Can't decide between these APs..

Test Preparation
1

<p>I will be a senior next year, and I do not plan to slack.</p>

<p>Here are the APs that I know I’ll be taking next year:</p>

<p>Honors Physics (which is basically an AP Physics B in disguise)
AP Calculus AB
AP European History
AP Biology</p>

<h2>(It might also be worthy to note that depending on the college I get into, I will not be taking the Euro AP)</h2>

<p>Here’s the issue:</p>

<p>I’m not sure whether to take AP French Literature, AP Computer Science, or neither (and keep band).</p>

<p>I’ve been doing band for 3 years, and it’s kind of like one of my extracurriculars. I can’t say I enjoy it, but I don’t hate it either.</p>

<p>I absolutely despise French. The only reason I thought about taking AP French is because: 1) People scared me that dropping a language senior year would look horrendous on college applications. 2) My French friend offered to tutor me if I took it.</p>

<p>-Also, my native language is Japanese. I got a 790 on the SAT II Japanese (dumb mistakes), and I’m fluent. Will the fact that I’m an Asian who can actually speak his native language effect my admission process? (or better, exempt me from the penalty of dropping a foreign language (3rd language, in my case) senior year?)</p>

<p>Now the reason I want compsci in there is because: 1) I love the teacher. (This doesn’t necessarily make him a good teacher.) 2) I heard that you do no work - and yet get honors credit.</p>

<p>What’s holding me back: 3) Unless you’re really motivated, it’s impossible to get above a 2 on the AP exam because the teacher sucks. (I didn’t really plan to take the compsci AP anyway.)</p>

<hr>

<p>Now, thanks to my school’s dumb physical education and health requirements, I can only take one of the three classes I mentioned above. What do you guys think I should take?</p>

<li>AP French Lit - meaning I’ll keep a language all 4 years</li>
<li>Band - meaning I’ll have 4 years of extracurricular band</li>
<li>AP CompSci - easy class (hey, I need one with all those other APs) yet still get honors credit</li>
<li>Get free blocks</li>
</ol>

2

<p>I would take the class you're most comfortable taking, if you hate French it might not be the best choice to take it because you might not do well which would look bad on your college applications as well. If it makes you feel any better I have a friend who got into both Harvard and MIT with only three years of French so it isn't impossible.
If you're really interested in computer science I would take that, anything that you can enjoy and do well in is probably the most worth taking.
I took courses I was interested in this year and did fine in the admissions game. Do well, enjoy, and have fun. Senior year needs to involve something you like.</p>

3

<p>Since you don't really want to take French, I wouldn't even consider option 1. Three years of a foreign language is adequate (as a side note, since you're looking to take French Lit, have you already taken French Language?).</p>

<p>I would recommend that you stick with options 2 or 3. IF you're really interested in Comp Sci, then take it. Otherwise, stick with band. Four years of any extracuricullar, especially if you could possibly take a leadership position next year, always look good on an application. Really, it comes down to what you want to do. Take the classes that interest you, not what you think looks best to AdCom's</p>

4

<p>You really don't need 4 years foreign language, so since you hate it, you can just drop French.</p>

<p>Taking Comp Sci. would be pointless if you know the teacher sucks, it would affect you on the AP exam.</p>

<p>Having four full years of an extracurricular doesn't look too shabby on a college application. If you wanted my opinion, I would stay with band. If you really don't like it, then a free block might do you some good. But in the end, like what the others said, it all comes down to what you feel like taking. We're only here for support.</p>

5

<p>Thanks for your replies.</p>

<p>I think I have taken French out of the equation now. I'm gonna have a really hard time deciding between band and compsci though, because band is known as an "easy A" while compsci is not. Then you can bring in the extracurricular-for-4-years argument and everything becomes neutral again.</p>

<p>My guidance counsler isn't of much help either.</p>

<p>His famous quote:</p>

<p>"You gotta choose what you think is best."</p>

<p>Yeah, and you're the guidance counsler. Help me pick!!! Roar, crappy guidance.</p>

6

<p>"because band is known as an "easy A" while compsci is not. Then you can bring in the extracurricular-for-4-years argument and everything becomes neutral again."</p>

<p>Actually, if band was an easy A and good for extra-curricular, then band really could be an easier choice.</p>