<p>I just got my schedule today and got this AP Enviromental Science class instead of AP Bio. I told my counselor that I didn't want to take AP ES but my counselor said AP Bio was popular and there wasn't any seat in the bio class. So I just said that ok then I would self study and take the AP bio exam in May anyway. But my counselor told me: No, you can't do that. I won't let you do that. ????What????? the counselor WON'T let me do that? Do I even have to get the permission from the counselor if I want to take an AP exam??</p>
<p>That might be legal, but it's unethical considering the person wants to do it. What's her reason behind "forbidding" you? You might be able to work something out.</p>
<p>They can stop you from taking the class, but the exams are supposed to be open to anyone who wants to pay for them. What was the counselor's reason for already forbidding you from taking the exam? I agree with what Paco de Lucia said - talk to her and try to work it out. If not, then you can contact any other high school in the area (in March or so) and register to take the exam there.</p>
<p>Are you sure you didn't misunderstand your counselor. He may have just been strongly discouraging you from taking it. And no, he can't prevent you from taking it. If all else fails, just pull rank and go to the next person above him (vice principal for instance) and ***** to them. But you can register for the AP by yourself and I believe the school is required by the CB to let you take it there. Or just go to another school for your test site.</p>
<p>It's actually "she"</p>
<p>She told me that I couldn't take AP BIO and I replied as "ok, then I will self study and take the exam in May anyway." and theh she said "No, you can't do that. You can't take it without taking the class and I won't let you."
The high school I attend is a competitive one and it recieved an award from CB for the AP computer science classes in 2004. I guess she said that becaise she was afraid that I would score low and then lower the school's passing rate or something? But seriously, I haven't seen anybody have any problem with what AP exams they want to take. Anyway, I don't think she can do anything if I want to take all AP exams in May 2006 lol....thanks for replies!!</p>
<p>try talking to a counselor at another school...</p>
<p>You absolutely positively CAN take any AP Exam you wish. Taking the course is obviously a plus but it is not a College Board prerequisite. Your analysis is undoubtedly correct. The counselor is trying to protect the school's AP average. I believe you may want to talk with her again with your parents. If she doesn't want you to take the test then she should enroll you in the class. Otherwise you can and should take the test!</p>
<p>Ive heard of counselors like this. My advice is to try and cooperate one more time with her and if that doesnt work either go to your principal, viceprincipal or bring your parents to ***** her out :)</p>
<p>Also remember that all school boards hold public meetings and are voted members. You can also contact your school board members individually and appear at a meeting. You need to let them know what is happening to you and perhaps other students. One counselor is the small duck in this pond.....you have other ways of taking the exam and don't be intimidated. Why do you think the exams are open?....not requiring the course to sit for the exam?</p>
<p>Get a parent and go complain. If you wanna take the class and the test, then do it!</p>
<p>1) What are your other lab sciences so far? Bio, physics and chem are the holy grail for selective schools, including all state publics like the Cs, so you have a legitimate reason to appeal if you need Bio.</p>
<p>2) AP Bio is considered much more rigorous than AP ES (one of the so-called, AP Lites) -- thus, if you are considering selective schools, you have academic reason to appeal, since it will boost your app a little.</p>
<p>3) The GC is prolly just trying to protect: a) her butt, since self-studying for a class that the school refuses to provide you is somewhat embarrassing; b) the teacher's rear-end as well, just in case you don't score well and bring down their curve.</p>
<p>4) Speak with the AP Bio teacher first....perhaps someone will drop out, or the teacher would approve one more student.</p>
<p>5) Check your state U to see what they prefer for lab sciences. Public HS GC's are more inclined to ensure that their kids get accepted into the state flagships than private LACs across the country.)</p>
<p>Note, however, I do not agree with taking this issue beyond the principal. First, you need a rec from this GC -- not good to tick her off. Second, school honors and awards typically go to kids who do well and don't rock the boat, particularly on academic issues - where some educators think they know all, and parents are just ignorant, even when presented with facts.</p>