Hey guys, so today I was creating my senior year schedule and learned that I was recommended for AP Euro, which is considered to be the most difficult AP social studies class that my school offers. I had previously been set on taking AP Government unaware that I could take Euro but today I was persuaded my GC to take Euro. I’m looking to be an International Relations major so which of these two classes should I take? I would say that Social Studies has always been my best subject and i’m currently in APUSH and doing fine, i’m also taking a Human Rights (H) course and Public Policy and Politics, which seems like an extension of AP Gov, but I am taking other difficult courses in my schedule. Can somebody give me their feedback on which class I should pursue instead and what would be better for my intended major?
AP Gov is more interesting and will help you later in various situations in life, as well as in college classes.
Has anyone taken a Public Policy class, is it repetitive to take AP Gov then?
AP Euro is one of the “core” APs, AP Gov is considered an elective. If you’ve been recommended for AP Euro AND intend to study International relations (which will require you to know some of the stuff in AP Euro), you should take it. If your school offers AP Comparative Gov, try to take it too, it’s a semester-long elective that would fit in well with what you’re interested in.
Ask your counselor: if you do not take AP Euro, will she check the “most rigorous” box on the Secondary School Report?
Regardless, schools like G’Town, Tuft, Macalester, etc… will expect both APUSH and either AP Euro or AP World if they’re offered at your school (and, considering your choice of major, they’d probably expect you to get out of your way to find it at a local college if one of these two isn’t offered at your school, unless you live in a rural area.)
From what I’ve heard the CLEP Exam for Government is much, much easier than most other CLEP Exams. I’ve already taken the free sample practice exam and it was the biggest joke ever and I’m waiting for the “official” practice exam to arrive in the mail. I’m not completely sure how it works yet, but here’s the Government Practice exam I took.
https://clep.collegeboard.org/exam/american-government/questions
As far as I’m aware every 4 year degree requires Government but Euro is not a requirement.
AP gopo cause u sleep in class all day and get 100’s
I’ve already taken world and i’m in the process of taking APUSH. I WISH my school offered comparative gov, I feel like I would really excel in it- maybe i’ll self study for the test if i’m up to it. I mean would schools appreciate Gov over Euro? That’s the vibe that i’m getting especially for my intended major.
Currently taking both as a sophomore. AP gov is pretty lame unless you planning to learn things only about the US and nothing else. For AP euro, you get to learn social and political changes all across EU and it’s pretty fun most of the time. You also get to know why things happen in APUSH by learning AP eu.
Examguy is confusing basic HS graduation requirements with college preparation.
AP Euro is a “core” AP. It means that it is a “stronger” AP for colleges than AP Gov. Core APs are Ap English Language, AP Calculus, AP History, AP Foreign Language, AP Science (Physics, Biology, Chemistry). They follow the 5 “core” classes you’re supposed to have every year. In terms of APs, you don’t need to have one from each category but having a few of these helps.
I’m in both courses right now and I think AP Gov’t is more interesting. But if your into International Relations AP Euro might be a better choice, but at my school at least, it’s my hardest AP course out of the 8 I’m taking. AP European History goes more into depth on European society and not only do you need to know all the information,dates,battles/wars, etc. but you need to know how different works by people like Machiavelli (The Prince) and things like the Communist Manifesto affected European society and how they have shaped history. It’s an interesting course and I hope to pass the exam, but be prepared to learn more about European history than probably any average European knows! As for AP Gov’t is pretty straight forward and you learn about some US history but it focuses on laws, Political parties, public opinion and media, the constitution, and civil right and liberties. For example today I was learning about notable legislations and the different acts that have been passed over the years. I think it just depends what subject you prefer, but I think both are beneficial in their own different ways. I think AP Gov’t is good as an American because it really helps you understand our country and it has helped me shape my political views and learn more about what are government really does. For AP Euro I think it’s beneficial for someone going into International Relations though because you are learning about not only European history but the documents and laws in Europe that shape their governments as well. I hope this is helpful, but regardless to what you choose, good luck! 
IF AP Comparative Gov’t were an option, the answer might be different, but for a potential IR major, there is no valid reason to take AP US Gov over AP Euro. The later will be more germane to your intended field, IMO.
I took AP Gov as a freshman and got a 4 on the exam. Both the exam and the class were pretty easy! I am currently taking AP Euro and it is much harder but much more interesting in my opinion. If you are thinking about International Relations I would do AP Euro plus it is a considered one of the more rigorous courses so it will look better on a college app. Good luck!!
Thanks for the advice everyone, i’ve settled on taking AP Euro with the addition of Public Policy and Politics which seems like a 1/2 year condensed course of Gov. If you guys could give me advice on my schedule that would be great! It’s on another thread.