So next year, my senior year, I plan on taking 2 AP classes at my high school(physics & Calc AB), 2 maybe 3 classes at the local community college(Literature, Stat, and maybe ASL), and then work the rest of the time(to be able to pay for college). I plan on applying to a selective college for mechanical engineering. Will it be frowned upon that I didn't completely fill my schedule with classes?
Nope! It'd be different if you were only taking core classes and getting let's say two periods off... You are not only taking AP classes but also college-level ones and on top of that wanting to work the rest of the time. Make sure to have some free time for yourself!
Under normal circumstances, it would be frowned upon since it appears as if you are taking it easy and choosing not to challenge yourself. However, your case seems to be different. You are taking two APs and 3 college courses, which may even be better than APs to some extent, so that is already pretty good. In addition, because you are working during the time in which you would have been taking classes to pay for college, you aren't just simply relaxing or doing nothing. In certain cases, colleges may even look at your job experience as better than taking more classes. Just remember to properly communicate this job (including that financial reasons play a part) as the reason for fewer classes since if you don't, college admission officers might think that you are slacking off as I mentioned earlier. However, just as a note, if the college you are applying to is very selective for mechanical engineering, you may need to build your profile with mechanical engineering related things (AP physics is good in this regard) such as extracurriculars. If the job that you are taking is related, that would be excellent. Hope this helps!
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