Okay, so here's the deal: because of scheduling conflicts, I'm considering taking Algebra 2 online. Is it generally seen as credible by admissions officers if I take it through an accredited program? Would appreciate any insights from others who've been in the same boat!
Absolutely, taking Algebra 2 online through an accredited program is seen as credible by admissions officers. They understand that students have varied schedules and sometimes need to take courses outside of the traditional classroom setting.
The key here is to ensure that the program is indeed accredited. If it is, then the credit will be viewed just as legitimate as taking the course at your high school. Reaching out to the Algebra 2 teacher at your high school can be a good place to start if you're trying to figure out whether a particular program is accredited, as they may have helped students with this process before.
If the program is well-regarded, students who take online courses typically don't suffer in the admissions process, particularly when they can clearly articulate the reasoning behind their choices. For instance, if the online course allowed you to also participate in an internship or take another class at your school that really interests you, this can actually enhance your application. If your situation is something like this, you could describe your circumstances in the "Additional Information" section of the Common App, or whichever application platform you're using.
Just be sure to do well in the class and if possible, have the teacher provide some sort of narrative evaluation that can accompany your grade to give context to your experience, as the drawback of taking a class online is that you are typically not as directly engaged as you would be in an in-person class. It's also a good idea to discuss this possibility with your school counselor, so they can note it in their recommendation letter if needed, or let you know about any factors you should think about that you hadn't considered on your own yet.
Good luck with finding a class that works for you!
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