<p>In my school, which runs on "block schedule" (4 classes per day), this empty period is called "senior out", which is basically having 3 classes and going home early because I already have all my required high school credits. One of my teachers advised me not to take this option because it presumeably shows colleges that you lack perseverence and are a little lazy. But the thing is, I'm also taking 6 AP classes senior year as well, so I really think having senior out wouldn't be that bad. Besides, the kid ranked #3 in our grade is taking it as well, so...</p>
<p>Colleges want to see that you are challenging yourself.</p>
<p>^6 AP classes is challenging yourself…</p>
<p>It probably depends on where you want to go to school and what you are doing with your time…Some kids, for example, might get an interesting job with that time, which made them really stand out. It’s not always apples to apples in these kinds of things.</p>
<p>Going home to watch TV??? Not so much. But, it still depends on the school, honestly.</p>
<p>Our school also has block scheduling, 4 periods a day. Its pretty common for kids, even the top kids, to occasionally only take 3 classes and be “off roll” for the 4th period. You don’t have to be a senior to take it, since at our school you have enough credits to graduate taking 3 periods all 4 years (basically the equivalent of taking 6 classes a year). Its particularly handy for athletes to be off-roll 4th period when their sport is in season so they don’t miss class when they have to leave school early for a game.
I can’t imagine that if you are taking 6 APs next year a college would think you are slacking!</p>
<p>Probably depends on the college to which you’re attending. It is NOT recommended at my D’s school…actually, I don’t even think it’s ALLOWED unless you have a reason such as a job and/or must care for siblings. I think lower level, straight to job market kids do it…but the top kids have a hard time even taking a non weighted class in their last period (at her school it’s 7 periods. you can only skip the last one and only for a reason). Of course, top colleges don’t want to see a study hall or anything even close to that (imo). Let’s face it…most top kids could graduate after 11th grade if it was just a matter of credits.</p>
<p>Lots of high schools have free blocks for students. When a student is taking a very difficult course load, an open block is a life saver.</p>
<p>My school also uses an alternating 8 period block schedule, but typically sophomores have 1 off, juniors have 2 offs and senoirs can have up to 3 offs (take on 5 classes). I am one of the few people at my school who took 8 classes first semseter of my senior year. Most of my peers took 6 or 7 classes (with 1 or 2 offs, respectively). With 6 APs, you may need that extra time to do homework. What class would you take if you don’t do the senior out thing?</p>
<p>I don’t know about when it’s all year, but my school’s testing out a 4-period-per-day thing this quarter and most people have two free periods - one for lunch (which isn’t actually used for lunch, it’s just how our 8-period schedule converts) and one for the free period everyone gets (unless you’re taking an extra class which takes a lot of effort to get permission for).</p>
<p>So I guess it’s kind of like my regular course load…
I use my long free periods for getting things done or meeting with a study group, but mine are in the middle of the day.</p>
<p>“One of my teachers advised me not to take this option because it presumeably shows colleges that you lack perseverence and are a little lazy. But the thing is, I’m also taking 6 AP classes senior year as well, so I really think having senior out wouldn’t be that bad. Besides, the kid ranked #3 in our grade is taking it as well, so…”</p>
<p>^Did you tell the teacher that advised this your situation with the 6 APs?</p>
<p>If I don’t take senior out, I would be taking elective classes that I don’t really want to take anyways…or maybe another AP course 
I would take the senior out option in a second, but the thing that’s keeping me from doing so is the fear that some colleges (elite ones like the Ivies or a level below them) may reject me because of it.</p>
<p>No college will reject you solely on that front. Considering you’re taking 6 APs, I wouldn’t think anyone would look at your schedule and say “This kid’s slacking off.” If there are no other classes you’re interested in, take the extra time to keep your grades up, work on college apps, or get a job.</p>
<p>It’s STRONGLY recommended that you have a “free” period in your schedule at my school. I did not listen despite a personal call from our dean, and now I’m the only one in my grade who doesn’t have a free. I tried to drop my Spanish class later in the year because it’s time consuming, I already got the graduation/AP credit, and I needed that free, but I then decided against it because transcripts would be resent, and colleges would reject me because they think I gave up despite getting an “A” in that class. </p>
<p>Now, my classes are miserable, my grades are miserable, I am miserable. Don’t get into the situation that I’m in. I thought it would look to colleges that I’m challenging myself, but they really don’t care if you’re missing one class (but no more). TAKE THAT SENIOR OUT or else find an elective that you would enjoy.</p>