Hey. (I’m sorry if I’m posting this in the wrong place, I’m new here.)
Anyway, I’m a strong student and I want to try for some prestigious schools in the United States, (I’m from Canada).
In Canada, it’s not as big a thing for universities/colleges to look for AP or IB courses, so I’m wondering if it’s worth a transfer to another school to take them.
In my town, there is only one high school, and it doesn’t offer AP courses or an IB program, so I would have to drive 45 mins. to the next city over just to attend a high school with these. It’ll probably be a bit of a hassle since I won’t be able to drive for another year or so, and both my parents have busy jobs so I can’t count on them having enough time to drive me, (plus I don’t want them to have to drive me every morning.)
In any case, I just want to ask whether or not transferring would be worth the time and money. Are AP and IB courses a must for American universities? Would they give me an edge over other applicants or do admissions officers just look at the chances I’m given at my current school? Finally, are there any other ways I can extend my learning that don’t involve transferring schools?
Sorry for the long question.
Thanks,
M
You don’t need to drive 45 minutes. Colleges only ask that you take the most rigorous program available to you (in your HS). They will understand if APs are not common in Canada.
Take the strongest course schedule you can in your current school. And use the extra time to participate in some extra activities that interest you - sports, debate, robotics - or volunteer or work part-time. Is there a possibility in later grades to take courses on-line or at a local college if you don’t have challenging enough courses at your high school?
If you feel that you can, self studying for the AP exams (and doing well haha) would show a very good command of the subjects.
Take the advice from kyung hee with a grain of salt. Only self study AP courses ifmyiu are actually interested in the subject. Trying to impress elite US schools with a bunch of self studied APs can backfire. Agree with other advice.
Thank you all for your help! It is greatly appreciated.