Throughout sophomore and junior year I took 4 AP classes and am planning to apply to privates, such as NYU and USC, through early decision this November. Although, my senior year I am taking 4 APs and I want colleges to see that I am challenging myself by taking rigorous courses. Is it true that Early Decision applicants don’t have their senior year courses reviewed? If so, should I apply early decision 2 so the colleges can see my courses? Thank You guys so much! :)))))
They see your course load as it is put in the Common App; however, they may not see your completed semester grades. Also, you can only apply ED to one school and non single choice EA to others (you cannot apply ED to two schools at once). So you would have to apply ED to NYU OR USC.
USC doesn’t have ED. They do have a Dec. 1 deadline to be considered for merit scholarships.
My kids’ GC automatically sent in mid semester grades to ED/EA schools. If your school doesn’t do that, you can certainly request your GC to send in your interim grades.
If you’ve thought this through, I apologize. ED is a great choice for your #1 school and that you’re generally 90% assured it’s affordable for your family. Are your parents able to pay for 4 yrs tuition at either NYU or USC? Or will you need to weigh different fin aid offers to ultimately decide where to attend? If the latter, then don’t use ED.
Basically: have you had the “money talk” with your parents yet? Do they have a quarter million stored away for you already? Do they know how much 4 yrs tuition will be? Many parents are shocked at the difference between what they thought they needed to save vs. the actual costs today.
Best of luck to you.
Do not apply anywhere ED unless 1) the school is your absolute top choice and 2) you have no need to compare financial offers.
But to answer your question, ED schools ask for the first quarter transcript and I believe you list your senior year classes on the application so admission officers will know what you are taking.