<p>Hi, thanks for your help in advanced. I am a rising junior in a Canadian high school, and in our school board, most schools offer pre AP courses in grade 11 then actual AP courses in grade 12. I'd like to try to get into an Ivy league school, but I'm reading everywhere that at least 6 AP courses are recommended.
The problem is I really can't take more than one AP during junior year because the only course that lines up in the way where I can take the pre AP first semester, then grade 12 AP second semester is English, and all other subjects either have the grade 12 AP course first semester (won't be able to take the prerequisite first) or the prerequisite grade 11 course is in semester 2.
At best, I'd be able to take 2 AP sciences, 2 AP math, and AP economics. That would be 1 AP exam before applications, and 5 (at the very most, and only if the schedule fits. and they are definitely not all taking place before applications)
Will this really hurt my chances? I have heard that universities take into account limitations due to what your school offers, but I don't know how accurate that is or if it even applies to the Ivy schools.
Also, aside from my grade 10 English mark, I have gotten an A in everything, so would it be wise to retake it (remedial summer class) since I've heard American schools are heavy on GPAs?
And should I be taking AP prep classes outside of class? They cost a lot and they don't seem to be worth it to me, what do you think?
Any help would be highly appreciated, thanks!</p>
<p>I’m not sure where you got the idea that Ivy League schools want you to have 6 AP courses – that is absolutely NOT true. Some high schools do not even offer AP courses. Are those students somehow penalized in the college admissions process? Of course not!</p>
<p>All selective colleges (Yale included) expect you to take the most rigorous course schedule at your high school. Your guidance counselor has to rate the rigor of your course schedule when they fill out the Common Application SSR. So long as your GC attests that you have taken the most rigorous courses available, as compared to all other college bound students at your high school, then you are okay. See page 2 of SSR report: <a href=“https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/Docs/DownloadForms/2013/2013SchoolReport_download.pdf[/url]”>https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/Docs/DownloadForms/2013/2013SchoolReport_download.pdf</a></p>
<p>My sophomore son’s school only offered 6 AP classes. He took 5 of the 6 (skipped APUSH) so I don’t believe it will prevent you from getting in an Ivy as long as your GPA is stellar.</p>
<p>I’m also international, and I took none. I don’t think it matters.</p>
<p>Don’t worry! What matters most is showing your intellectual desire by taking the most rigorous curriculum at your school.</p>
<p>Thanks for your help guys!</p>
<p>One more thing I’d like advice on - I had some timetable changes today and now I am taking:
-gr 12 Canadian and World Studies (geography)
-gr 12 AP Economics
-gr 11 Accounting
-gr 11 pre AP English
Then semester 2:
-pre AP biology
-gr 12 AP English
-pre AP functions
-French
and my other 2 science in night school because they won’t fit with the grade 12 AP courses added.
I initially wanted to take the history course but it is only available during the gr 12 AP Economics time slot and it is full. I like history, but I also remember one or more Ivy Leagues looking for 4 years of history courses, is this the case and should I take the grade 11 World History instead of the grade 12 AP Economics? I appreciate the help, thanks!</p>
<p>What province are you in? I’m in Vancouver…never heard of a Canadian and World Studies class.</p>
<p>But yeah, I don’t think it would be a problem. They want to see youre challenging yourself as best you can - within the limitations of your school. My school only offers 3 APs(though it varies each year), two of which are after school, and conflict with ECs, meaning I can only take two. So I’m also self studying two. I’m acting on the basis that they want to see you working hard…I think you’re doing that, its fine.</p>
<p>Never heard the history recommendation before. My son only took two years of History (World and US) in freshman and sophomore year plus the required Civics course senior year and it didn’t seem to hurt his admissions. Now science and math is another story. ;)</p>
<p>I’m in the greater toronto area, Ontario. TheSaint- are you self studying 2 during grade 11 and taking the exam in may? Do you guys think it’s ok to just take one math during grade 11 then AP functions and AP calculus in senior year (and calculus will have to be in semester two so it won’t even show up on the application)? the pre ap is in semester two this year so I can’t take two maths if I want AP >:|</p>
<p>No, I’m in Grade 12 now - didn’t really even know about APs until the end of last year. But they have a place for writing what exams you plan to take, so I think they’ll consider that.</p>
<p>Do you think it would be too overwhelming to take History grade 12 online on top of Canadian + World Issues grade 12, AP Economics, pre AP English, and night school grade 11 Physics?
That would be me dropping accounting and doing the online History course work during that period.
Plus I need to step up my extra curriculars, study for SATs, self study AP world history + calculus (I have all year), as well as study for math contests. I guess I’ll have to quit my job. As for clubs I’m president of Model UN (but it’s new to my school), in newspaper, DECA, Debate, Athletic council, maybe jazz choir if we start one. one for each day of the week.</p>