How to get recognition from colleges about self-taught courses?

<p>I spend a lot of my time self teaching courses that interest me, sometimes at the expense of my actual classes. I often find myself skipping the APUSH notes in favor of an OCW MIT lecture or something of the sort. I've self taught Calculus II (equivalent to BC calc), I'm in the process of learning Multivariable Calc and Physics C, and in the future I hope to learn Linear Algebra. Is there any way I can demonstrate to colleges in an application that I'm doing something valuable with my time learning these on my own? </p>

<p>You should have done dual-enrollment so you could learn what interests you and get credit for them. If possible, look into starting that now.</p>

<p>Maybe take an AP or CLEP test in the same subject to show a level of mastery? </p>

<ol>
<li>AP exams/SAT Subject Tests, when applicable.</li>
<li>Testing out of classes at your high school. </li>
<li>Dual enrollment. </li>
<li>Winning contests related to the stuff you’ve learned.</li>
<li>Mentioning it in your essays.</li>
<li>Certificates of completion from MOOCs.</li>
</ol>

<p>None of which will help you if you’re getting bad grades in the classes you’re taking at school. </p>