So I’m in a bit of a dilemma CC. We’re sending in our senior year HS schedules and I’m stuck choosing between math and business. My district has a special selective, 2 year course in which you do Pre-calc, AB and BC in two years. So right now, I’m in the first year and will have half of AB done by the end of this year.
My school also has a student run store that I’m a part of. It’s not your typical school store: we do roughly 50k in revenue a year. After an interview process last year I was one of 3 juniors selected and now the seniors chose me to take over as CEO for next year. It’s a ridiculous leadership position.
The problem is, they’re both going to be 5th hour next year. Do I do the store and drop down to AB, or take BC? On Penn’s site it says Wharton apps should take the highest level of calc their school offers.
Further, since I know half of AB Id only be in it second semester next year. If I combined that with one semester of AP gov I have an hour open in my schedule. After a bunch of BS our student council teachers are making it required that one take the Leadership class to be a STUCO officer. I could take that class and not forfeit my position as class VP (which next year would be All-Student Council VP).
So, what do you guys think: leadership in the store or BC?
IMO I think Wharton values leadership experience over math, but i think you need to take a math course every semester. Is there another math course you could take the first semester, such as statistics? Could you take calculus online or at a local college? My kid was deferred ED from Wharton and he is taking multivariable calculus but his leadership experience is a little weak.
@IsImom I was planning on taking AP stat was well so I will have at least one math each semester. I considered taking it at our local community college but I feel like like I won’t have time throughout the year because I work after school (office hours) and have to deal with homework in the night. I think you’re right about leadership, and that they would understand if my counselor explained my decision in my rec.
If all that mattered was Wharton, I’d say take calc bc. They’re very explicit about expecting the highest level of math available to you, and not taking it is directly disadvantaging yourself. Of course, realistically, getting into Wharton isn’t guaranteed, so other schools may be more impressed with such an extracurricular and calc ab.
Just my opinion though. You could try sending the admission office an email asking just how important the highest level of math is.
My Ds high school had block scheduling so she took classes during lunch every year for the 4 years in order to fit in all the classes she wanted to take.
I understand that you may be up against an immovable wall when it comes to doing both but if you can convince the decision makers that both are best, you are the person to do it and have a plan that gets the job done, that would be even more impressive on your resume/application. You’re trying to persuade them to make whatever changes are necessary to accommodate you. That’s what a businessman really does. The worst that can happen is you get a hardcore no and you are right here where you are with your choice.
@Madaboutx I tried negotiating but our calc bc teacher is firm with his decision. I keep on trying to exhaust my options and came up with a possible solution: first semester senior year I could take Calc II at our local community college, a highly accredited one. Then at least I get Calc II done. I’m the first to acknowledge the difference between a JC and Penn, and the fact that they won’t take the credit most likely. Our BC teacher says further that 1) it’d be dumb to take the AP exam if I have that college credit and 2) that it wouldn’t prepare me enough anyways for the exam. What do you think?
@roonayyy10 What would you think of that idea I just said above? And also, I was thinking that if my counselor explained my situation and decision, should I chose the store, that that could remedy the situation.
Running a student run store sounds nice however, t’s not like you created a product and brought it to market or started a successful non-profit or displayed extraordinary leadership in other areas if you run the store.
By this, I mean you could good experience volunteering your time outside of school or doing other things but your option to take Calc BC is limited.
Also, think long term and weigh it all out.
The odds of most people going to Wharton is low, the competition is fierce - almost all of your competition will have completed Calc BC plus have other stuff on their resumes.
Second, if you take Calc BC! Get a 4-5 on the exam and don’t get into penn, most other schools will give you credit for Calc so you won’t have to take it again.
If you run the store and don’t get into Penn, you will likely have to take Calc in college so calculus is almost unavoidable depending on the rigor of whatever program you get into.
Finally, if you take Calc BC and get into Wharton, it’s possible to get credit for Calc so you don’t have to repeat it. If you run the store and get accepted, you’ll be taking Calc at Wharton.
You can do what you want and many other scenarios may exist but choose how you want it all to play out.