Using open curriculum to ignore boring courses?

lookingforward
Wed, 30 Dec 2015 21:32:09 +0000

Granted, on an anon forum, we can all say pretty much what we want. But, in general, CC is sensitive to some extremes- and fonder of hs kids who show understanding and some ability to evolve their thinking.

And the top colleges like the same. MIT’s reps say it more publicly but all the top schools tell that they look for some variety of interests and skills and a willingness to climb out of their own boxes. (You show it in the app, what you chose, experienced, committed to, and in what you write.) Harvard, eg, includes characteristics beyond academics and self-interests in their “what we look for.” That doesn’t preclude having a main interest area and wanting to get as much of that as you can. But it’s got a lot to do with attitude.

Whether or not some unilateral kids get an admit is beside the point, in this respect: given a chance to either present yourself as having narrow interests and disdaining other areas (academic or outside class,) versus showing an open mind, the latter is the safer bet. OP came on pretty strong, from the first post. And, sorry, but the last minute fret that Brown’s math dept isn’t as strong strikes some here as late and roughly put.

He has choices to make- and will. And sure, we wish him the best. But know your college targets, put the right effort into matching them to you and you to them. Do it early. For the tippy tops, it’s a high stakes game.