AP National Scholar - Worth shooting for?

<p>Hi there,</p>

<p>I am a junior right now considering shooting for the AP National Scholar. By the end of this year, I will have taken five AP tests and the AP exams associated with them. I have done well on previous standardized tests (SAT - 2360, APUSH - 5, SAT Math II - 800 for example) and am considering self-studying three more AP exams to be able to get the National scholar.</p>

<p>That would put me at taking seven total AP exams this year.</p>

<p>The four I am for sure taking are: Physics B, Calc BC, European History, Language and Composition.</p>

<p>Is it worth self studying for: Psychology, US Government, and Human Geography?</p>

<p>I have heard those three aren't terribly hard. </p>

<p>Would it be worth all the extra effort and probably not having much of a social life at the end of my junior year to study for seven AP exams?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

<p>bump…</p>

<p>sorry but I need your guys help!</p>

<p>If it means taking 7, then don’t. It’s not that much of a booster in terms of your application, and you would do well doing something better with your time than studying for subjects you may not even enjoy. </p>

<p>However if you’re really set on it, go for it. Just remember that your GPA comes first!</p>

<p>Is there a scholarship associated with this? My friend claimed that “they throw a parade for you” and that there’s a scholarship, but I couldn’t really find anything online…</p>

<p>I don’t know if there is a scholarship, but you get a certificate and a title that you can put on college apps. </p>

<p>Thanks for the advice yodelo. Definitely something to consider.</p>

<p>Most people (mutually inclusive) won’t achieve this until the end of senior year right? Therefore, we’d all be accepted and committed by then, making it pointless, right?</p>

<p>I dont think it is worth it. Look at the AP credit guidelines for the top schools you are considering. Many of the tests that are known for self studying are not accepted at the schools my daughter is most interested in.</p>

<p>Enjoy school and make sure the rest of your resume is well rounded. Grades, leadership and great references.</p>