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I live in a rural community, small school, with minimal extra-curriculars. My school offers the basics (no AP classes) however, I am taking the toughest classes that are available. My grades are great (my test scores are wonderful for my region, but above average for the country), but my extra-curricular involvement is low. How much will this hurt me into getting into a good college i.e. U of Michigan. Do colleges take into account the rurality of applying students and the lack of activities in these communities?

By Dadster on Thursday, April 25, 2002 - 04:14 pm: Edit

Many colleges DO take these things into account, both in terms of ECs and courses taken. They recognize that a small, rural HS may have far fewer advanced classes and a more limited selection of ECs. You may be able to find out what the admission criteria include at each school's web site, or even by contacting the admissions office. Larger state schools often are more numbers-oriented, but that isn't always true.

Note that extracurriculars don't have to be school activities - they can be hobbies, part-time jobs, etc. Developing good ECs may be a bit more of a challenge when the school is lacking, but the ECs may end up being more interesting and distinctive.