<p>i am thinking about transferring to Independent study, does it look good on your record? i am still going to be taking AP and Honors Classes, i want to go to Brown, if i spent the extra time doing community service would it look better, What do you think?</p>
<p>Away from…?</p>
<p>Away from Normal School.</p>
<p>hm thats wat im wondering</p>
<p>I have an Independent Study class this year for both semesters. I got in ED.</p>
<p>Check with your guidance counselor. Brown (or most any college) will evaluate your transcript <i>in the context</i> of your school’s program. It also depends entirely on where your interests lie, and what you’re giving up in order to do an independent study.</p>
<p>You also need to consider how your decision might be interpreted. Let’s say that you’re a math/science person and that you’ve exhausted your high school’s math curriculum. If an independent study means teaching yourself Multivariable Calculus, a course not offered at your high school, in lieu of taking an AP language, then that is probably acceptable, especially if you plan on going ahead in math. However, if it you decide you want to spend a semester building scale model ships, just because you can (but not because you have any related interests) a the expense of your English class, then the adcom may frown upon your independent study. This is especially true for first semester of senior year.</p>
<p>I’m wary only because of what I’ve read and also the advice that my high school counselor (who’d worked as an admissions officer at several Ivies) gave me. Granted, there are always exceptions. Just think about what interests you and what’s available, and always get a second opinion.</p>
<p>If it’s for community service, unless it’s a very unique opportunity, I’d say don’t do it. Brown is inundated with people trying to boost their community service hours.</p>