Hello! I need some advice on whether or not I should take AP classes. Currently, I am starting my fifth year of high school. After my freshman year, I had a major surgery to treat a new found condition. Because of this, I had to take a part-time year so that I could recover. Now that I am entering my senior year, I’m debating on whether or not I should try to take an AP class. My online high school goes year round and has the structure of taking one class at a time. I am already pushing myself mentally and physically by taking all honors courses, but I’m worried that colleges will want me to take at least one AP class to show that I’m challenging myself even more. Is this true? Do you think colleges will be impressed by the fact that I went back to school so soon after my surgery, or will they be looking for a more rigorous course load regardless of the fact that I had surgery. (I’m hoping to get around a 1350 on the SAT, and my unweighted GPA is a 3.88.) Any answers/opinions are welcome
There are so many colleges out there-- there are plenty that will be OK with a schedule that doesn’t contain any AP classes.
It sounds like you’re already pushing yourself as much as you should. I say you give yourself the freedom to breathe a little and skip the AP coursework.
Do you have an advisor you can speak to?
If the only reason you would take an AP class is because you think a college would want to see it, that isn’t a good reason.
If you are genuinely interested in the subject, go for it!
I think you need to address concerns other than needing an AP class for college. There certainly are a lot of colleges that will accept you without any such class.
Since you are taking high school online, will you be doing the same for college?
Thanks for all of the help! I’ve been speaking to my guidance counselor a lot, and she has given me similar advice to the replies on here. I’m hoping to go to a traditional brick and mortar college considering the online route can be very isolating.
I’m planning on applying to the University of San Diego, Loyola Marymount University, Lewis and Clark College, Mills College, Loyola Chicago, Colorado State University, Oberlin College, and the University of Cincinnati.
Do I have a chance at getting into any of those schools?
Where are you an instate resident? Can your parents afford full pay at up to $70k/year or more for up to 5 years? These are some of the issues you and your folks gave to address before you form your list, starting with financial safeties where you and your families can afford even if you receive NO aid.
Use the NPC to get an idea of the costs of each college to you and your family.
These issues are more important than whether or not you add an AP to your schedule.
I’m a resident of Ohio, so my financial safety will be the University of Cincinnati. Thanks for the help. I’ll definitely do more research
If doing one online course at a time is a challenge for you, be sure To check out the minimum credits per term required (for full time and part time students) buy the colleges you are looking to apply to.