Colleges Are Unsure on Modified Schedules

by Connor Pugh ’24

The main draw to doing internships or a dual enrollment schedule is the promise of future success in academic pursuits beyond college. If a student has their heart set on a specific major and profession they want to specialize in, dual enrollment or internships gives them a head start in developing specific skills for that field.
But what exactly do the colleges think?
“When it comes to college applications, when [the colleges] are seeing internships align with possible majors or future careers; or they’re seeing dual enrollment, where students are extending themselves beyond the classes we offer here, I think it looks favorable.” stated Kelly Singleton, Sherwood’s resource counselor.
Colleges pay attention when a student chooses a modified schedule because it signals the student has a plan already in motion for what they want to do in the future, a security that many colleges find valuable. Because of this, a modified schedule is a great way to get on the radar of colleges focused on your ideal profession and let them know you are taking it seriously. However, with the attention comes extra scrutiny into how effectively students are making use of their modified schedules and how it helped them in ways a traditional schedule couldn’t.
“Colleges want to see if you’re doing the half day properly,” suggested Jenny Davis, the Sherwood Coordinator for College and Career Information, adding that they want to see you “taking the initiative to do these college-level classes and that you’re prepared for that.”`
Ultimately what colleges look for in most applicants is a resumé that holds value. If a student begins their journey towards a profession they know they want to be in through a modified schedule, it shows to the college their commitment towards their own career path and their early dedication. However, taking a modified schedule only holds meaning to both the college and the student if such a goal is already in mind; otherwise, a college might be left to conclude that the student simply is looking for a way to avoid a seven-period school day.