Course load rigor, GPA, and one’s standardized testing profile are the three main components of the academic rating. Taking higher-level high school courses, such as Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate courses, is essential for building a competitive academic profile when applying to elite colleges and universities.
You want to ensure you are pursuing courses at the highest level in the five primary disciplines (math, science, foreign language, history, and English) and supplementing with rigorous additional/elective courses.
What happens, though, when there are scheduling conflicts at your high school, or your high school doesn’t offer specific higher-level courses to build your academic profile? In these instances, pursuing higher-level courses online can be a great way to either fill the gap(s) in your course load or supplement your learning.
Online AP/IB Courses
Online AP/IB courses provide flexibility and accessibility, allowing students to tailor their learning experience to their individual needs and schedules. Whether you want to delve deeper into a subject not offered at your school or need to accommodate extracurriculars, online courses provide the freedom to study at your own pace and in your preferred environment.
This flexibility can be especially beneficial for students with busy schedules or those facing logistical challenges that prevent them from attending traditional classroom settings. Managing your schedule and physical space (for virtual courses) can often yield higher grades. Remember, to be competitive for Tier 1 and 2 elite colleges and universities, you want to secure all As in every class.
Additionally, online courses offer a diverse range of subjects and opportunities for academic enrichment beyond what may be available in a traditional high school curriculum. Students can explore specialized topics, pursue interdisciplinary interests, or fill gaps in their education by accessing a wide array of course offerings from reputable online platforms.
Online courses also often provide access to experienced instructors, interactive learning materials, and collaborative online forums, enabling students to engage deeply with course content and receive personalized feedback on their progress.
By taking advantage of online courses, students can expand their knowledge, fill any gaps in their transcript, and strengthen their academic and intellectual vitality profiles. Work with your Solomon Admissions consultant to evaluate online course options that can strengthen these profiles. Not working with us? Schedule a call today!
Online School Options
Here are several excellent online school options that could be a perfect fit for you as you build your foundation in your strategic positioning, fill any gaps in your transcript, and strengthen your academic and intellectual vitality profiles. These options offer a variety of courses and programs tailored to meet individual needs and goals, providing flexibility and accessibility.
UC Scout is a University of California Student Academic Preparation and Educational Partnerships (SAPEP) program that develops and delivers A-G-approved online classes and curriculum to students worldwide. It is hosted at UC Santa Cruz and is closely aligned with UCSC’s core values and principles of community.
Red Comet offers a complete K-12 online curriculum aligned with the Common Core, NGSS, and state standards based on an intuitive and easy-to-navigate learning management platform. The NCAA, the University of California, the University of Washington, and others accredit it. It offers a full curriculum, as well as individual courses that can be purchased à la carte.
BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY (BYU) INDEPENDENT STUDY
BYU Independent Study courses give students the freedom to manage personal needs and goals. Our more than 100 UC-approved online courses provide anytime, anywhere alternatives to semester-bound, in-seat high school courses. Students leverage our courses to fill credit gaps, recover lost credit, graduate early, meet personal or family needs, and much more.
FlexPoint Virtual School is an established leader in developing and providing virtual K-12 education solutions to students all over Florida, the U.S. and the world. A nationally recognized e-learning model and recipient of numerous awards, FlexPoint was founded in 1997.
Apex Learning Virtual School offers award-winning online learning for students in grades 6–12. Students can choose from full-time school, part-time courses, or targeted tutorials.
These are just some options – be sure to go over these different options with your Solomon Admissions consultant to see which one(s) best fit your profile and will help you build a competitive application to your desired schools. Not a client yet? Set up a free consultation with one of our admissions strategists to discuss your admissions goals!
Former Admissions Reader at Stanford University,
3 Years in Stanford University Admissions,
2,500+ Applications Read and Evaluated,
Peter Zimmerman is a Senior Admissions Consultant with Solomon. Peter earned his Bachelor’s Degree from The College of William and Mary in Art/Art History, with minors in Anthropology and Japanese Studies.
He graduated summa cum laude and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa – the United States’ oldest honor society for liberal arts colleges. Mr. Zimmerman was one of the first students ever to receive W&M’s prestigious 1693 Scholarship — one of the most distinguished scholarship programs in the country, emphasizing student-led research and academic excellence. In addition, he was awarded W&M’s Martha Wren Briggs Scholarship for academic distinction in Art History. He also attended the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.
