Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I've your son's proposed junior year schedule does look difficult but doesn't look well rounded. It's heavy on science and math and light on everything else. It's not gonna look great compared to other applicants. Sorry.

I disagree. Those are very difficult courses. I'm the poster right above this, and as I was looking through again, I was actually wondering how OPs kid is able to take some of these classes. At my son's school, you must take AP Physics 1 before C, and I don't even think AP Comp Sci AB is offered. But this looks like a super strong schedule for a STEM kid who is focused on Comp Sci. I don't know specifically about UVA, but I don't necessarily think you need to be "well-rounded." Showing a strong interest in what you really like and an ability to do well in those classes seems pretty relevant.

If you don't know about UVA, your opinion isn't helpful.

I agree with the PP. My current senior is going to UVA (Engineering) next year and has a STEM heavy schedule. We met with a local private counselor in 10th grade who is very familar with UVA and she said that is is better to have a focus in your course selections and ECs v. being well rounded. My senior is in AP Spanish now though, and I don't know if that was important in the admission process. Your kid's schedule looks very challenging and if he ends up with great test scores, I don't think it will matter that he didn't take a language all four years.

That may be what you think, but it's not what UVA thinks:

http://uvaapplication.blogspot.com/search?q=foreign+language

Here is what the dean of admissions saying exactly:

“ For now, focus on getting a solid foundation in high school. We consider your core high school subjects to be English, Math, Social Studies, Science, and Foreign Languages. Electives are interesting, but your core foundation is what's most important to us as we're analyzing your transcript.

Instead of being impressed that you were able to take Business Development and a slew of marketing courses, we're going to wonder why you haven't taken a foreign language since 10th grade or why there is no science on your transcript for senior year.”

She basically gives an example where a Core course is substituted with a non Core elective as a negative. I think in another post she gave an example of loading on Core courses in one area at the expense of several other Core areas. Like dropping math and Science and loading on Humanities. So, you can interpret all of it very conservatively and say you need 4 years in all Core subjects. Or you can interpret it as it is ok to replace language in 12th grade with another Core subject.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I've your son's proposed junior year schedule does look difficult but doesn't look well rounded. It's heavy on science and math and light on everything else. It's not gonna look great compared to other applicants. Sorry.

I disagree. Those are very difficult courses. I'm the poster right above this, and as I was looking through again, I was actually wondering how OPs kid is able to take some of these classes. At my son's school, you must take AP Physics 1 before C, and I don't even think AP Comp Sci AB is offered. But this looks like a super strong schedule for a STEM kid who is focused on Comp Sci. I don't know specifically about UVA, but I don't necessarily think you need to be "well-rounded." Showing a strong interest in what you really like and an ability to do well in those classes seems pretty relevant.

If you don't know about UVA, your opinion isn't helpful.

I agree with the PP. My current senior is going to UVA (Engineering) next year and has a STEM heavy schedule. We met with a local private counselor in 10th grade who is very familar with UVA and she said that is is better to have a focus in your course selections and ECs v. being well rounded. My senior is in AP Spanish now though, and I don't know if that was important in the admission process. Your kid's schedule looks very challenging and if he ends up with great test scores, I don't think it will matter that he didn't take a language all four years.

That may be what you think, but it's not what UVA thinks:

http://uvaapplication.blogspot.com/search?q=foreign+language

Here is what the dean of admissions saying exactly:

“ For now, focus on getting a solid foundation in high school. We consider your core high school subjects to be English, Math, Social Studies, Science, and Foreign Languages. Electives are interesting, but your core foundation is what's most important to us as we're analyzing your transcript.

Instead of being impressed that you were able to take Business Development and a slew of marketing courses, we're going to wonder why you haven't taken a foreign language since 10th grade or why there is no science on your transcript for senior year.”

