<p>I'm wanting to go into Computer Science. My school doesn't offer AP Computer Science, but instead they offer this "Independent Study" program where I can independently study AP Comp Sci as my 5th class (JUNIOR YEAR), so I've been doing that. I'll take the AP and likely get a 5. On my transcript, word for word, it will show up as "IS: Java Programming Language". In the end, will this hurt my chances on getting into college? Because I just found out that might be an issue.</p>
<p>I am taking AP Chemistry, APUSH, and PreCalc Hon. I got an A+ on my IS and B- in my two AP's.</p>
<p>Why would that be a problem? It shows initiative. If you are concerned, there is a place at the end of the application where it asks if there is anything else the adcom should know. Just mention that the line on your transcript that says ‘x’ is actually a study hall in which you are preparing for the comp sci AP exam. Short and sweet.</p>
<p>If I were an admissions officer at a selective college I would look at your independent study class in the context of your other classes – both in their scope and in your grades. If you were doing well in your other classes and if you were not compromising on the breadth and depth of your classes by taking the independent study, I would see the independent study in a very positive way. If by taking the independent study class you were missing an opportunity to take a core class or if you were doing poorly in your other classes I would be less enthusiastic. I would be concerned that you are heading for a B- in two of your core classes. The A+ in your independent study would not make up for that, especially since independent study grades are often different to weigh in context.</p>