<p>For years now, counselors have told us that a free period doesn't look good on a college app. Last semester I took Ceramics 1, and was supposed to take Ceramics 2 this semester, but I found that it might be nice to have a free period for study (SATs, AP tests, etc.). I was signed up to take Drawing 3&4, but my schedule wouldn't allow it, so I ended up in ceramics and I don't even really like it. There are no other classes for me to take that would help (there're classes like business, keyboarding, accounting, zoology, etc., none of which would really help me). So does it really matter in admissions to have a free period?</p>
<p>Also, I know that electives like art aren't counted in GPA calculation.</p>
<p>I think it would depend on how many other subjects you are taking - one free period out of 7 or 8 is no big deal. My d's school has 8 class periods - 4 each every other day. This year she had 7 academic classes first semester - AP Lit, AP Econ, AP Gov, AP Stat, Chem, Chinese, Business, Free Period. For second semester she opted not to take an elective so will have 6 classes and 2 free periods. Still a rigorous schedule.</p>
<p>My junior year I took 5 academic classes, 1 elective and 1 free period. I used that time to get hw done so that I could work harder on my ECs. This year, I got in early to my top choice (a selective school!!!). I'm reallllly happy (still can't get over it) and I was less stressed b/c I had extra time to do work. Colleges aren't that nitpicky...a free period won't kill your chances for admission...as long as you use it to do something productive, you're good. Good luck with the college admissions process!!!</p>
<p>I have a free period even though I am taking 5 APs...trust me, no one cares</p>