I am a freshman in Miami, Florida. I took AP Calculus BC in 8th grade and have self-studied both of the AP Physics C and AP Chemistry exams. I did not take the class because the school would not let me. I am really facing an issue because my school wants to force me to take the classes even if I get a 5 on all of the exams(I am very confident in my ability to do this). My parents want to know for college admissions, specifically for schools like Caltech and M.I.T., what they would recommend students in my case to do? My parents are considering homeschooling me or sending me to a community college. I am mainly asking what the top schools would think about self-studying all AP science and math classes without taking the class? Thank you very much.
When I was going through the admissions process, I went to an Exploring College Options event, which had reps from Harvard, Stanford, Penn, Duke, and Georgetown, among others. During the Q&A, someone asked, “What do you think of applicants who self-study for additional AP’s over and above the AP classes they take?” One rep responded, “Please don’t do that. We’re not impressed by that.” The other reps all nodded.
Having said that, your situation is unique because your HS might not be the best academic fit for you. But that’s a whole different question.
They likely prefer to see actual courses, though you could take more-advanced-than-AP-level courses in those subjects at the nearby college to show that you can do well in actual courses.
Please don’t do stuff solely for American college admissions.
Do it because of interest.
Unis overseas like Oxbridge do care about depth of knowledge and ability in your area of interest.
Sorry, I just want to clarify that I am only doing this because of interest. The school wouldn’t let me take the classes my freshman year and because I like the subject I decided to self-study it. I am not doing it just to look good for college. The problem is that because now they are going to force me to take the class, is it worth it to?