Am I am a disadvantage b/c my school doesn't offer a lot of APs?

Applying to College
1

<p>just looking at a lot of the people on this site and it seems like they have so many AP classes, and I feel like I'm a slacker, but seriously my school only has like 6 AP classes most are electives, and 3 of those started last year (AP US Hist. AP Stats and AP Chem.) and 2 are 2 years old (AP Gov.and AP Art history) and AP psyc. is like 4 or something. the teachers also are not prepared to teach the information and it is rare when a person gets a 4 or better, most students get 3's, and it's just b/c it's a new program and teachers are experimenting the best ways to teach. </p>

<p>i just feel a bit screwed over b/c we didn't get the opportunity to take more AP's and people will look at my transcript and be like why didn't they take more challenging classes, when in fact I took the most I could and worked my butt off.</p>

<p>does anyone else feel this way?</p>

2

<p>I guess all that info would be listed in your school report. And your counselor might have written about the situation in your recommendation. Colleges respect that fact that not everyone can take all the APs they want to, so they'll acknowledge the fact you took the most challenging curriculum available.</p>

<p>I'm not sure how it affects your app though. It depends on where you are applying.</p>

3

<p>Or just independent study them like me :). I wouldn't rely on my school for my AP education even if my life depended on it. AP Biology at our school? You're wasting 82 bucks and a year of your life.</p>

4

<p>Our high school offers only three. One or more students ( out of <100), go to top schools each year. Lack of AP's in of itself is no problem.</p>

5

<p>As long as you take advantage of your school's resources, you'll be fine.</p>

6

<p>Colleges know the characteristics of each school, so trust me, it won't be a problem. They'll know that you only can take a limited number of APs. </p>

<p>However, if you self-studying a couple, it could also show a lot of initiative. A lot of people in your situation do that.</p>

7

<p>Yea I have 6 AP's at my school, I'll have taken 4...</p>

<p>I thought about self-studying for American Politics and Government AP, but didn't.</p>

<p>No one from my school has ever done a self study to my knowledge.</p>

8

<p>If you're middle class, I think colleges will expect to see enrichment outside of school.</p>

9

<p>When your guidance couselors fill out your forms, normally they have to answer, "Has the applicant taken the most difficult courseload available?" If you have, colleges understand that and take it into account. They won't penalize you.</p>

<p>I'm in a similar situation--My school only offers 6 or so, depending on the year. I've done 4, one of which I'm self-studying for because I couldn't get into the class (stupid schedule conflicts). And even if you sign up for AP, they often get dissolved because no one wants to take them. But then again, our passing rates aren't too hot (except in Calculus). Like for instance, on English Lit last year, no one made above a 3. Crappy, huh?</p>

10

<p>My school only offered 3 AP classes, and I was accepted ED to Penn this year. You just need to make the most of your situation, so take as many AP classes as you possibly can. Also, you can self-study for a few APs if you have time. The lack of AP classes at your school won't get you rejected from any university.</p>