<p>I go to a very small private school in the north-east. Because it is a very small school (50-60 kids per graduating class) it has some strange policies that I think might be holding my application back. Firstly, as a student you are only allowed to join one club, I have achieved a leadership position in this club, but I have seen some applications which have an extensive list of 10 clubs. Secondly, there is only ONE honors course, spanish 4 honors, which I took as a junior, the rest are just the regular baseline courses or AP, there is no in between. I would like to know if this will effect my chances to the top universities. Thanks - Mr.HS</p>
<p>Most colleges are less concerned about how many clubs you joined or how many honors/AP classes you took as opposed to how you took advantage of the opportunities that were presented to you. Talk to your guidance counselor and make sure that he/she has included this in his/her secondary school report. If not (assuming commonapp) make a note in the “additional comments” box detailing aspects of your school. Also, with ECs, colleges are more concerned about the impact you make and the dedication towards maybe 2-4 ECs as opposed to a laundry list of 30.</p>
<p>I second everything ^^ the poster above me has typed! In actuality your HS oddities can be used to your advantage. By demonstrating passion and drive to overcome your lack of in-school academic activities you should be engaging in mentally enriching extra-curriculars, working on independent research projects, entering contests. For example, you could independent study AP classes (ontop of school, I’m Independent studying 3) the initiation of knowledge exploration and curiosity can for sure contribute to your potential success!</p>
<p>P.S. idk if your a senior… but if you’re a junior - get on it ;)</p>
<p>Does self study look good? I love physics and plan to major in this area during college, but my school only offers AP physics B which I took in freshman year and got a 5 on the exam…I am thinking about taking a college course in mechanics and E&M at a local university (ranked top 20 nationally) to prepare for the Physics C exam. Would this be a worthwhile endeavor and would this stick out on an application to a top notch school? Thanks.</p>
<p>It shouldn’t matter.</p>
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<p>“It shouldn’t matter” - Is this a response to the Original questions, or the follow up?</p>
<p>I can’t tell you from an Adcom point of view. but i feel like self-study has definitely helped ME OUT…</p>
<p>Anecdote time!
a good friend of mine was accepted into Stanford and vows by his independent AP studies. Also, he submitted a self-initiated research project to a scholarship foundation and he is now a Siemens scholarship semifinalist for like $100k (they haven’t announced the next level). I am also a self-study success story. I was accepted to my state school with a $20k merit scholarship towards. According to my counselor the self-studies demonstrated my interest and passion (because my senior sched was all humanities) my major.</p>
<p>technically… colleges trust whatever you put down. Personally, as a prospective student, i think self-study is worth it. but as a friendly stranger, I must advise you that if self-study at all causes you unhapiness or excessive stress - don’t do it! because it’s a little late if your a senior and you should enjoy your last year in HS!</p>
<p>hope i helped… i tried the best that i could :)</p>
<p>good luck,
Emily</p>