So, I’m a URM with a 4.0 UW and 2160 (retaking) with decent Awards/ECs. But I fear my schedule rigor may be holding me back.
I have taken advanved math all three years, and advanced english/science the two years they were offered. But I’ve only taken Spanish II and Spanish III
My issue (along with skipping Spanish IV) is that the APs I’ve taken so far are considered soft (APWH, APUSH, APSTAT, APPSYCH.) Though ive singed up for some harder ones next year (Gov/Lit/Calc BC) I’m wondering if I’ve made some mistake, and a relatively weak junior year may hold me back. My counselor does say she plans on marking my schedule as most rigorous though (if that negates any issue from arising)
I’m looking at Georgetown, Emory, William and Mary, Wake Forest, American, and GWU along with my in-state safties.
Colleges don’t really care if you take a lot of “soft” APs. An AP course is an AP course and will be viewed as more rigorous than honors/standard courses.
As long as your counselor is marking the “most rigorous” box, the adcoms for the schools you listed won’t question your rigor.
In addition to agreeing with the above, APUSH and APWH are not considered “soft.”
Ditto on Skieurope: WH & USH >> Comp Gov or US Gov (which are considered 1 semester courses). It’s anecdotal, but I had a D take a ‘less rigorous’ science option as a senior: she had wanted to take that course for all high school and she had no opportunity to take any ‘electives’ until senior year. She was unrepentant in her choice, and wrote at least one essay on the subject. She got into her first choice college, which was specific that they look at senior year course rigor. Btw, she also got offered one the ‘name’ scholarships @ W&M, with a slightly lower GPA than yours.
APWH and APUSH are not light. As long as your GC says she’s marking you most rigorous, that’s what matters. Any particular reason you’re skipping Spanish IV?
Through the title of this question, I saw the red flags.
You are doing the things that will end up disappointing you.
People that get into these finite institutions do things because they like them. They aren’t trying to impress the Admissions Officers.
"My issue (along with skipping Spanish IV) is that the APs I’ve taken so far are considered soft (APWH, APUSH, APSTAT, APPSYCH.) " - Red flag that you’re doing / going to do things that you think looks impressive to colleges.
Concluding this with words from the Dean of Harvard - He says that a 4.0 GPA at a strong academic institution is a sign of a student who could have challenged themselves further, and chose not to.
@TheDidactic we were overhauling our debate program with a new coach, so I ended up taking debate to help her plan and organize the season. I may be placed in Spanish IV next year depending on schedule conflicts.
@StanfordSwag How exactly does that mean I took those classes to impress adcoms, if I just admitted myself that I don’t think they’re impressive? I’ve enjoyed every class I’ve taken (with the exception of Chemistry and Physics because I just don’t have a knack for it). I’m devoted to every club I’m in as well. My question was just that if my choices not to take those “impressive” AP Sciences or AP Lang will hold me back. I’m not trying to be dismissive or rude (since you are the one giving me advice after all) , but I’m really not the type to do things “just for colleges” and your characterization of me based on me wondering if my schedule is or isn’t an issue doesn’t make sense to me.