<p>Hi guys, my name’s Ryan. I am a high school sophomore from South Carolina. I’m currently enrolled in a program called The Scholar’s Academy, which allows high school students in my county to take college classes at a local university (The University of South Carolina - Upstate). You apply as an eighth grader, and the university admissions select around 30 kids (out of 500+ applicants) to enter the program. Students enter in their freshman year and are presented with an advanced schedule that contains upper level high school courses supplemented with college classes. For half the day, students attend The Scholar’s Academy, and then report back to their public high schools to take elective courses. So far, I have taken Biology 101 Honors, Precalculus 126 and 127, US History 105 and 106, and AP Language (I have earned A’s in all classes). I’m scheduled to take Chemistry 111, AP Literature, and Calculus 141 next semester. The Scholar’s Academy has presented me with a challenging and intellectually stimulating courseload, one that I hope colleges find impressive.</p>
<p>Scores and Stats
-4.0 GPA
-Ranked 3 out of a class of 625 (college courses will not transmit a grade higher than 96).
-226 PSAT (as an eighth grader)
-2270 SAT (as a sophomore)
-34 ACT (as a sophomore)</p>
<p>Extracurriculars
-Varsity Cross Country (lettered since 8th grade, all-region athlete, captain)
-Varsity Track (all region athlete)
-Eagle Scout/Senior Patrol Leader in Boy Scouts
-Community Service
-Officer in Key Club
-Officer in Future Business Leaders of America
-Member of Beta Club
-Over 100 hours of community service (Scholar’s Academy requires it, as does Key Club).</p>
<p>Bottom line is, will the Scholar’s Academy help or hinder me when applying to colleges? I think I have the grades/test scores/ECs to get into a decent college, but I’m worried that the program will make me look unattractive as an admissions candidate. I know that schools like to see an advanced courseload, but will attending college classes as a high school student hurt my overall potential in admissions? If yes/no, what are some potential colleges that would be a match for my scores, etc.?</p>