<p>I'm trying to decide between AP French and Yearbook Journalism. I love both classes. The thing is that I can only fit one in my schedule. If I drop French, I heard it looks really bad to colleges. Also the French teachers at my school aren't great and I heard most people get 2s on the AP. And even though yearbook seems exciting, I think it will be a lot of work after school and I definitely don't have time to take pictures and spend that kind of time since I have clubs and sports. Please let me know what would be a better choice.</p>
<p>I suggest you take AP French if you truly love it. You don’t have to report the score you get, and it seems like you already have too much in your plate to make time for Yearbook Journalism. Those are valid reasons to take AP French, not because of how it might look to the colleges…</p>
<p>Many colleges like to see 3 years of a foreign language, so if its the 3rd year then I suggest you take it.
That’s just an excuse, a weak one at that. In this day and age there are more options for teaching yourself a foreign language than you can imagine. You can watch the classic “French in Action” for free online. Many colleges have entire French courses online on iTunes, also free. In your HS you could show leadership by setting up a study group with other kids to drill each other. The library has tons of workbooks, there are websites specifically set up to help self-learners, you can acess tons of streaming media in French, I can go on and on.</p>
<p>Here’s the deal: selective colleges want students that take responsibility for their learning. Sure, its better if an experienced and capable teacher guides you. But when the world falls short, don’t throw in the towel. In fact having a lousy teacher is an opportunity for you to demonstrate you’re the kind of student selective colleges want.</p>