<p>My daughter is a hs sophomore, average student, with ADD.
She is currently in AP classes but grades are C's. Does anyone have advice as to whether or not she should continue with the AP courses, and maintain a lower GPA, or switch to regular classes, which would improve her GPA but of course not be as challenging. We are realistic as to colleges to which she will apply, but of course want to give her the best shot. I would greatly appreciate any advice, especially from those "in the know".</p>
<p>Generally B's in challenging classes are better than A's in easy classes, but once you dip into the C range you should reconsider placement.</p>
<p>Well how many AP classes is she taking? If she's taking quite a few maybe she should drop some and focus on one or two and try to do well in just those. That way she still has the APs, but her grades can improve.
Good luck to her! I have a sister who's a sophomore, and I know she finds the APs a bit challenging too. They'll get easier as she gets used to them though.</p>
<p>My 11th grader is very ADD. He's in 5 APs this year and I regret it. Our school is very AP oriented and, in some cases, there are few options other than the AP route. (For example, he liked Computer Science and did well in it last year. There was no Comp Sci II-just AP Computer Science. He's getting a low B.)</p>
<p>He is getting low B's or Cs in his AP classes. I know his class rank would be higher had he taken easier classes. </p>
<p>Have her take an AP or 2 in her strengths. Everyone told DS he'd do fine in AP Bio, even though he's not a "science" kind of kid. He got an A easily in pre-AP Bio freshman year. AP Bio has been SO hard for him-he's been struggling to pass all year. I wish I'd followed my gut instead of listening to the faculty and counsellors!</p>
<p>There are lots of colleges out there that won't be too concerned about whether or not she took AP classes. It is important for your daughter to take high school classes that fit her and in which she can be successful. I would suggest that she only take AP in areas that she feels strongly she can be successful. If you do your college selection carefully, she will find places that will be interested in her.</p>
<p>As a C-receiver in some six-weeks of AP Chem, Calc, and Statistics, yet accepted into Cornell and Hopkins, I'd say it depends on what you plan on majoring in/what colleges if you want to go to. If you're a grade-grubber/rank is really important in your school/you want to go to UT Austin, only take easy courses for rank or GPA's sake. However, if a college judges you on your courseload and looks down upon those who don't take many APs despite them being offered in abundance at the school, I'd take the ones that interest me. If your child is struggling, just ask if it's worth it.</p>
<p>In my case, it was, but in the case of other schools where the top 10 rule exists and if your child is set on going to the school, ease the course load. I'll also note that while the grades in those classes were sub par, in certain APs, my grades were pretty high; Bio I made mid-level As, In English 4, very High As, US History Low As, World History (my first AP) High Bs. English 3 varied.</p>
<p>It all depends on how your school handles admissions and how much the student likes the subject. If you're still concerned, I'd invest in high-quality ECs like 300+ hours of community service (missions trips, SPCA) and leadership positions (one of 2 yearbook editors). GPA is only a small factor in the admissions process. If it's within an acceptable range, you'll be fine.</p>