<p>I would think it would demonstrate interest in your chosen major if one were to take the AP Art History exam but, I've heard that one should take AP's that are unrelated to their intended major.</p>
<p>Yet , for instance , I remember reading a story where someone wanted to major in Classics at Princeton and they scored a perfect score when taking the SAT II in Latin and were admitted to Princeton.</p>
<p>Although the SAT II's and the AP's are different tests , the level of knowledge required is similar.</p>
<p>I want to major in Art History and I'm very interested in Princeton and Williams , wondering if they would look at the fact that I took AP Art History as positive?</p>
<p>I don't have that many AP's , I plan to take AP's in U.S. History , English Literature and Composition , and English Language and Composition. Thinking of studying and taking the AP Art History and AP World History on my own - if I have the time. That would be five AP's which is not a lot but it's better than not having any. All of my other classes are honors. My worry at this point is that Princeton and Williams are looking for 'balance' of course work and I don't have any AP's that are science or math , yet what science and math courses that I have taken are all honours.</p>
<p>While I <em>know</em> that it's not 'redundant' to take an AP in Art History and Major in it , I'm wondering if I should not take the AP Art History because I want to major in it? Sounds crazy doesn't it. lol</p>
<p>Definitely take AP Art History if you’re interested in majoring in it - it will help show the colleges you’re interested in that you are taking steps to explore your interest in Art History and are therefore more serious about majoring it than someone who had the opportunity to take the class, but didn’t. Obviously, it’s nice if you take other APs as well - is there any way you could take the class and still fit in at least one math/science AP? Schools like Princeton and Williams do like to see balance, but it’s okay if you lean towards the humanities a little more, since that’s what you’re majoring in. Remember that at top schools, there will be applicants with lots and lots of APs in every area, regardless of their desired majors. I’m not saying you need to do that, of course, but just pointing out that good test scores/lots of APs won’t guarantee an acceptance, simply because there are so many applicants who have all of that!</p>
<p>I’ve heard that before. lol It certainly is difficult to obtain a job these days but , I’ve always diffeerntiated between having a ‘job’ (i.e. a boring 9-5 that you cannot stand just to pay the bills) and having a ‘career’ ( something you love and something in which you are truly interested and study/train for).</p>
<p>I am interested in studying art history a)because I love art , and b) because I am interested in working as an art advisor , or for an auction house such as Sotheby’s or Christie’s. I know that it’s very difficult and competitive to obtain a job at Sotheby’s and the other auction houses , and that last year they cut many positions , but…if that’s what you want you have to fight for it and make yourself the best candidate that you possibly can. </p>
<p>Believe me , I know the Wal-Mart demographic referenced in that website under Art History Majors and this is why I know that small town life is not for me. I don’t mean any offence , I’m just saying that I live in a small town and it’s not what I want. I love Manhattan and art and this is why I’m studying so hard (Believe me , I have a plethora of courses on my plate for this year.) and trying to get into a top school for Art History. If one gets admitted into a prestigious college , whether it be an ivy , ’ little ivy’ , or an elite liberal arts college , they stand a much better chance getting hired by a gallery or auction house than someone (again , no offence whatsoever) who went to a state college. I’m not a snob I’m just calling it like I see it.</p>
<p>I’ve heard that before though. People think your only choice is working in a museum (Which , I think is wonderful. I’ve always loved museums.) but , the reality is that , in order to work as a curator in a museum , one needs a PhD. One CAN obtain a position in an auction house with a bachelor’s degree , even though high degrees are , of course , more desired.</p>
<p>Now I’m confused about whether to take it or not. </p>
<p>IBfootballer is reiterating what I’ve previously heard (and what prompted me to write this thread lol) , but I sympathize with henrymoore and CaliforniaDancer that , if I’m interested in Art and had the course available to take , would it not show a lack of interest in intended major if I just pass on the AP for it?</p>
<p>Wondering if it would be good or bad to call schools like Princeton and Williams and ask to speak to someone in admissions about it?</p>
<p>Atypical – I think you misread IB’s post… I believe he is saying if you COuld take it and you didn’t THAT would look bad to the schools.</p>
<p>Perhaps people suggest NOT taking APs in your chosen major because they will most likely not accept it for credit… example… AP music theory for music majors. Most music schools will not accept the credit, but the knowledge certainly would be useful.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. I’m totally to the point of overanalyzing. It would be nice to just study what you’re interested in and try to do well. lol</p>
<p>I thinks its great that you’re perusing your passions, but the financial aspect really needs to be at least in your viewing window when you’re considering potential majors.</p>
<p>My cousin is a Columbia grad, except he got an degree in English and religious studies. While he originally wanted to become a writer but now he can’t find a good job that he can use his skills on (which means he won’t take the job). Moral of the story? While its great that you have a passion to pursue your dreams, and investment of 200,000 dollars should not be taken lightly. Especially for majors like art history, where there are almost no Fall-backs (vs English, which you could go to law or something), its wise to have a back up plan, just in case in the future, you change your opinions on the importance of balanced finances in your life.</p>
<p>I think Oscar Wilde once said, "When I was younger I thought that money was the most important thing in life; now that I am old I know that it is. "</p>
<p>So all i’m trying to say is that perhaps you should learn a bid of technical skills on the side that may remotely interest you, and just in case it doesn’t work out, you can still earn a comfortable living.</p>
<p>I am aware of how much tuition costs , and how tuition becomes more expensive each year. It’s difficult , going to a good school for an undergrad degree alone reaches , as you said , 200,000.00 which is very expensive.</p>
<p>I know the importance of money and how miserable it can be not to have any. lol It seems like the only careers and areas in which I’m interested are not the “safe” ones. I am certain that I couldn’t bear to be tied down to an office , sitting behind a desk from 9-5, staring out the window , wondering how many hours until lunch or until you punch your card for the day. I’ve thought about business school but…it’s not a passion. I think there are two types of people who pursue business degrees , those who love to “play the game” (i.e. people like Donald Trump) , and those who , unabashedly , want to make a lot of money. I don’t knock them , I just want to be true to myself and honor my interests and inclinations. I’m not trying to argue with you at all , I ‘get’ where you are coming from. I appreciate the advice. I wasn’t aware that one couldn’t really use a degree in Art history to go on to grad school , it they were so inclined or felt the need?</p>
<p>I wonder how it would work if I had a minor in something like English? Or is it only the major that matters?</p>
<p>For example , Major in Art History with a minor in English? Or Major in Art History with a minor in Classics.</p>
<p>I had no idea there were so many overachieving bright youg minds that I was up against. lol ;)</p>