2 questions: First, how do schools look at dual enrollment vs APs. I’ll have 7APs and 5 dual enrollments, and at least in my school, dual enrollment is considered harder, and both will become 5.0 courses, when my school converts to that scale, but how do colleges look at it in terms of rigor?
Second question, how much does race ACTUALLY affect college admissions? I am a black male, and I’m wondering if it actually makes as huge or as little a different as anyone says it is. Does race make a HUGE difference, as in you’re only being compared to ppl of your same race like some ppl say, or is it just a tiny difference like others say? Does anyone really know? Thanks!
Depends on if the college courses are at a higher level than AP or college frosh level. Also, state universities may favor college courses from colleges that they have transfer credit agreements with, while private schools may be less accepting of college courses taken in high school. Check each college on its transfer and AP credit policies.
On race or ethnicity, check the college’s common data set, section C7, to see if it is considered. But even if it is, make your reach, match, and safety estimates assuming that it will not help, so that you will not overestimate your chances and get shut out.
Race may help you in the lottery schools but only if you are already qualified. Being male may help you more with others, because 60% of college students are female, and highly selective colleges desire a 50-50 ratio (and have enough applicants to achieve it) . There is no single answer because it varies class by class, school by school, and year by year.
It might help you more in scholarships, because some are reserved for black students. Some schools also have extra help, pre-college preparation classes, tutoring, etc. which you might be able to take advantage of.
However, such services might not be aimed specifically at students with 4.0 GPA with lots of AP and college courses, mostly 5 on AP tests already taken, and 800/740 SAT, as the OP self-describes in another post.