Hi,
Which are the best self study Aps to take in the freshman year of the school. Please let us know.
None for most students.
The main uncommon exceptions are:
- Super-advanced students in math who take AP calculus in 9th grade.
- Those with high enough foreign language skill (from elementary to middle school immersion programs, home or heritage learning, or similar) to take the foreign language AP course and/or exam.
- Those in high schools which offer an AP course (usually human geography) as a 9th grade honors course option.
Usually, the “easiest AP tests to self study” are the ones seen as least valuable by colleges.
Self-study of an AP course is of very little to no value in college admissions. Taking the actual course in school and earning a grade is viewed positively by schools. Just a 2-3 hour exam on its own often isn’t even looked at.
If you are just interested in a topic, and have free time, and can’t find another delivery method, it could make sense.
But as you’re asking which is “best”, regardless of personal preference, I suspect you are asking which will look best on a transcript/college application/etc. My answer is there is a nearly endless list of extracurricular and volunteer activities that would be a better use of your time.
What, if any, APs does your HS allow freshmen to take? I would not bother to self study for any APs.
None.
Take the class if the HS allows.
None. Use the time to develop a meaningful extra curricular activity. Colleges want to see more of an individual person as opposed to someone who becomes an expert test taker.
Think about what colleges are looking for. An AP score in a class you didn’t take tells them you can cram for a multiple choice test (possibly a useful skill in high school, but not highly prized by colleges), but says nothing about your readiness to handle college classes requiring in-depth research, formulating and defending an argument or position, collaboration with peers, etc. Those traits are demonstrated by doing well in rigorous classes and in the impact you have in the activities you do outside of school. That’s why focusing on those things will pay far more dividends than self-studying for AP exams.
Now if you are planning to attend a state or directional college and want to either double major or graduate early, then it might make sense to self-study APs. It doesn’t help you with admissions in most cases, though.
I guess the question is why do you want to self study?
If it is for admissions basically it is often a waste of time. In all honestly it can backfire and make you seem more like an academic stone than a student who wants to be an active part of a college community beyond academics. It might sound to you now as it will help you but that usually is not the case.
Thanks for your reply. Yes I meant which would make most sense on a transcript for college.
Self studies APs do not go on a transcript that gets sent to colleges and often they don’t even care about ap scores until after you matriculate (get accepted and put down money to attend that college) before determining how if any the scores help you (which varies from school to school). In terms of that the answer is really none.
With Covid-19 it is a hard year depending on where you live However see what your high school offers for extra curriculars which can be sports, art, music, clubs etc or see what you can involved with in your community or perhaps house of worship. It is okay if some are zoom type activities right now. Part time jobs are also excellent. Freshman year is often a year to explore interests and help find areas of passion. You may drop some and find some that really interest you to continue with. This is often what colleges like to see - that you have areas of interest and will do more than just academics. Also you need to spend some time enjoying the here/now and not focus everything you do on getting into college .