Video Title: Ask Coach Tony Anything
Video ID: ZNKcop_6FCY
Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNKcop_6FCY
Export Date: 2026-04-30 13:03:23
Channel: College Admissions Counselors - egelloC 
Format: plain
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Navigating High School to College: Expert Advice on AP Classes, Test Scores, Activities, and More

As the summer unfolds and students gear up for the next academic year, many face crucial decisions about their coursework, college applications, and extracurricular involvement. Recently, Coach Tony hosted a comprehensive live Q&A session addressing common concerns that high school students and their families often encounter. Here’s a detailed recap of the key insights and practical advice shared during the session.
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• Should You Take AP Calculus BC or Dual Enrollment College Math?

One student was unsure whether to take AP Calculus BC at school or enroll in college-level math courses (through Delta classes). Coach Tony clarified that AP Calculus BC is generally equivalent to completing both Calculus 1 and Calculus 2 at college. Taking college courses instead of AP classes is a valid path, especially if you want to earn actual college credits.

Key takeaways:
• Dual enrollment courses might not appear on your high school transcript but still count as college credit.
• Colleges recognize college-level coursework independently from high school credits.
• The goal is to demonstrate academic rigor to colleges, not just accumulate high school credits.
• Don’t worry if your high school won’t add these courses to your transcript; what matters is the college credit and rigor shown on your college application.
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• AP Exam Scores: What Should You Report?

Many students wonder if they should only report AP exam scores of 4s and 5s or include 3s as well.

Coach Tony’s advice:
• AP scores range from 1 to 5, with 3-5 considered passing.
• Colleges have different policies on awarding college credits based on AP scores. For example, UCLA might give credit for a 3 in some subjects but require a 4 or 5 in others.
• For University of California (UC) schools, submit all AP scores—even 1s and 2s—as it doesn’t harm your application.
• For highly selective schools (top 25), it’s best to submit only 4s and 5s, since 3s typically don’t add value.
• Remember, AP scores reflect test-taking ability, not necessarily academic rigor. Taking the class itself demonstrates more rigor than just self-studying for the exam.
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• Multiple SAT Attempts: Does It Look Bad?

A student asked if taking the SAT three times and scoring 1510 is a disadvantage and if they should retake it.

Key points:
• Submitting multiple test scores is entirely up to the student, and colleges allow score choice.
• Taking the test multiple times does not look bad.
• However, the effort to improve from a high score like 1510 to a perfect score is significant and may not be the best use of time.
• Focus on strengthening other parts of your application such as extracurriculars and essays, which often weigh more heavily than minor score improvements.
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• Do Extracurriculars Need to Align With Your Intended Major?

Students worry if their extracurricular activities and volunteer work must directly relate to their intended college major.

Coach Tony’s perspective:
• It’s beneficial to have some activities related to your major to demonstrate genuine interest (“tasting your major”).
• However, it’s equally important to showcase who you are as a person through diverse interests and passions.
• Admissions officers want to see authenticity and depth, not just a checklist of “major-related” activities.
• Focus on the why behind your involvement: why you chose these activities and what you gained from them.
• Quality and passion behind your activities matter more than directly aligning everything to your major.
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• How to Improve Public Speaking Skills Over the Summer?

Public speaking is a common challenge for many students.

Practical advice:
• Practice is key — the more you speak, the better you get.
• Start small: talk to a camera, record yourself, and seek feedback.
• Consider joining groups like Toastmasters to practice in a supportive environment.
• Don’t expect perfection at the start; improvement comes with consistent effort.
• Overcome fear by focusing on your message and audience, rather than worrying about being judged.
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• Managing Activities, Schoolwork, and Test Prep Efficiently

Balancing academics, extracurriculars, standardized tests, and personal interests like sports can be overwhelming.

Coach Tony’s strategy:
• Prioritize and plan your time meticulously; map out your day including sleep, school, homework, activities, and test prep.
• Aim for about 20+ hours of extracurriculars weekly for UC schools and 30+ hours for Ivy League-level schools.
• Track your screen time and reallocate some of that time for productive activities.
• Remember, time management is a skill that improves with practice.
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• Foreign Language Requirements for Top Colleges

Is taking fewer than four years of a foreign language a disadvantage?

Coach Tony explains:
• Most colleges require at least two years; three years is often recommended.
• Four years can be beneficial but depends on your overall academic plan and interests.
• If you are pursuing a STEM major, focus might be better placed on math and science courses than on an additional language.
• Choose based on your strengths and interests, balancing your schedule accordingly.
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• Reporting AP Scores and Activities on College Applications
• For Common App, it’s recommended to report only 4s and 5s for top colleges.
• For UC and CSU applications, report all AP scores.
• If you have more than 20 activities, you can combine similar ones or use the additional comments section to explain.
• Additional comments (up to 550 words) can also be used to explain gaps, special circumstances, or anything else you want the admissions committee to know.
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• Dealing With Grades Like a B in Junior College Classes
• A B grade is not bad and won’t ruin your application.
• Aim to minimize Bs if targeting highly competitive schools, but one or two Bs won’t hurt.
• Focus on learning from the experience and improving in future courses.
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Final Thoughts and Announcements

Coach Tony emphasized that the college admissions process is a holistic journey. Academics matter, but so do your passions, character, and how you present your story. Start early, plan well, and focus on authentic growth.

Program Update: 
Prices for Coach Tony’s college admissions coaching programs will increase starting August 1st. Families interested in enrolling or upgrading are encouraged to reach out soon to lock in current rates.
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Conclusion

Whether you’re deciding between AP classes or college courses, wondering about how to report test scores, balancing your schedule, or improving your public speaking, remember that thoughtful planning and authentic effort are your best tools. Focus on your unique story and growth, and use resources like live Q&A sessions to get personalized guidance.

For more questions and expert advice, stay tuned for upcoming sessions and consider joining coaching programs to navigate your college journey with confidence.
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If you have questions for Coach Tony or want to learn more about his coaching programs, visit eagleock.com/askcoachtony or text "coach me" to 949-775-865.