<p>Hi, I wanted to ask a question because I’ve been getting a lot of mixed messages about my admissions outlook. I’m not asking people to chance me but just looking for general input.</p>
<p>For the student who is more specialized, by which I mean, very good in some subjects but not so good in others, what is the admissions outlook at higher-level schools? I’m not shooting for Williams or Middlebury - not delusional! - but looking more at schools like Smith, Whitman, Brandeis and BU for my reach schools. </p>
<p>Basically, I’m very strong in foreign languages, English and History and have received academic awards in these subjects. I took AP U.S. History and got a 5 on the test, and am now getting an A- in AP English (my school doesn’t offer AP foreign language classes). My major will def. be related to one of those subjects.
However, I’m pretty weak in math and science - I’m challenging myself but simply have no aptitude for them. I got an A in Honors Bio in 10th grade, but ended up with a C+ in Honors Chem junior year because the class was vastly more difficult. Since I couldn’t move on in Chem, I’m now taking non-honors Anatomy & Physiology and getting an A. I’ve always taken regular level math classes and gotten grades in the B range - I’ll be taking Advanced Algebra and Trig 2nd semester. I’m in the top 15% (weighted) of my class overall, with a 4.0 GPA. I go to a public school where there are a lot of very all-around strong kids, although the vast majority want to go into math/science fields.</p>
<p>I know grades and class rank count for a lot at top schools, so I’m just wondering how someone with these kinds of unbalanced grades fares in the admissions process? Do they need something really stellar on another part of the app to have a decent chance at admission, or might they even be rejected out-of-hand?</p>
<p>Regardless of who you are, I always tell people to shoot for their dreams. The reason for this is that you should apply to 5-10 schools that you’ve selected on a variety of different things. Many of these selection reasons are non-academic (location, weather, social life…etc.)</p>
<p>From the school point of view, they are looking for students that are ambitious, dedicated and know how to use their time wisely. A school will find out how you do in those areas by looking at all aspects of your life and dreams. Therefore, your essay and short answers on the applications as well as interviews with college alumni help show this. Another very important factor are teacher recommendations.</p>
<p>Everyone has their weaknesses and you are one step ahead of many people in knowing what yours are. Your next step is to find a school that is a match for your interests and strengths. Listen to your “gut”. Ignore the desire to pick schools that are not for you and your skills. There are many many good schools out there.</p>
<p>It sounds like we’re in the same boat! I’m not very strong in math and science, but French, English, history, and music classes are my strong points. It sounds like you’re still sticking with your weaker subjects, which I’ve been told is good. I’ve taken AP Chemistry and am currently taking AP Biology-- I couldn’t get past a B for AP Chemistry even though I worked really hard, and I’m sitting at a borderline A/B in AP Bio right now. Part of the appeal of those schools to me (I’m applying ED to Smith) is that schools like that look at extra-curriculars and how strong you are in the majors you’re thinking about. Since I love foreign languages, I want to try and study East Asian Studies. During my overnight at Smith, I asked whether not doing well in math compared to other classes would put me out of the running. Almost every non-science/math major I talked to said that they weren’t all that great in those subjects either. I think as long as you show you’re passionate about what you do excel in, your chances are still all right.</p>
<p>Regarding math-- I started off doing Accelerated Geometry and Accelerated Algebra II. Last year I dropped out of the honors track because I knew Precalc would make me miserable-- I took Trig./Algebra III and got the same grade as I did in the accelerated classes. It’s probably better that you’re shooting higher towards the end of high school, so hopefully you’re ok in that aspect.</p>
<p>Then again, I haven’t been admitted yet, so I’m no expert. What sort of activities do you do?</p>
What sort of activities do you do?</p>