<p>i'm trying to figure out my senior schedule right now, and i can't fit in a science course without dropping something that i really love (i'll still be taking 5 core academic classes, 4 APs and 1 honors, plus a peer mentoring program that sounds amazing). to make up for this, i'm thinking about self-studying AP Enviro next year. so i was wondering:</p>
<ol>
<li>how do colleges view self-studying APs? is it impressive, or is it just useful for credit?</li>
<li>is it possible to report self-studying an AP on the common app?</li>
<li>will reporting that i'm self-studying enviro help make up for the fact that i won't have a science class in my schedule?</li>
</ol>
<p>1) It’s just credit pretty much, unless you do something really significant like self study 10 exams, or self study a language. AP scores are self reported and really not given much weight at all in the admission process. Particularly with exams from your senior year, because you won’t even have a score to show for it by the time admission makes a decision. In fact, they won’t even know if you actually ended up taking the test. </p>
<p>2) There is a section to report test scores (AP/SAT Subject/otherwise), and it allows you to report tests you are planning to take later, without listing a score obviously.</p>
<p>3) No. Besides, Environmental Science is hardly even science. It’s one of the least regarded AP courses, and most do not even consider it a science as far as credits go-- colleges want to see “lab” sciences, like bio, chem, and physics.</p>
<p>Summary, unless you’re reallly interested in EnvSci, there’s really no reason to self-study it. I don’t know if colleges even offer credit for that course, unless you’re going into some Environment major, in which case a 5 might get you out of a semester or so. </p>
<p>If you’ve already taken bio/chem/physics (AP or not), you’re okay as far as science goes, if you’re not interested in pursuing science in college. However, it always looks good to see an AP science. </p>
<p>You say you have 5 core classes, so you must be doubling up in subjects to avoid science. What classes are you taking?</p>
<p>that’s too bad thanks for the feedback though.</p>
<p>i’m taking two history courses, AP Euro and Honors International Relations (i’m not necessarily doing them to avoid science, i just love history and want to devote more time to it).</p>
<p>Are you planning to apply to very selective colleges? If not, then your plan of taking two history courses is fine. If yes, then the trade off of two history courses for a lab science course (physics, chemistry, biology) is probably not the best strategy. In either case, I don’t think self studying “environmental science” will help your application.</p>
<p>honors international relations??? <em>moan</em> that sounds like my dream class haha my school is so lame it only offers basic world and ap’s and stuff</p>
<p>yeah, it sounds amazing that’s why i really don’t want to give up the opportunity.
ok, based on your responses i probably won’t self-study if it won’t even help me. even though i’m applying to selective schools, i doubt that it’ll be the deciding factor so i’m going to choose the courses that i’ll enjoy more and get more out of. thanks for all your opinions! :)</p>
thanks for the feedback though.</p>
that’s why i really don’t want to give up the opportunity.