Navigating High School Academics and College Admissions: Key Insights from Coach Tony’s Live Q&A
July is here, and with it comes fresh questions and concerns from students and parents gearing up for college admissions. Coach Tony recently hosted a comprehensive live Q&A session addressing some of the most pressing topics around AP courses, college credits, extracurricular activities, test scores, and effective preparation strategies. Here’s a detailed recap of his expert advice to help you navigate your high school journey and boost your college applications.
AP Calculus BC vs. College Dual Enrollment Courses
One common dilemma students face is whether to take AP Calculus BC at their high school or opt for college-level math courses through dual enrollment programs like Delta. Coach Tony clarifies:
- AP Calculus AB typically equates to college Calculus 1.
- AP Calculus BC is equivalent to both Calculus 1 and 2.
- Dual enrollment courses at community colleges offer similar rigor and college credit.
If your school counselor says dual enrollment courses won’t count on your high school transcript, don’t worry. The primary goal is to demonstrate college-level rigor to admissions officers, not just to fulfill high school credit requirements. Colleges will recognize the college credits you earn regardless of your high school’s transcript policy.
Reporting AP Exam Scores: Should You Report Threes?
AP exam scores range from 1 to 5, with 3+ generally considered passing. However, when it comes to reporting scores:
- UC schools prefer you submit all scores, including 1s and 2s, as it doesn’t hurt your application.
- Top 25 colleges typically recommend submitting only 4s and 5s, as 3s usually don’t add value.
Remember, AP scores demonstrate test-taking ability but do not reflect the rigor of the actual coursework. Admissions officers care more about the classes you take than the scores alone. So, take the classes seriously and view AP exams as a bonus.
Should You Retake the SAT for a Higher Score?
If you’ve taken the SAT multiple times with a high score around 1510, should you try again?
Coach Tony advises that retaking the SAT won’t hurt your application, but it might not be the best use of your time. Improving from 1510 to a perfect score requires significant effort with diminishing returns. Instead, focus on enhancing other parts of your application like extracurriculars and essays, which often have a bigger impact on admission decisions.
Extracurriculars: Do They Need to Relate to Your Intended Major?
A frequent concern is whether activities and volunteer work must align with your future major.
- Ideally, “taste your major” by engaging in related activities to show genuine interest.
- However, it’s equally important to pursue activities that reflect who you are as a person and what you enjoy.
Admissions officers look for authentic stories and passions, not just resume padding. What matters most is why you did the activity and how it shaped you, rather than the activity itself.
How to Handle AP Course Availability and Scheduling
If your school recently added more AP courses, how do admissions officers view that?
Coach Tony suggests focusing less on the total number of AP classes your school offers, and more on what the top students at your school are taking. Aim to match or exceed the rigor of your school’s highest achievers to remain competitive.
Improving Public Speaking Skills Over the Summer
Want to become a better public speaker? The secret is simple: practice, practice, practice.
- Talk to a camera or join groups like Toastmasters to gain confidence.
- Accept that your first attempts won’t be perfect—growth comes with repetition and feedback.
- Don’t fear judgment; focus on the positive impact your message can have.
Managing Time Between Schoolwork, Test Prep, and Activities
Balancing academics, test prep, sports, and extracurriculars is challenging but manageable with good time management:
- Plan your schedule carefully, starting with fixed commitments like sleep and school.
- Allocate dedicated time for homework, studying, activities, and rest.
- For competitive schools, aim for 20+ hours per week on meaningful extracurriculars.
- Track your screen time and find ways to convert some of that into productive activities.
Other Key Takeaways
- A B grade in a junior college class is not a disaster—many admitted students have B’s on their transcripts. Focus on improvement rather than perfection.
- For the UC application’s Personal Insight Questions (PIQs), the goal is to reveal your character and growth, whether through activities, awards, community service, or life experiences.
- Taking 3 years of foreign language is generally sufficient for most colleges; a 4th year is a bonus if it fits your schedule and interests.
- For humanities majors, like English, AP Statistics may be more relevant than AP Calculus.
- If you have more than 20 activities for the UC application, you can combine similar activities or explain additional details in the additional comments section.
- The additional comments section (550 words) is a great place to explain gaps, special circumstances, or anything else you want admissions to consider.
Final Thoughts and Announcements
Coach Tony reminds students and families that admissions is a holistic process—academic rigor, extracurriculars, and personal stories all play vital roles. If you’re interested in personalized coaching, note that prices will increase starting August 1st, so consider acting soon.
Stay tuned for more live Q&A sessions, and don’t hesitate to submit your questions in advance at eagleock.com/askcoachtony.
In summary, college admissions can feel overwhelming, but with the right information and mindset, you can strategically navigate your high school journey and present the best version of yourself to colleges. Focus on meaningful coursework, authentic extracurriculars, and continuous improvement—and remember, your story matters most.
Did you find these insights helpful? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!