Is it a smart move to list something you’re currently working on for BS applications?
Most of my friends are in Algebra 1, while I’m in Algebra 2, and they’re set to get the worst geometry teachers next year, in ninth grade. Because of this, I am working on a “geometry course study guide” where I am going through all of my notes and unit guides to create a nice “mini-course” many of my friends have requested.
Is this a good point in a BS application? I feel like it is, but who knows.
The Algebra 2 part is nice. Schools like students in accelerated tracks. Don’t know if you should mention the “worst geometry teachers next year” part. Could sound condescending and disrespectful. It’s good that you’re helping your peers, though. If it’s something you’re adamant about, sure, mention it. If I were you, I would go more into your (correct me if I’m wrong) passion for mathematics and what that entails in the future.
I was never planning on wording it like that for BS applications. It’s only terrible for them because their school is now going all virtual next year as well because the PTA voted on it. I had to take geometry online because my middle school didn’t offer it and it was a nightmare.
The thing is, my passion is for law and government, not math. Math is honestly my least favorite subject. I was planning on doing this for every class I’ve taken at an advanced level anyway, math was just the easiest to start with.
I think it’s a really nice thing to do. Again, if you’re adamant about it, absolutely go for it. Tbh I feel you. Went into high school some 2-3 years ahead, did a few math competitions, but feel very little passion for it. I’m more of a science person. You’re probably not going to have this as your “main event”, but just wanted to give you my two cents. Mention it briefly but don’t emphasize it. If you emphasize it, sure, they’ll see your thoughtfulness, but they’ll also see you as someone with a passion for math.
Thank you so much for the advice!
I like this little tidbit (minus the negative geometry piece of course.) I’ll add that you could use this as an example of something bigger. I don’t think I would have this be a standalone thing.
I know you said math isn’t your thing, but this could still be an example of some other bigger trait/EC/thing.
For example, maybe one of your essays is about you always “going above and beyond” and this could be one example of that.
Or maybe an essay is about your insatiable curiosity – this could be brought up as an example of that.
Or, maybe your essay is about giving back, well this could work in as an example.
So I guess I would say, maybe not worth a mention all on its own, but it would be a great thing to layer in and give depth to your profile in some way.
Another way to look at it: why did you create this study guide, given you don’t like math? Whatever that reason is – it’s probably reflected somewhere in your application, so think about using this as “proof” for that assertion.
That said, this is a “nice to have” tidbit. Don’t force it if you can’t find a home for it. But it’s a nice little example that shows who you are.
HTH.
A few of our applications asked what are you working on now, post Gateway part one, etc. This would also be a good place to put your student guide. My son talked about a CTY class he was taking and why. And also discussed the class he wasn’t able to enroll in that he was even more interested in.
Thanks so much for the comments!
So I really did math because I am good at it. I don’t like it because it feels “too easy” to do. If it were more challenging I’d probably like it better.
I would like this to turn into something much bigger! I eventually want to make a few of these mini-courses into full courses for homeschoolers, because I was previously homeschooled and my parents couldn’t find a tough curriculum for me. I want to be able to make a curriculum for academically inclined individuals.
Yeah, I have a school with a similar essay. I think it’ll be smart to write about it there.
@prepschool2021 This is really interesting information about you – the homeschooling piece, you being interested in curriculum. I have no idea what your overall profile is looking like (through your application + EC list + essays + interviews) so I don’t know how that is fitting in, or if it “has legs” (meaning potential to be something meaty). But I do like this direction, assuming it has deeper, more meaningful roots.
A word of caution if I may: be careful of sounding obnoxious (“I would like math but it’s too easy” and “my parents couldn’t find curriculum tough enough for me.”). (As a side note, I homeschool one of my high schoolers and I assure you – tough curriculum exists so it seems a little silly to suggest that you are too smart for all curriculum currently available out there.)
By this I really mean that I can’t find something interesting to do. When homeschooling, I hated to do everything from workbooks and we could never find something that was a main curriculum that wasn’t workbook only.
I need a challenge, like a challenging activity instead of a hard quiz, for me to stay interested.