Is "Transcript Padding" akin to Application Padding with EC's?

michaelwiggins
Sat, 15 Aug 2009 13:24:49 +0000

We all are probably familiar with Application padding… being a bunch of EC’s that you have no passion for, or running for like 10 leadership positions. It looks bad, of course. Well what about padding a transcript; is there such a thing?

Example: Taking advanced math courses. Kids who take up to Calculus 3 or multivariable look impressive to colleges. There’s no denying that. The rigor of your transcript is either important or at least considered just about everywhere. But is it possible to pad your transcript in a bad way?

I go to a high school that works in conjunction with the Houston Community College System, and we are able to take college classes there for free. This is a great opportunity because I’m provided with a wide array of extra classes that the average high school doesn’t offer, and it immerses me in the college setting (albeit a community college one ;-).

This fall semester I signed up for 3 classes at the college; History 1301 (American up to 1877), Sociology 1301 (essentially intro to Sociology) and Philosophy 1301 (again, an intro class). The first two were required, but I signed up for philosophy because it sounds like an interesting course, and 2 open spots in my schedule seemed like too much. Is it going to look like “Transcript padding” if I don’t opt to carry on into the next level of these classes? I’m required to take History 1302, but taking advanced sociology is an option as well as philosophy, but I just wanted to get a little experience in those classes. I’d rather save class periods this spring for maths and sciences that I want to take.

Basically, is it still impressive to take an introductory class out of interest, or if I’m going to get involved in a subject at all should I plan to pursue it past that? (keep in mind, I doubt the average high school student takes more than one philosophy class, if any). Thanks in advance for your input! :-)