<p>Hi everyone.
I'm new to the American boarding school system as I am an international student but as I am going to a boarding school next year, I need to choose my courses. From what I have read from other threads, it seems that some courses may lift your chances of getting into an ivy/Stanford/MIT etc. is this true and if so, what courses? what exactly are AP and honors and how do you get into these classes? Also, is it possible that some freshmans can be in the same class as sophomores when they are taking AP or honors or accelerated of some sort?</p>
<p>Thanks in advace.</p>
<p>Honors courses are courses that are more difficult than on-level courses. It's basically for students brighter than the rest and looks good on college applications. You'll be challenged to think outside of the box and work harder.</p>
<p>AP classes are standardized classes that prepare you for the AP test at the end of the year. These classes are very, very challenging, and the test is harder than most standardized tests. These, however, look excellent on college applications. Moreover, if you pass the test with a 3 out of 5 (or, for most Ivies and top schools, if you get a 4 or 5) you can receive college credit at most colleges and universities. </p>
<p>I would assume that at most schools, you could be in classes with sophomores in one of two circumstances
a) They are new as well, and had a different curriculum at their old school. Therefore, they need to take certain freshmen classes
b) The freshman is already a level ahead of his- or herself.
Therefore, if you are ahead of yourself in, say, math and taking an honors course, yes you would be with sophomores. This is just a guess though.</p>
<p>Oh I get it now...
Thanks!</p>