<p>Until you reach senor year, students at my school are assigned AP classes which teachers think they can handle.
Is this normal for other schools? Because I am under the impression that most kids can pick any schedual they desire.
This system also conflicts with the "toughest courseload possible" for many students, so how will colleges view it.</p>
<p>When your school sends your transcript, they include a profile that explains which courses are available at your school, how GPAs are calculated, and other things that colleges should know about their curriculum. Your school's profile probably explains that AP courses are selected for students until their senior year - so colleges will understand that you had limited influence over your courseload, and they won't view it as a reflection on you.</p>
<p>My school does the same thing and it does not allow more than 3 per year. We also have to have an interview, write an essay, and fill out an application, and take a test to be considered for an AP and the whole department meets to make a decision on each individual students (my school is very small), and I am nervous that colleges will not understand that at my school that even if you want to challenge yourself you may not be able to.</p>
<p>Again - if you're really worried about it, get a copy of your school profile from your school's website or your GC, and see if they explain it to colleges. If you're really worried about it, you, a parent, or a GC can include a note with your application explaining your situation. Colleges understand that there schools place limits on what students can do - they don't expect you to take advantage of opportunities that don't exist.</p>