I have an 83% in AP Computer Science, should I drop it?

Test Preparation AP Mathematics & Computer Science
1

First things first: I LOVE computer science!!! So much that I am thinking about it as a prospective college major. I regularly program on my own. However, I am not doing very well in the class.

I have basic knowledge of JavaScript and I am learning Python on my own. I took an intro course at my school in Java (which was a pre-req for AP) and got an A. However, I am struggling in the AP course with a B- average. My AP CS teacher is a good teacher, but there are so many kids in my class that the teacher just can’t come help us all. (My teacher was debating with the school to try and make a second APCS class.)

Should I wait until 1st quarter ends and see how I do? I only have a limited time to drop the class and not have it show up on my transcript.

What my plan is that if I drop the course and I take a study hall, I could self study the AP materials that period for the whole year, and then take the AP test at the end of the year. (There are a LOT of online resources to self learn APCS.) What should I do?

2

Keep going! Does your school weigh AP classes at 1.25 or anything like that?

3

Don’t drop it. It’s still early in the semester. Does the teacher have review sessions? Can you get help from other students in the class?

4

It depends on what your goal is. If you are aiming for a college where you need a very, tippy top gpa, then you might have to think twice about staying in the class, On the other hand, if your goal is just to get college credit, stick it out and study hard.

5

Colleges want to see that you’ve challenged yourself. If you were failing, I’d say think twice… But taking a subject that is of interest to you at the AP level and getting one B (on a transcript which otherwise has A’s) is unlikely to harm your prospects. It may even say something good about your character. That said, try your best, get a tutor or comb on-line sources for support with the course, and get the highest grade you can!