G. Semester, Year-long and Summer Programs Abroad
Linguistic-immersion or English language programs are offered in countries all over the world, the best known of which are:

• Earthwatch Institute

• American Field Service (AFS)

• Oxbridge Academic Programs

• Youth for Understanding (YFU)

• Experiment in International Living

A comprehensive list of these programs is offered on the CTY website: http://cty.jhu.edu/imagine/linka5.htm as well as the Council on Standards For International Eduational Travel (CSIET) yearly Advisory List: http://www.csiet.org

H. Attendance at local college during the regular school year
High school students often can take regular classes at colleges and universities through concurrent enrollment and open university programs, as well as enrolling in community college classes.

Call your local colleges and universities to see what is available to high school students.

FAQ #3: I’m not a real math whiz, so I’m thinking of not taking any math my senior year. How will colleges look at this decision?

ANSWER: The answer to this question depends on the kinds of colleges to which you plan to apply. If your college list is not the most competitive, then not having a fourth year of math might not make much difference. What else are you taking? Will you replace math with another college prep course? Hopefully, the answer is yes because even in senior year colleges want students to push themselves academically. The best way of knowing for sure is to call the respective admissions offices and ask them. They will give you the answer from their own point of view.

If you are aiming for the Ivies or Stanford, then NOT having math your senior year is not a good choice. Highly competitive colleges expect students to take math including any level of Calculus all four years.