AP Calc versus Independent Study

Pre-College Issues High School Life
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So right now I’m really caught between taking Ap Calc next year or signing up for an independent study , where I study whatever pre-approved subject I want. I want to take AP Calc because it looks really good on a college app, but I’m already taking another math next year (AP Stats), along with four other APs. Plus, I really don’t like math, and although I have maintained A’s in my pre-Calc class, I don’t think I’d get good grades in Calc. If I choose the independent study, I’m hoping to study Russian, or other foreign languages, which I love studying. Plus, if I choose a field in National security or global studies like I want to, it would really help. So does anyone have any thought about what I should pick? Thanks!

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Questions you should think about:

  1. Are you good at independent study? Do you do well on your own or do you need the structure of a class?
    Is there some kind of online class you can take?

  2. What colleges are you thinking about? Do they require calc?

  3. Have you thought about AP Calc and not taking AP Stats? or taking Honors Calc? I would think about what is the most useful class for you, not just what is an AP.

  4. I would think that taking another language would be good for global studies.

  5. What does your GC think?

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  1. Yes, and if I took the independent study I would have to write my own structure and lessons plans to get approved. But taking online classes at my school usually costs a lot of money.
  2. UVA, JMU, William and Mary, and although they don’t require Calc, most people take it.
  3. I have, and quickly realized I hate Calculus. My school doesn’t offer any honors classes, so it would be either Ap Calc or nothing.
    4)5) My guidance counselor didn’t even know independent study was an option, although it was it’s own page in the registration guide at our school, so that was a bust.

I’m really leaning towards taking the independent study. I guess my real question is: I’m how bad will it hurt my chances of getting into the more prostegious colleges like UVA and W&M, if I take that instead of Calc?

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@bopper

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  1. But have you had experience in being self motivated? I, my self, know that i have trouble just making my self exercise but have no problem if I am in a league.

I have no idea if it will help or hurt…I would suggest looking at what students in the colleges you are interested are taking, as you are competing against them. I would think a language would be usefu.