<p>I was planning on taking 5 AP classes (including AP Physics, AP Calc BC, and others..) this year, plus 2 honors classes just like I did my junior year. One of the honors courses, Forensics, is taught by a beloved teacher of mine who everyone loves, and I have had twice for Bio and AP Biology.</p>
<p>Anyway, I was told by my guidance counselor that Honors Forensics is only a county honors class, which means that I get honors credit for the class, but top notch schools out of my state will see it as a regular class.</p>
<p>So, I changed my schedule and am currently enrolled for 6 AP Classes (New edition: AP Enviro) and an honors class. I am kind of sad that I am not taking Forensics anymore. I would be with all my friends in this class, and it is my senior year I want to relax during this class. My guidance counselor said if I chose to stick with forensics, that apparent "regular level" class might hurt my chances in getting excepting to top schools, like the Ivies (I'm particularly interested in Brown, where my dad and grandfather went)</p>
<p>Is it really going to hurt me and lead to a rejection if I still took 5 APs + Forensics. Should I stick with AP Enviro and make it 6 APs? I am torn!</p>
<p>Thanks so much.</p>
<p>Will your counselor be checking off the “most demanding curriculum” on the counselor rec? If so, I don’t see it making a major difference to take the 5 APs and class you love vs. 6 APs. You might ask your counselor about how students with similar credentials (GPA, test scores, etc) to yours have done in admissions, and if that one extra AP course truly makes a difference. </p>
<p>Are you applying ED to Brown to take maximum advantage of your legacy status?</p>
<p>Your counselor is being ridiculous. If anything, schools want to see that students are seeking out courses they are passionate about, not just padding their resumes. Besides, you are a double-legacy at Brown. If you apply ED, forensics will take NOTHING away from your application.</p>
<p>And remember, as Slithey brought up, even if your counselor DOESN’T consider your schedule as “most demanding,” having your bio teacher again is a big plus. When you ask him/her for a recommendation (which I’m assuming you will), I’m sure the fact that he/she has taught you for three years will make it’s way in there.</p>
<p>My advice? Do what you want; you’re the one going to college, not your counselor.</p>
<p>Thank you! And sorry I meant course* not coarse.</p>
<p>I’m not sure if I want to bind myself and apply ED, for financial reasons… would applying RD not take into account the legacy as much?</p>