<p>I currently have done one internship and hope to do another this summer. Will this help a considerable amount when applying to very selective colleges? Or do they just expect this from applicants and it simply makes me competitive? </p>
<p>Also, if my school doesn't offer AP classes (therefore I have none) will this reflect negatively on me? </p>
<p>Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>it will help a bit, i wouldnt say a considerable amount though. it also depends on how you present it, if it really affected you so you write an essay about it then maybe it will have a greater meaning, if its just shoved in the additional info section then not so much.
i wouldnt say the most selective schools “expect” this either, i know lots of people accepting to top schools who never did lab research in HS</p>
<p>and if your school doesnt offer APs consequently they wont expect you to have taken any. you could always self study an AP course though to show that you are eager to learn</p>
<p>I’m currently writing essays for my applications to summer 2014 programs, and I most definitely wrote about how much my previous experience has affected me and how much I learned, etc. I will also do this for college apps.
That’s good to know they won’t EXPECT me to have AP’s. I could self study, but I don’t even know where I could take the test… I’ll have to ask my counselor. Thanks!</p>
<p>are you a senior right now? and cool, thats great that you wrote your essay about it! i did the same thing.
seems like you are limited by your school in a sense, so im sure colleges will admire your persistence in learning
did you take challenging courses otherwise, if they were available?</p>
<p>Very selective colleges expect you to have something productive in your background. You are right that it helps make you competitive. But unless you have done something spectacular and groundbreaking, it isn’t a “hook” – just something that keeps your application in the pile to be considered if your scores, grades, and recommendations are all very strong.</p>
<p>Some kind of external coursework (AP class self-studied or taken online, college class, etc.) would help as well. They do understand “no APs offered”, but many accepted students to the most selective schools have done some academic-related activities beyond their high school offerings anyway.</p>
<p>I’m a junior right now. I have taken the most challenging courses available and have gone well above my school’s requirements (I will have twice the amount of science credits necessary to graduate). I will have taken 3 college courses as well.</p>
<p>then take a deep breath! youve done a lot, keep working hard. schools will understand your situation.</p>
<p>Ok, that’s a relief! I have made the best of my situation and really want to continue my education at a university that will challenge me and provide many more opportunities when compared to say, a state school (some state schools are good such as California, but in my area they are mostly just party schools).</p>
<p>do you live in the midwest area? im in the same situation with state schools, there are some great ones, but too many are notoriously party schools that im not interested in</p>
<p>Yes, I am from the Midwest, and I feel your pain when it comes to state schools!</p>