I go to a college prep school that requires 7 AP courses to graduate. We are also required to take honors english, math, foreign language, and science if we aren’t in an AP course for that subject. Our only regular classes are electives.
Although the requirement is 7, most students take more (the average student takes around 10-12, and the “top” students take 14 or 15). The most I’ve ever heard of someone in our school taking was 17.
Personally, I think it’s absolutely ridiculous to take that many APs, and I’m guessing many of you probably agree with me. Originally, I was supposed to take 14, but I got a 504 for medical problems that cut it down to 12. I’ve heard that counselors have to fill out a form when you apply for college that says how rigorous your courses are, and I’m sure my counselor would probably check the “average” box. My classes are all hard and I really don’t think I can handle more APs. Will this hurt me?
I know this sounds like a stupid question, but since course rigor is apparently so heavily weighted in the admissions process, this is making me nervous.
Oh wow… your school is really hardcore. Is it possible for you to transfer to another school? I mean, the college admissions people should be able to see that you took an enormous courseload… although compared to other people at your school you’re still average.
Personally, if I feel that I can’t handle a class, I won’t take it. I think that 12 AP classes is more than enough, considering that there are schools like mine who only offer one.
@greenlegobrick I was honestly thinking about it, but all the schools within driving distance are pretty bad(inner city type schools) and my parents don’t really have the money to pay for private school. It’s kind of a sticky situation since my state’s education system is generally pretty bad.
@annana Ooh I’m really sorry to hear that. It’s generally better to excel at a bad school than be average at a very rigorous school, though. Although if you’re transferring in the middle of high school those admissions officers would start to ask questions.
@greenlegobrick yeah, that’s true. I think in the long run it would be better if I stayed at my current school because a the kids that graduate from my other options usually struggle in college because they aren’t adequately prepared.