She basically gives an example where a Core course is substituted with a non Core elective as a negative. I think in another post she gave an example of loading on Core courses in one area at the expense of several other Core areas. Like dropping math and Science and loading on Humanities. So, you can interpret all of it very conservatively and say you need 4 years in all Core subjects. Or you can interpret it as it is ok to replace language in 12th grade with another Core subject.

Dean J isn't the actual DoA but she does speak for the University. OP, since UVA is your first choice, I recommend you start looking at her blog, she's very active in her posts and rather blunt in her delivery, if she says it than that's what they are looking for. She outlines it clearly in the quote above and this was also the advice my child was given when they went through this last year. I think it's important to state that most of the students applying to UVA are taking a similar schedule to your son so any glitch in the Matrix especially when they clearly state what they are looking for is going to stand out.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I've your son's proposed junior year schedule does look difficult but doesn't look well rounded. It's heavy on science and math and light on everything else. It's not gonna look great compared to other applicants. Sorry.

I disagree. Those are very difficult courses. I'm the poster right above this, and as I was looking through again, I was actually wondering how OPs kid is able to take some of these classes. At my son's school, you must take AP Physics 1 before C, and I don't even think AP Comp Sci AB is offered. But this looks like a super strong schedule for a STEM kid who is focused on Comp Sci. I don't know specifically about UVA, but I don't necessarily think you need to be "well-rounded." Showing a strong interest in what you really like and an ability to do well in those classes seems pretty relevant.

If you don't know about UVA, your opinion isn't helpful.

I agree with the PP. My current senior is going to UVA (Engineering) next year and has a STEM heavy schedule. We met with a local private counselor in 10th grade who is very familar with UVA and she said that is is better to have a focus in your course selections and ECs v. being well rounded. My senior is in AP Spanish now though, and I don't know if that was important in the admission process. Your kid's schedule looks very challenging and if he ends up with great test scores, I don't think it will matter that he didn't take a language all four years.

That may be what you think, but it's not what UVA thinks:

http://uvaapplication.blogspot.com/search?q=foreign+language

Here is what the dean of admissions saying exactly:

“ For now, focus on getting a solid foundation in high school. We consider your core high school subjects to be English, Math, Social Studies, Science, and Foreign Languages. Electives are interesting, but your core foundation is what's most important to us as we're analyzing your transcript.

Instead of being impressed that you were able to take Business Development and a slew of marketing courses, we're going to wonder why you haven't taken a foreign language since 10th grade or why there is no science on your transcript for senior year.”

She basically gives an example where a Core course is substituted with a non Core elective as a negative. I think in another post she gave an example of loading on Core courses in one area at the expense of several other Core areas. Like dropping math and Science and loading on Humanities. So, you can interpret all of it very conservatively and say you need 4 years in all Core subjects. Or you can interpret it as it is ok to replace language in 12th grade with another Core subject.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I've your son's proposed junior year schedule does look difficult but doesn't look well rounded. It's heavy on science and math and light on everything else. It's not gonna look great compared to other applicants. Sorry.

I disagree. Those are very difficult courses. I'm the poster right above this, and as I was looking through again, I was actually wondering how OPs kid is able to take some of these classes. At my son's school, you must take AP Physics 1 before C, and I don't even think AP Comp Sci AB is offered. But this looks like a super strong schedule for a STEM kid who is focused on Comp Sci. I don't know specifically about UVA, but I don't necessarily think you need to be "well-rounded." Showing a strong interest in what you really like and an ability to do well in those classes seems pretty relevant.

If you don't know about UVA, your opinion isn't helpful.

I agree with the PP. My current senior is going to UVA (Engineering) next year and has a STEM heavy schedule. We met with a local private counselor in 10th grade who is very familar with UVA and she said that is is better to have a focus in your course selections and ECs v. being well rounded. My senior is in AP Spanish now though, and I don't know if that was important in the admission process. Your kid's schedule looks very challenging and if he ends up with great test scores, I don't think it will matter that he didn't take a language all four years.

