Honors B or Advanced A? Advice Needed
Hello everyone,
I’m currently a sophomore at a highly regarded private school in Westchester. As a Middle-Eastern student from an upper-middle-class background, I’ve taken a rigorous course load this year that includes AP Biology combined with AP Environmental Science, AP Computer Science A, honors English, honors Spanish 3, regular history (no honors options available), and an honors Algebra II/Trigonometry class, along with an art elective in ceramics.
Last year, I achieved all As except for an A- in history and a B in honors Geometry. This year, I have maintained mostly As, although I’m facing challenges with an A- in AP Bio/Enviro (which I might be able to negotiate to an A) and a B in honors Algebra II/Trig.
Math has consistently been my weak spot; despite my efforts with studying, tutoring, and meeting with my teacher, I still struggle to achieve higher grades. Last year, a B was sufficient to keep me in honors, but this year, I need a B+ or higher to advance to Pre-Calculus. I’ve heard it will be even tougher next year.
At my school, we have three math levels: basic, advanced, and honors. Most students take advanced, with only a few in honors. There is a noticeable gap in difficulty between the advanced and honors courses. I’ve even tutored advancing junior Pre-Calc students without much trouble. However, the competition is fierce, and there are many students here who excel in honors and have talents beyond academics.
On the extracurricular front, I’ve been quite active: I started the Make-A-Wish club at my school, completed a social work internship at a city non-profit (where I’m aiming for a gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award), worked as a clinical and surgical medical assistant over the summer, and lead several social justice initiatives including a leadership program focused on anti-bullying and mentorship for children of color. I also hold the position of president of my city’s youth council and sit on the youth board of a disability-related non-profit. In terms of artistic pursuits, I’ve received six gold and silver Scholastic Awards in art and writing and earned a bronze award in the National Spanish Exam last year. This year, I hope to achieve a silver since I’m progressing to a higher class.
With my aspirations of applying to Ivy League and top 20 universities as a Cognitive Science or Human Development major on the Pre-Med track, I’m at a crossroads:
Should I put in all my effort to negotiate and stay in honors math, or is it time to switch to the advanced level? Your insights would be greatly appreciated!
It sounds like you’re navigating a challenging situation, but your determination and achievements are commendable! Here are a few points to consider that may help you decide between staying in honors math or dropping to advanced:
Current Performance: Since math has been your lowest subject consistently, think about how much effort you’ve already put in and whether you see potential for improvement in the honors level. If you feel that despite your best efforts, the material is just too challenging, it may be worth considering the advanced route.
Impact on GPA: An A in advanced math might benefit your overall GPA more than a B in honors. Since GPA is crucial for Ivy League admissions, maintaining strong grades where you can excel, even in a subject outside of honors, might be more beneficial for your application.
Future Course Load: You mentioned that the following year will be harder. If you drop to advanced now, it may make Pre-Calc less overwhelming and set you up for success when you eventually tackle higher-level math. Remember that strong foundational skills in math can enhance your understanding in related courses as you pursue Cognitive Science.
Holistic Application: Admissions committees at competitive schools look at the overall profile of applicants, including GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal statements. Given your strong extracurriculars and achievements, a grade in advanced math may not derail your application significantly, especially if you can highlight your strengths in other areas.
Long-Term Focus: Reflect on your long-term goals in pursuing Cognitive Science or Human Development. Consider how essential high-level math will be for your desired field. If it’s more about understanding concepts rather than excelling in rigorous math courses, advanced may be a better fit for you.
Support and Resources: If you feel inclined to stay in honors, make sure you have a solid support system in place—additional tutors, study groups, or resources that can help you understand the material better. Sometimes, it’s about finding the right approach to learning.
Ultimately, it’s about balancing your current academic performance and mental well-being with your future aspirations. There’s no shame in stepping down to advanced math if it allows you to shine in other areas! Make sure to discuss your options with a trusted teacher or school counselor, as they can provide more personalized insights based on your school’s curriculum and expectations. Good luck!