<p>Earlier this year (summer/early fall), I took an AP Calculus AB course through Johns Hopkins' Center for Talented Youth program. I finished the course with about a 92.8. In fact, I had about a 96-97, but I only got an 83 on the final which really brought me down. My predicament is this: I am currently tied for #1 in my class with 2 other students. The first marking quarter came out and I got a B in a class that they may have gotten an A in (I'm not really sure). I am bitter about this grade... but that's another story :P. Anyways, my question is this: would I be gaining an unfair advantage if I sought credit for this course? I had originally just taken the course for placement purposes (that, and I love math :) ), and didn't want to use this class to boost my GPA unless I really had to. If I did seek credit, I would think that it would be on the 5.0 scale. Incorporated into my GPA, I would effectively be first in my class.</p>
<p>For my case, I think that it is right for me to pursue accreditation. I took this class over the summer while I had a 40-hour work week along with my daily running. A course-load that would have usually comprised an entire academic year took me merely 4 months, and would've taken me even less if it wasn't for the fact that I procrastinated my last 2 or 3 tests. I worked very hard in this class and it showed; I consistently received high A's on all of my assignments. The exams that I had to take were intense; they both took upwards of 4 hours, with the final being much more comprehensive than the midterm. I received a 100% on the mid-term and an 83% on a final that was just as comprehensive if not more comprehensive than the actual AP exam. I have made leaps and bounds as a student of mathematics, and I am one of only two people in my school that are taking AP Calculus BC. I have the possibility of being the first (maybe second, not 100% sure) person from my school to receive a 5 on the AP Calc BC exam.</p>
<p>But then I doubt in myself. I say, "am I gaining an unfair advantage by boosting my gpa with this online class?" I'm sure that my fellow peers who are tied with me desire the #1 ranking as much as I do. But, if I attain valedictorian, I will do so in a fashion that is honorable and not in anyway hurtful to my integrity. My circle of friends vouches for me and tells me to "go for it,", but I am still uncertain. </p>
<p>CC, what do you think I should do?</p>