B in Honors or A in Advanced?
Hi everyone,
I’m a sophomore at a highly competitive private feeder school in Westchester, and I’m facing a dilemma regarding my math courses. As a Middle-Eastern student from an upper middle-class background, I’m currently enrolled in a mix of challenging classes: AP Biology combined with AP Environmental Science, AP Computer Science A, Honors English, Honors Spanish 3, regular History (which doesn’t have an honors option), an art elective in ceramics, and Honors Algebra II/Trigonometry.
Last year, I achieved straight As except for an A- in History and a B in Honors Geometry. This year, I have a solid record of As, save for an A- in AP Bio/Enviro (which I might be able to negotiate up to an A) and a B in Honors Algebra II/Trigonometry.
Math has consistently been my weakest subject. Despite studying diligently, seeking tutoring, and communicating with my teacher, I still struggle to maintain high grades. Last year, a B was acceptable for staying on the honors track, but this year, I need a B+ to advance to Pre-Calculus honors. I’ve been informed that the course gets even tougher next year, which adds to my concerns.
Our school offers three levels of math: basic, advanced, and honors. Most students take the advanced level, while honors is reserved for a smaller, more competitive group. I’ve even helped tutor advanced Pre-Calc juniors without much difficulty. However, the competitive environment here means many students thrive in honors-level courses alongside their other strengths.
On the extracurricular front, I have a solid record. I founded the Make-A-Wish club at school, am involved in a social work internship at a non-profit, and am on track to receive a gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award. I’ve worked as a clinical and surgical medical assistant over the summer, participate in a paid social justice program focusing on anti-bullying, lead a mentoring program for children of color at my school, was elected president of my city’s youth council, and serve on the youth board of a disability-focused non-profit. I’ve also received multiple gold and silver Scholastic awards in art and writing, and I earned a bronze National Spanish Exam award last year, aiming for silver this year.
I plan to apply to Ivy League and top 20 schools with a focus on Cognitive Science or Human Development on the Pre-Med track. Given all of this,
Should I push hard to negotiate my place in the honors track, or should I consider dropping down to the advanced level?
It sounds like you’re in a tough spot, and it’s commendable that you’re considering your options thoughtfully. Here are some points to consider that might help you make this decision:
Understand Your Strengths and Challenges: Since math has been your consistently lowest subject despite your efforts, it’s important to recognize that excelling in areas where you have natural strengths can be more beneficial than struggling through a subject that doesn’t come as easily to you.
Impact on GPA and Transcripts: Ivy League and top schools look at GPA and the rigor of your coursework. A B in honors may be perceived as better than an A in advanced, but it’s essential to balance this with how it affects your overall GPA. If a B in honors is going to pull down your GPA significantly compared to solid performance in advanced classes, it might be wise to consider dropping down.
Future Math Courses: Consider the math requirements for your intended major and the difficulty you might encounter moving forward. If you’re struggling in honors now, it could set a precedent for future math courses. If you feel that moving to advanced will give you a stronger foundation and greater confidence going forward, it might be a better choice.
Negotiating Grades and Teacher Relations: While it is admirable that you want to negotiate for a higher grade, it’s important to weigh the likelihood of success against the potential for increased stress. If you feel it’s unlikely, you might want to channel that energy into excelling in advanced instead.
College Admissions Perspective: Top schools often look for well-rounded students. Your impressive extracurriculars and academic performance in other subjects highlight your strengths beyond math. A strong performance in advanced math can still be favorable on your transcript, especially if it reflects improvement and resilience.
Personal Well-Being: Lastly, consider your peace of mind. Managing a heavy course load alongside your extracurriculars is no small feat. If staying in honors math is causing undue stress and taking a toll on your overall well-being, it’s okay to prioritize your mental health.
Ultimately, choose the path that will allow you to succeed and feel confident in your abilities. Whether that’s pushing through honors or switching to advanced, trust your instincts and focus on what aligns best with your academic goals and personal happiness. Good luck!