Is substituting community college classes for your core high school classes bad?Answered
I'm starting to think about what classes to take next year (my senior year), here is the predicament i've run into.
For my science class, i don't really have any good options at my school. the non-AP science classes are really easy, and definitely wouldn't be challenging for me or strengthen my transcript. They also don't really align with my interests (law and political science). The AP science classes my school offers are all taught by teachers who I've had in the past, and who's teaching methods I struggled to understand. I don't think it would be worth it for my GPA to take a hit from a subject I don't even want to pursue. If i were to take my science class at a community college, I would have way more interesting options, and potentially find something that intertwines with my interests.
For my math class, I'm pretty sure i'll be taking statistics. My school doesn't offer a regular statistics course, but there is an AP Stats class. I'm hesitant to take this one though because the current seniors who i've discussed the course with say the teacher is awful and assigns a ton of homework. I'm very involved in and outside of school, and I don't have a ton of time to dedicate to this class, but I do enjoy statistics and that does align with my interests.
So here's my question: would it look bad on my transcript if I were to have 2 free periods and 2 community college classes? I certainly don't want to look like I'm slacking off, but I do genuinely think this may be the best option for me. Also, math and science are core classes. Would colleges care that I took them outside of my school? (I'm already doing one core class outside of school--junior year math)
I'm pretty set on taking my science class through a community college, but I'm still open to opinions on my math predicament.
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2 answers
Honestly, I think taking classes at your local community college sounds amazing! It shows that you have considered all your options and chosen what you think suits you best. On college applications, it technically won't be a gap on your transcript, because you'll have space to explain that you're taking those classes at a community college. In terms of math, I would say your best option is to email the teacher for that course. Just explain your situation and say something along the lines of "I'm not sure whether I'll have the time to balance the work for this class with my other classes, but stats is something I am interested in. Would you recommend this class for me?" And take that advice, since, after all, that teacher knows what type of students succeed in their class.
Hi @anonymousems,
This is a good question with a complicated answer.
Both AP courses and Community College courses are in advanced form of class that will boost your application. That being said, AP is more standardized and is something that colleges understand, and your test scores after taking the class help them calibrate your academic achievement in rigorous courses more easily.
When you take a Community College class in a subject (usually a specific one) that's not offered at your high school, it clearly looks like you are seeking extended resources to supplement your existing education. When you take Community College courses, especially multiple in core classes, it might look to colleges, especially more elite schools, like you are trying to take the easier option out.
However, if you're worried that you will not get an A in those AP classes because of the way they are structured at your school, and if your school will accept the Community College courses on your transcript and allow you to graduate, Community College might be the better option for you. That being said, I wouldn't automatically assume the CC classes are easier and would do some research into them to ensure you'll be able to excel in them more than high school courses.
The option that I'd recommend given your circumstances is just taking the science portion at CC and doing math at your high school.
Hope this helps!
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that's great advice, thank you so much!!