<p>Hi. I am a spring admitted freshman, which means that if I decide to go to Berkeley, I will be enrolling in the FPF (already reserved my spot and all that jazz) for my first semester. In the FPF, I will probably be taking 4 classes, one of which will be an English (R&C) class. I got a 4 on last year's AP English test, which excuses me from one semester. Problem is...Do I really WANT to be excused? I am an intended Psych major, leaning towards perhaps a minor (or a double major, depending on how I like it) in English. I know Berkeley has an amazing English department. I know that classes I take in high school are in no way equivalent to college level classes, even if they're labeled "AP". Should I use my AP score to skip the first semester, even if I am intending to delve more deeply into English? Or will it hurt me if I don't take that first semester?</p>
<p>Additional info: (not sure if it's important...just putting it out there)
750 on English SAT II (without studying)
35 and 36 on ACT's Reading and English sections (again, no studying)
32 on the ACT Writing combined (essay score plus English and Reading I think?)</p>
<p>Why not skip it? For R&C courses, you will mostly be learning to read and write critically; a skill that is sharpened with practice. You will be critically reading and writing in all your classes, so you will not “miss out” on anything.</p>
<p>Basically I am worried that if I skip the “A” part of the class, I might be expected to do something in the “B” part that I would not be prepared for. Since I am in the FPF and have limited class choices, I only have three options: English R1A, Reading and Composition; Rhetoric R1A; or English R1B, Reading and Composition. I’ve heard (not sure if this is true or not) that these are the “tougher” English classes, so I’m a bit worried about succeeding. Any tips/thoughts?</p>
<p>In my opinion, English is not like science, where you must acquire a foundation of knowledge before you can move forward.</p>
<p>I had actually failed Subject A (that’s what it was called back then) and had to enroll in the 6-unit English class my first semester. It was incredibly challenging but the instructor was very inspiring and I did fairly well in the class. That’s just my personal experience, but I encourage you to dive in and see what happens.</p>
<p>Thanks! I do like being challenged…After talking with my parents, basically the consensus was “why not take the A part”. I could always take the B part at the same time as some other English class during the second semester, and I could always take extra classes over the summer if I have to…I guess I’ll view it as part of the college experience, good or bad…I guess I’ll learn from it either way? shrug. 
Thanks for the advice.</p>
<p>Best wishes to you and good luck!</p>