That may be what you think, but it's not what UVA thinks:

http://uvaapplication.blogspot.com/search?q=foreign+language

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 10th grade son is interested in attending UVA to major in computer science. He is on track to take 9 AP courses with Honors for his social studies classes (and Multivariable Calc). He will not pursue language other than his required 3 years. He currently makes all As. Any thoughts on whether he needs to take "hard" electives for his other classes, or if he can get away with an "easy" one or two. For instance, he is interested in taking Sports Psychology. Or maybe Oceanography. Or maybe Forensics, Debate, Film Studies, Sports Marketing, etc.

Just some sort of easy, interesting, random class (one in 11th and one in 12th) to balance out his other challenging courses.

What say you, DCUM?

He should take 4 years of a foreign language.

One doesn’t need 4 years of foreign language if apply to uva engineering. The student does need to demonstrate strong interest and academic record in STEM classes. UVA will be happy to see that free spot go to AP CS or some sort of engineering class if offered by the high school.

But if the kid forgoes that 4th foreign language class during senior year and take underwater basket weaving instead, then the chance of getting into UVA engineering is not great.

DS was accepted EA last year. He took AP CS as a sophomore. That was the highest CS class his school offered. By senior year, he opted out of the foreign language and history classes during senior year. Instead he went for the AP Physics II, an advanced robotics honors and Multi. He got into other excellent CS programs without that fourth foreign language and history.

OP isn't asking about "other excellent CS programs." OP is asking about UVA. And UVA expressly recommends four years of foreign language. Also, your kid didn't take a foreign language in the senior year; OP's kid wants to drop it a year earlier than that.

All of these anecdotes about UVA not meaning what it says isn't helpful.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I've your son's proposed junior year schedule does look difficult but doesn't look well rounded. It's heavy on science and math and light on everything else. It's not gonna look great compared to other applicants. Sorry.

I disagree. Those are very difficult courses. I'm the poster right above this, and as I was looking through again, I was actually wondering how OPs kid is able to take some of these classes. At my son's school, you must take AP Physics 1 before C, and I don't even think AP Comp Sci AB is offered. But this looks like a super strong schedule for a STEM kid who is focused on Comp Sci. I don't know specifically about UVA, but I don't necessarily think you need to be "well-rounded." Showing a strong interest in what you really like and an ability to do well in those classes seems pretty relevant.

If you don't know about UVA, your opinion isn't helpful.

I agree with the PP. My current senior is going to UVA (Engineering) next year and has a STEM heavy schedule. We met with a local private counselor in 10th grade who is very familar with UVA and she said that is is better to have a focus in your course selections and ECs v. being well rounded. My senior is in AP Spanish now though, and I don't know if that was important in the admission process. Your kid's schedule looks very challenging and if he ends up with great test scores, I don't think it will matter that he didn't take a language all four years.

That may be what you think, but it's not what UVA thinks:

http://uvaapplication.blogspot.com/search?q=foreign+language

I'm the PP you are quoting. My kid didn't drop core subjects to double up in other areas. Electives were mostly STEM focused though. In any event, it worked out for DC.

Right -- except you're telling OP that you don't think it matters if HER kid DOES drop the foreign language. Her question isn't about your kid who didn't drop the language; it's about hers who wants to.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 10th grade son is interested in attending UVA to major in computer science. He is on track to take 9 AP courses with Honors for his social studies classes (and Multivariable Calc). He will not pursue language other than his required 3 years. He currently makes all As. Any thoughts on whether he needs to take "hard" electives for his other classes, or if he can get away with an "easy" one or two. For instance, he is interested in taking Sports Psychology. Or maybe Oceanography. Or maybe Forensics, Debate, Film Studies, Sports Marketing, etc.

Just some sort of easy, interesting, random class (one in 11th and one in 12th) to balance out his other challenging courses.

What say you, DCUM?

He should take 4 years of a foreign language.

