirements.</p>
<p>If the graduation requirements are rigid, you might be stuck. But then again, there might be something that could be done if you (and your parents, if they’re amenable) approach the GC nicely, during a formal appointment, about your desire to take more challenging and appropriate classes, given the work you’ve done in high school so far and your college aspirations. (Be sure to have the classes you’d prefer to take, but can’ttake because of the freshman classes, in mind.) For example, is there a chance that the material covered in the tech class was part of another class you took earlier? If you know the material, could you possibly test out of it by demonstrating competence? Is either of the freshman classes taught at night at an adult school or in an idependent study program for students working toward a GED or on line, and if so, could you complete the requirements there? (This might be a drag, but if the courses are truly easy, it would free up your high school schedule during the day to take a more advanced course.) Also, could the freshman government requirement be fulfilled, say, by taking AP government? Would the school allow you to waive the freshman course if you took the AP course? Finally, is the requirement that you take these courses on the state level or on the district or the school level? Is there some flexibility for transfer students built into the requirements? For example, your state might require 3 years of PE, but if a senior transfer comes in from a foreign school that has no PE, it’s hard to imagine that your school would make that student make up all the missed PE in order to graduate. Hopefully, there is some sort of regulation that allows that student to graduate on time, and if so, perhaps there is some way for it to apply to you. Good luck!</p>
<p>Don’t worry about working with the freshmen. If it’s graduation requirements then you need to take those classes. take the oppertunity to help the freshmen in that class if they need the help. Since your at a higher level then help them pass the clesses they need help with.</p>
<p>Maybe it’s me, but I’m still trying to figure out how the GC screwed you over…what part of this is the GC’s fault, exactly?</p>
<p><<maybe it’s=“” me,=“” but=“” i’m=“” still=“” trying=“” to=“” figure=“” out=“” how=“” the=“” gc=“” screwed=“” you=“” over…what=“” part=“” of=“” this=“” is=“” gc’s=“” fault,=“” exactly?=“”>></maybe></p>
<p>None of it. The GC did what was needed to meet graduation requirements.</p>
<p>Go see your GC, thank her for her help setting up your schedule while getting you transferred in, and then ask her if she has any suggestions for you to enhance your schedule to make it more challenging.</p>