<p>I’m a junior at a public, IB high school (meaning the diploma track is offered, though few actually pursue it) in NH. </p>
<p>W GPA: 3.81</p>
<p>I’m taking:</p>
<p>IB Global Studies (HL) (interdisciplinary humanities course, 2 credits)
Algebra II (not honor’s level)
Chemistry (not honor’s level)
American Sign Language II
World Religions (half credit elective)
Personal Finance (half credit, required)
AP Psychology</p>
<p>= 3 AP/IB credits, 4 non-honors credits </p>
<p>It is clear that I do not excel in math or science, but I am passionate about humanities and am good at them. I also believe that I am at somewhat of a disadvantage to my peers as I attended far less competitive schools (all within one district) until my freshman year, which prevented me from getting the basic knowledge necessary to prepare me for taking honors level science and math classes (old school JUST implemented honors classes, had unweighted ‘levels’ before).</p>
<p>Do you think this schedule is relatively challenging, considering the aforementioned circumstance? And do you think colleges (like Smith, Mount Holyoke, etc.) will take this into consideration, or do I really have no chance in hell at competing with other students applying?
How can I challenge myself more next year?</p>
<p>I have no idea. Are these the most challenging classes you can take? My schedule looks horrible but it’s the best my school offers.</p>
<p>I’m taking the highest level humanities course available and plan on doing the same next year and am taking an advanced elective (AP Psych) but am behind many of my peers as far as science and math go. So it’s half and half, and clearly exemplifies my weaknesses. I’m not sure how admissions offices will view that.</p>
<p>You should definitely try to excel more in the humanities if that’s your thing. If your major has nothing to do with math/science then you should be fine.</p>
<p>I thought these threads were over…and it depends on what you could have taken</p>
<p>Sorry but no I don’t :/</p>
<p>From a humanities standpoint it’s good, but I wouldn’t say (overall) that it’s difficult and adcoms won’t likely see it that way either especially with your GPA.</p>
<p>I’m in almost the same position as you. I’m also applying to Mount Holyoke, Smith, etc., yet don’t excel at math or science. Things like the humanities, art, music, foreign languages, and writing are my strengths. It’s a real pain because 99% of the AP classes at my school are for those who excel at math and science.</p>
<p>Perhaps you can show your love of humanities outside your studies? Maybe you could start a club for people who love humanities or something. Try to do something that will show colleges what you’re passionate about. I hear that colleges love passion!</p>
<p>Advice for next year: take more AP classes!</p>
<p>What does it mean by “challenging?”</p>
<p>On paper, AP Chem seems hard, but at my school, the class is a joke…</p>
<p>But to the OP, if you’re taking the full diploma, it looks more “challenging”</p>