What looks better on my college transcript?

Question

I am currently attending a community college as a Liberal Arts major with a concentration in Humanities/Social Science. Once I receive an A.A., I plan to transfer to a top university, and eventually, receive an M.A., and maybe even a Ph.D. As far as my math and science requirements go (to complete an A.A.), I have two choices: two math courses and one science course or one math course and two science courses.

I have already taken a math course, but have not taken any science courses yet. The math course I took, College Math I, is designed and recommended for Liberal Arts majors; it is a course on a variety of different math-related topics, including logic. If I were to take another math course, I would take Statistics (it is required for most social science majors), as I will eventually need to take it anyway, if not at this community college, at a university. Of all the science courses being offered, the two that caught my eye were Human Biology and Environmental Science (since I am a non-science major).

I spoke to a transfer counselor and asked him what he recommend I take. The piece of advice he offered was "top universities look for Human Biology, as it looks impressive."

I am not satisfied with just one opinion. What looks more impressive, considering I am a social science major? Two math courses and one science course or one math course and two science courses? Since I plan on transferring (to a top university), I want my community college transcript to look as impressive as possible.

What looks better? College Math I, Statistics, and Human Biology or College Math I, Human Biology, and Environmental Science?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Since you have to take statistics eventually I would go with College Math I

Statistics and Human Biology,



To me that looks stronger and I think that taking two science classes at the same time that look to oppose each other would be to stressful.



If you take Human Biology first and later take Environmental Science later I think that the background in HB will help you to understand the environmental portion as it applies to human life.

Answer 2

Universities and colleges tend to place greater weight on Grade Point Average, Rigor of the Curriculum you have taken (Remedial Algebra is not rigorous compared to Alg I), SAT / ACT scores. Some schools consider your standing in your graduating class (not weighted like those above) or Extracurricular activities / Community Involvement (not weighted as much) If you look at the universities web site and go under admissions. Some may actually give you a breakdown of their weighted scale for entry into their school. A college tour is just a college visit - that expresses interest in the college and gives you an opportunity to speak with the recruiter. If the college asked you individually w/ parent to attend the tour then they are interested in you - speak with the recruiter that called you. If you attended the college tour with a group / class / field trip or something like that then the college is doing its recruiting process in general - to the masses in a sense - whether you are qualified / met their criteria or not you will be doing the tour.

Answer 3

I would say that the course that would look most impressive would be Human Biology. It will definitely be more serious and rigorous than Environmental Science. You also might also find it useful if you decide to go into Anthropology.

Answer 4

Call one (or all) of the universities you're considering apply to after graduation. Ask for copies of their curriculum requirements for one or more of the majors you're considering. Match your course to what best suits your future. I just looked it up and NYU’s entire undergrad bulletin is available online.