<p>I’m currently a high school senior, and I took calculus last year and scored a 4 on the AP exam (I completely self taught myself the BC material as my teacher didn’t know it himself). This year I’m left without a math class, and while I’m trying to crack open a calculus book every once in a while, I know I’m already losing most of what I’ve learned. How much will a year without math hurt me, especially if I take math classes in college and specifically if I am admitted and am able to go to the University of Chicago. Note: I do plan on majoring in English, but I love math. </p>
<p>I realize this is kind of a general question, but people on this forum seem to be pretty responsive and I’m also interested in knowing how much it would set me behind at the University of Chicago.</p>
<p>I assume you “maxed” out the math classes from school. In that case, you shouldn’t be penalized for not having a math course senior year. Just be sure to fill in that gap with a equally challenging course.</p>
<p>Well, just so you know, if you are accepted at Chicago you will take a math placement exam during orientation exam, and are required to take math classes as part of the Core. And if you love math, but have maxed out at your school- then take a math class elsewhere- online through EPGY at Stanford U. or through a community college. Anyone who professes to love math but doesn’t seek out ways to show that love will be putting himself at a disadvantage in the college application process at Chicago.</p>
<p>There’s no way I could take math at the college in my town, scheduling conflicts. I’m trying to just study on my own, without a class or anything. I’m also super busy with my school schedule and extra curriculars and job, so I don’t have time to take an online class, though it’s tempting to try to squeeze it in… I’m not as concerned with how this will affect me in the admissions process (I’ll try to explain my situation somewhere in the application) than with how this will affect my ability to do/learn math.</p>
<p>I have a semi-related question - I’m not taking a science class this year (senior) and am wondering if this will hurt my application. I took H Bio freshman year, H Chem I sophomore year, and H Chem II, AP Chem (4 on exam) and H Physics during junior year. My school also offers AP Bio and AP Physics, but I opted not to take them because a)the teachers are notoriously not so good (in terms of teaching the material) and b) there were scheduling conflicts with other classes I was more interested in and would learn more from (band and Chinese I). </p>
<p>Science is really my least favorite subject, and I don’t plan on doing too much with it beyond the Core if I get into UChicago (crossing fingers!), but will this hurt my application?</p>
<p>(Sorry for hijacking your thread, blindkite )</p>
<p>blindkite and UNEP-- I don’t imagine that your scheduling situations are unusual (lots of us had weird setups and non-setups) and I don’t imagine your admissions decision will hinge upon them. Blindkite, you maxed out at your hs, which is great, and UNEP, your gc can explain that it didn’t fit in your schedule. Band and Chinese are less rigorous-sounding than another science class, but at least you’re happy with your choices. That’s much, much, much more important than trying to “game” admissions.</p>
<p>Thanks unalove. Another question . . . how much weight do the admissions people give to gc recommendations (and the other forms they fill out)? My guidance counselor is . . . less than experienced and has already goofed pretty majorly on some college-related stuff (NMSF app, etc.). I’m trying to double and triple check everything she sends out, but I doubt the rec will be done well (even though she likes me) soo . . . any advice? Thanks!</p>
<p>blindkite,
In general, if you have max’d out your HS’s offering, you won’t be penalized for not going further … but on the other hand taking an advanced course online would be good. The thing about the online courses is that most hs students don’t really have a clue about them - through no particular fault of their own. You can only do so much at this point. I think that carefully preparing your applications and not studying yourself into exhaustion should be high on your list.</p>
<p>As menloparkmom says, once you get to Chicago you will take the calculus placement test - those results and your AP score will determine the placement. </p>
<p>UNEPgirl,
It is easy to look at CC and think that one’s schedule isn’t strong enough. Just remember, though, that the numbers numbers on the application aren’t the application itself. They can keep you out, but they they won’t, on there own, guarantee admission. </p>
<p>Again, in general, a more rigorous schedule is better, but you have had bio, physics and chemistry at the honors level, and have performed well on the AP Chem test. Your preparation is solid but not spectacular. Do your best on all aspects of the application process that you have some control over: interim grades, essays, interviews. Give your recommenders plenty of time to do their letters, and be some to chat with your GC from time to time so that one will be good, too. </p>
<p>At this point, its pointless second guessing your choices. If you are happy with your classes, let that joy of learning come through.</p>
<p>"I’m trying to double and triple check everything she sends out, but I doubt the rec will be done well (even though she likes me) soo . . . any advice? "</p>
<p>If you haven’t already done so, make sure she has a written resume of your ec’s, jobs, community services and so on. Other than that, say a prayer (if you are of that persuasion) and hope for the best. Unless your gc’s rec reads like a rap sheet of various major and minor offences, you’re fine.</p>
<p>I attended an embedded magnet, so our district wide honors program shared common administrative resources and classroom space with a rather middling public high school. This agreement included the guidance office, whose counselors were patently horrible. They were fine for filling out the standard forms a thousand times over for our big state universities, yet they clearly thought that most elite colleges, save Duke, were for uppity northerners who did not know the value of tradition and sports. </p>
<p>At any rate, students went over the offices head and tapped out “mentors” to fill out their guidance counselor forms. These were otherwise normal teachers who could: A) credibly speak to the applicants curricular rigor in the context of their school; B) their moral rectitude in general; and C) who were basically willing to state rather explicitly that the guidance office was not prepared to deal Ivy level applicants. Of the thirty or so students who did this, all got into a least one school comparable to or better than Chicago for college, leading me to believe that admissions offices broadly understand the scenario and are willing to accommodate students.</p>
<p>I’m having the exact same problem with my guidance counselor. I’ve been checking up on all the forms I give her, but at the same time, i’m really afraid of offending her. I don’t think she’s completely incompetent… I am just aware of other mistakes she’s made on things. I just wonder how much is too much.</p>
<p>blindkite -
always include a stamped, self-addressed (to you ) post card in the envelopments that you provide to guidences and your other recommenders. Your colleges will date and return them to you when your materials are received.</p>
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