I am a sophomore and it might be too early to plan for my senior classes, but as I would like to hear other people’s thoughts on this topic, so I post this new discussion thread.
I am taking French 2 right now, and if I follow my school system for French, I would be probably be placed in regular French 4 as my school just recently removed AP French.
So I am thinking of taking only three years of French and switching over to another AP class when I become a senior to increase my GPA and for another AP exam score.
I would continue on and take four years of French, but I am afraid that my weighted GPA would drop for taking a 4.0 credit class instead of a 5.0 weighed AP class.
What do most competitive colleges prefer and what are your thoughts and suggestions?
Most competitive colleges would take 4 years of a foreign language > 1 more random AP. Most will look harder at UW GPA than W.
BUT
Irl this is a decision to make during Junior year when you have a better idea of specific schools that you are interested in (so that you can see what their preferences are) and you know what AP class you would take instead (and how it fits with your schedule overall). You should also ask your GC / College Advisor if your schedule qualifies as being in the ‘most rigorous’ for your school (‘most rigorous’ does not necessarily mean most APs).
They’d likely prefer 3-4 well-chosen APs + French4 - ie’, advanced proficiency in core subjects.
(Additionally, if you’re aiming for top universities/LACs, plan on taking the French subject test to have external validation).
However it all depends on whether you’re aiming for merit at State Universities or highly selective private universities, for instance. Or what the AP would be. And what major you’re thinking of.
Most competitive colleges would prefer that you follow what they have suggested as HS preparation. No competitive college will be impressed by a random AP.
I will also point out that in your senior year, colleges will only have half year of senior grades. One non-AP class in your senior will will have an infinitesimal impact on a 3.5 year GPA
Is this about most “competitive” colleges or you mean the “most competitive” colleges?
OP, before planning your future, stop to look at what the colleges say and show. We don’t even know what major you may intend. Or how you’re building the rest of your record, academic and other.
It’s not weighted GPA, so forget some small bump. If your rigor and grades aren’t in line, an extra AP won’t impress. (Read up on what reputable sources say about loading up on AP.) Nor is it about which candidates have the highest GPA, unless your targets admits only based on that. (And that’s not the “most competitive.”) Learn about holistic and what it really takes.
There are cases where stopping after FL 3 is fine. But it depends on the rest of what you offer and your academic plans, how overall uber competitive you are, in their view.
You’ll need solid AP scores, especially those related to the major, (if aiming high.) I wouldn’t have my kiddo take the French subect test unless it specifically relates to their major.