<p>I noticed that every top university includes course rigor as one of their main factors of evaluating applicants. However, I was unable to take challenging courses due to some extenuating circumstances.</p>
<p>I want to know what I can do to express my interest in learning and curiosity. If I had the choice, I would have taken the most challenging courses possible. I challenged myself outside of the classroom, but I’m unsure of what I can do to portray that.</p>
<p>Would it be okay to e-mail admissions to ask what I can do to express my passion for learning? Or is it only appropriate to e-mail them when you have technical/specific questions about their college?</p>
<p>Actually I would probably stick this in the “Additional Information” section of the Common App. You could also ask your GC to write about a reason for lack of challenging courses in his/her recommendation to the college. IMO, one of these two (or both) is much better than emailing admissions.</p>
<p>I’m confused. Are you thinking of asking the college admissions officers how to make your application better? You want to ask them how to show passion in your essays? Is that the question? Those sort of questions should be asked to your college guidance officer or your teachers.</p>
<p>Yes, to both questions. I want to know what I can do such as taking community college courses, taking SAT IIs, self-studying for AP exams, etc, and also if I should write an explanation in an essay. </p>
<p>When I talked to my counselor about it he said, ‘‘Colleges don’t care if you take AP classes. Actually, they prefer you don’t because it’s more money for them.’’ </p>
<p>Doesn’t sound very credible to me. Also, he keeps saying I can explain my situation in my personal statement, but he doesn’t understand that’s where I want to portray who I am, what I’ve been through and how I’ve grown. </p>
<p>I’m just really confused.</p>
<p>OK, well college admissions offers do not offer individual counseling assistance. </p>
<p>Your GC sounds strange. I guess you can’t rely on his advice. AP and community college classes are usually viewed as demonstrations of rigor and ability to do college level work.</p>
<p>Do what epicdude suggests for ways to explain the current situation. You are right not to use that as the subject of an essay. You have better things to say in your essays.</p>
<p>Just take SAT II’s if it is required or recommended. If you are able to self study for an AP then go ahead.</p>
<p>Have some passion and accomplishment in your EC’s.</p>