One doesn’t need 4 years of foreign language if apply to uva engineering. The student does need to demonstrate strong interest and academic record in STEM classes. UVA will be happy to see that free spot go to AP CS or some sort of engineering class if offered by the high school.

But if the kid forgoes that 4th foreign language class during senior year and take underwater basket weaving instead, then the chance of getting into UVA engineering is not great.

DS was accepted EA last year. He took AP CS as a sophomore. That was the highest CS class his school offered. By senior year, he opted out of the foreign language and history classes during senior year. Instead he went for the AP Physics II, an advanced robotics honors and Multi. He got into other excellent CS programs without that fourth foreign language and history.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I've your son's proposed junior year schedule does look difficult but doesn't look well rounded. It's heavy on science and math and light on everything else. It's not gonna look great compared to other applicants. Sorry.

I disagree. Those are very difficult courses. I'm the poster right above this, and as I was looking through again, I was actually wondering how OPs kid is able to take some of these classes. At my son's school, you must take AP Physics 1 before C, and I don't even think AP Comp Sci AB is offered. But this looks like a super strong schedule for a STEM kid who is focused on Comp Sci. I don't know specifically about UVA, but I don't necessarily think you need to be "well-rounded." Showing a strong interest in what you really like and an ability to do well in those classes seems pretty relevant.

If you don't know about UVA, your opinion isn't helpful.

I agree with the PP. My current senior is going to UVA (Engineering) next year and has a STEM heavy schedule. We met with a local private counselor in 10th grade who is very familar with UVA and she said that is is better to have a focus in your course selections and ECs v. being well rounded. My senior is in AP Spanish now though, and I don't know if that was important in the admission process. Your kid's schedule looks very challenging and if he ends up with great test scores, I don't think it will matter that he didn't take a language all four years.

That may be what you think, but it's not what UVA thinks:

http://uvaapplication.blogspot.com/search?q=foreign+language

I'm the PP you are quoting. My kid didn't drop core subjects to double up in other areas. Electives were mostly STEM focused though. In any event, it worked out for DC.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 10th grade son is interested in attending UVA to major in computer science. He is on track to take 9 AP courses with Honors for his social studies classes (and Multivariable Calc). He will not pursue language other than his required 3 years. He currently makes all As. Any thoughts on whether he needs to take "hard" electives for his other classes, or if he can get away with an "easy" one or two. For instance, he is interested in taking Sports Psychology. Or maybe Oceanography. Or maybe Forensics, Debate, Film Studies, Sports Marketing, etc.

Just some sort of easy, interesting, random class (one in 11th and one in 12th) to balance out his other challenging courses.

What say you, DCUM?

He should take 4 years of a foreign language.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I've your son's proposed junior year schedule does look difficult but doesn't look well rounded. It's heavy on science and math and light on everything else. It's not gonna look great compared to other applicants. Sorry.

I disagree. Those are very difficult courses. I'm the poster right above this, and as I was looking through again, I was actually wondering how OPs kid is able to take some of these classes. At my son's school, you must take AP Physics 1 before C, and I don't even think AP Comp Sci AB is offered. But this looks like a super strong schedule for a STEM kid who is focused on Comp Sci. I don't know specifically about UVA, but I don't necessarily think you need to be "well-rounded." Showing a strong interest in what you really like and an ability to do well in those classes seems pretty relevant.

If you don't know about UVA, your opinion isn't helpful.

I agree with the PP. My current senior is going to UVA (Engineering) next year and has a STEM heavy schedule. We met with a local private counselor in 10th grade who is very familar with UVA and she said that is is better to have a focus in your course selections and ECs v. being well rounded. My senior is in AP Spanish now though, and I don't know if that was important in the admission process. Your kid's schedule looks very challenging and if he ends up with great test scores, I don't think it will matter that he didn't take a language all four years.

