Do Colleges View Online AP Classes In A Bad Way?

[CollegeFreak9488]

My school only offers three AP classes that I am ineligible to take with the exception of CS Principles. The classes that I am ineligible for are AP History and Bio. Seniors have a HUGE variety of AP classes, but juniors don’t for some reason… What is worse is that I cannot take any honors classes besides Latin so I am stuck with one AP and one honors, which definitely isn’t rigorous at all… That is why I am taking online APs and was worried they may be looked down upon in comparison to in-person AP classes. Do you think colleges would be skeptical as to why I did not take these APs in person? Could I explain that there was a scheduling problem because I am a transfer student? I am just worried colleges will not think these courses are as rigorous or as validated as in-person courses.

@coffeeat3

I will throw in a different perspective - if you school does not offer AP courses (many strong independent schools do not) - then self studying and taking the exam should be viewed in a positive light by many colleges.

To not give away my children’s school - but a competitive private school often brought up on CC due to college placement rates does not offer AP courses - yet 40% of the graduating class report at least 2 AP scores of 4 or 5. This is listed in the school profile with the majority for Calc A/C, B/C, Chem, Comp Science and US History. So, to be a more competitive applicant from this school - you need to self study and take AP tests.