<p>With the start of the new year, it has finally hit me that I need to begin seriously considering potential colleges (I will apply at the end of 2012). Although my 2 cousins and 1 brother tell me I only need good grades in high school, and do not have to take major-specific courses, I am not completely convinced.</p>
<p>I plan to major in econ or math and double major in computer science. I am taking calc BC as a Junior and will take Multivar next year. Also, I am currently taking the only AP economics course available in my school (and loving it!). I took an introductory computer science course during freshman year, but found that I disliked the teacher and her teaching style (everyone in my school dislikes her because she does not seem like she knows Java herself). As a result, I am reluctant to take the AP comp sci course she teaches.</p>
<p>What should I do to show my interest/achievement in math/econ and computer science? I plan on learning C++ and Python and recieve certification before the summer (I need them for an econ/comp sci internship I want to apply to). Like I said, I am not a fan of the teacher, but I don't want to regret not taking the AP comp sci course offered at my school. As far as econ goes, the FED challenge and ECON challenge available to my high school two years ago are no longer available. I applied to VA governor's school for humanities, which includes economics and have made cuts up to final application revision by the state.</p>
<p>Hopefully I haven't bored you with my long post, and I would greatly appreciate any/all help or guidance you CCers can offer.</p>
<p>btw... target school: Duke (I love it for some reason)---Second choice: Uchicago (my brother goes to this school)</p>
<p>The most important thing to do, is to sit your parents down and have The Big Money Talk with them. They know how much your brother’s college is costing your family, and they now have some criteria for judging the cost-benefit of studying at a given college/university. Find out how much money will be available for your education, how much they expect you to take out in loans, and how much they expect you to earn during the school year and in vacation times. If your grades and exam scores are good enough, you can conceivably be admitted anywhere, but in the end, if the place isn’t affordable for your family, it simply won’t be possible for you.</p>
<p>Most colleges really want to see a well rounded student on applications, but it doesn’t have to be in courses. In fact, taking more in your area of interest may benefit you placement wise if you have the opportunity to test into higher level courses in college.I think seeing that certification and internship maybe more important to the college than the AP class, it shows you are highly interested. I hope I helped!</p>
<p>Yes, as mentioned in post #2, discuss finances with your parents so you have a good idea of what is affordable. Check each candidate college’s net price calculator to get an estimate of financial aid.</p>
<p>Determine your safety schools first. These are schools which you will definitely be admitted to, you will definitely be able to afford, and which you will be happy to attend. Do not make the mistake of trying to figure out safeties after getting EA/ED rejections or deferrals and then finding that schools that could have been safeties have deadlines for applying or financial aid or scholarships that have passed already.</p>
<p>In terms of academics, if you are exhausting the courses at your high school, consider taking courses at a community college. Choose those courses which are accepted for transfer credit to your better in-state public universities (if you are in VA, that would be UVa, VT, W&M, JMU, etc.). But high school students are not generally expected to take much in the way of major-specific courses beyond the usual well rounded preparation, other than taking as much math as available at your high school if going into a math-intensive major.</p>
<p>I am fortunate enough that my parents have saved enough money to be able to afford almost any college I am accepted in to. Having seen your replies, I will definitely go for the comp sci certifications and will certainly look in to taking community college courses. Since you, ucbalumnus, said that high school students are not generally expected to do so, I will consider the internship related to my area of interest as well because I know that nearby GMU professors often seek juniors/seniors in high school or college students. Thanks again for the help.</p>
<p>as cty4ever said, many colleges value a well-rounded individual (U Chicago is one of these colleges. I don’t know much about Duke, but I assume it is too). Good grades and test scores are important, but if that’s all there is they wont be inclined to accept you. Develop some strong ECs in areas that interest you. Not just certifications and advanced classes, but activities and passions in different areas.</p>