That may be what you think, but it's not what UVA thinks:

http://uvaapplication.blogspot.com/search?q=foreign+language

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I've your son's proposed junior year schedule does look difficult but doesn't look well rounded. It's heavy on science and math and light on everything else. It's not gonna look great compared to other applicants. Sorry.

I disagree. Those are very difficult courses. I'm the poster right above this, and as I was looking through again, I was actually wondering how OPs kid is able to take some of these classes. At my son's school, you must take AP Physics 1 before C, and I don't even think AP Comp Sci AB is offered. But this looks like a super strong schedule for a STEM kid who is focused on Comp Sci. I don't know specifically about UVA, but I don't necessarily think you need to be "well-rounded." Showing a strong interest in what you really like and an ability to do well in those classes seems pretty relevant.

If you don't know about UVA, your opinion isn't helpful.

I agree with the PP. My current senior is going to UVA (Engineering) next year and has a STEM heavy schedule. We met with a local private counselor in 10th grade who is very familar with UVA and she said that is is better to have a focus in your course selections and ECs v. being well rounded. My senior is in AP Spanish now though, and I don't know if that was important in the admission process. Your kid's schedule looks very challenging and if he ends up with great test scores, I don't think it will matter that he didn't take a language all four years.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. We do not think he will be a failure if he does not get into UVA. But that is currently his top pick. I want him to be realistic about which courses he is choosing for next year. As in, if he doesn't take Spanish 4, then he might not get into UVA. He needs to think about how strongly he wants UVA vs how strongly he would rather not continue in Spanish. Totally up to him.

If it were his senior year and he wasn't taking a foreign language, that would probably be fine. But it sounds like he doesn't want to take one in the junior year, either, and is looking for filling the void with a cheesy elective that's not a core class. It's not gonna look good. He really needs to have a very solid junior year schedule if he's eyeing UVA.

OP, this PP and the earlier one who wrote out a list for you have very good, specific advice for your DC along with the chorus of nearly everyone else who seem to have a good handle on UVA admissions. To be blunt, it is not a good look for your DS to ease up on the pedal at the start of junior year. This will be the year that colleges will most scrutinize. It will be glaringly obvious that a junior dropped their language. You put UVA on the table and the posters are responding to that. If you had said GMU or JMU, they may have had different responses.

OP here. This statement bothers me. Is it really how UVA admissions will view his junior year if it lacks Spanish 4?

Here is his proposed schedule for 11th grade:

- AP Calc BC
- AP Physics C
- AP Lang/Comp
- Honors US History
- AP Statistics
- Post-AP Computer Science AB
- Fun Elective -- either Debate or Game Design/Development

I just don't see how that is easing up on the pedal. Am I wrong?

I get ya...but I am not sitting on admissions. In 12th, DD was determined to drop language and add Stats to round out an already crazy schedule, not even taking into account ECs, varsity and travel sport, etc. Of course, part of the reason is that math just comes more easy and she wanted an "easy" elective. College counselor told her she may as well scratch the reach schools off the top of her list. So even though math-challenged mom was super impressed by all the STEM, the college counselor said, "no, not really."

Parent of a junior who got similar advice - it is mind blowing to me that a non-stem focused kid is expected to take multi variable calculus instead of (or in addition to) statistics in order to keep up “rigor.”

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I've your son's proposed junior year schedule does look difficult but doesn't look well rounded. It's heavy on science and math and light on everything else. It's not gonna look great compared to other applicants. Sorry.

I disagree. Those are very difficult courses. I'm the poster right above this, and as I was looking through again, I was actually wondering how OPs kid is able to take some of these classes. At my son's school, you must take AP Physics 1 before C, and I don't even think AP Comp Sci AB is offered. But this looks like a super strong schedule for a STEM kid who is focused on Comp Sci. I don't know specifically about UVA, but I don't necessarily think you need to be "well-rounded." Showing a strong interest in what you really like and an ability to do well in those classes seems pretty relevant.

If you don't know about UVA, your opinion isn't helpful.