<p>I was looking at what kind of credit Chicago gives for AP scores (knowing that they don't give a lot) and was wondering what kind of effect it would have on my experience at Chicago and also to clear up some of my confusion.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>If I get a 4 or 5 on my Calc BC test, does that mean that I satisfy my math requirements, WITHOUT taking the O-week math placement test?</p></li>
<li><p>What exactly is the Evolution of the Natural World sequence? Is it basically an extended "Rocks for Jocks" kind of thing because it seems geared at humanities/social sciences students? Do people like it? It says that "courses must be taken in sequence", but I have a 4 on my AP chem test which gives me "two quarters of 10000-level PHSC". Since this sequence is four quarters of 10000-levels then does that mean I just need to take the first two?</p></li>
<li><p>Do a lot of Core classes change from year to year? Which ones are always offered? Is it even worth it to try to plan all this out now? I want to figure all of this out so early because I need to decide which AP tests to actually take.</p></li>
<li><p>What's the point of elective credit? Is it just for those people who are really into one specific subject and don't want to take anything but say, math? Is there any limit to amount of elective credit you can get? If not, I will probably get 12 or 15 credits which seems like more than I would ever use. Is there a minimum of credits needed for graduation that need to be taken at Chicago in Chicago classes?</p></li>
<li><p>Would it be better to get as much AP credit as possible or would it be worth it to take the class? I'm in no hurry to graduate early or anything, but I'm pre-law (oh, the shame of preprofessionalism) and am aiming for a high GPA (3.7+) and am hoping that a lighter schedule will help me in this. I also want a light courseload because I want the freedom to really get into a class and do exceptionally well, not just enough to get an A- or A.</p></li>
<li><p>What do most students do with their AP credit? I can't be alone in having so much.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>As you can tell, I'm very confused by all the options b/c I probably have enough AP credit for sophomore standing at other schools.</p>
<p>If anyone is interested, my AP tests are as follows</p>
<ol>
<li>AP English Literature</li>
<li>AP European History</li>
<li>AP Biology</li>
<li>AP Calculus BC</li>
<li>AP World History</li>
<li>AP US History</li>
<li>AP Chemistry</li>
</ol>
<p>and possibly</p>
<ol>
<li>AP Spanish</li>
<li>AP English Language</li>
<li>Government and Politics (both comparative and US)</li>
</ol>
<p>As a high school senior, I’m not exactly the most qualified to talk about this. But it’s my personal opinion that it’s a LOT better to take the classes, especially the core requirements. Their purpose is to connect the students, and to give them a common background. </p>
<p>You can only get up to 6 elective credits, no matter how many tests you take that are eligible for elective credit. For example, I took AP US my sophomore year and AP English Language and AP English Lit and AP Psych my senior year. AP Psych counts for nothing, and I didn’t need to take both English tests because only one counted (as I got 4 elective credits for AP US and thus 2 for AP English Language, 0 for Lit). As an English major, this qualifies me to graduate an entire year early. I’ve decided to stay through the fall and then take a leave of absence, save money, write my honors b.a., and do two journalism internships. Be wise in which tests you take if you know for sure you are coming to UChicago, because it’s best not to waste money or stress out by taking an exam if it’s unnecessary. Of course, I took the Psych exam knowing well that it wouldn’t count but my enthusiasm for the subject made me want to take the exam for fun. </p>
<p>Also, if you do have enough credit to graduate early, it is nice to not do so and then take a ton of classes that really interest you. Also, achieving a 3.7 is quite definitely not impossible, but you do have to put a lot of effort into every class. If you plan wisely with your AP credits, you can take 3 classes per quarter instead of four classes and thus not have as strenuous as a workload (and potentially receive higher grades). Good luck! And good work thinking of this sooner than later.</p>
<p>I’m still a bit confused: does the 6 being the max elective credits mean it only applies to electives, or does it count for AP tests that place you out of specific classes like Calculus, physics B etc?</p>
<p>Sorry for necro’ing this thread but I think I just found the answer for ponder’s question as well as still being interested in answers to questions 1, 3, and 5.</p>
<p>@ponder: In the 2008-2010 Course Catalog the University sent to EA admits, they seem to be saying that the limit only applies to electives and not all AP credit. Direct quote follows below</p>
<p>“NOTE: Credit for no more than six electives may be gained by examination.”</p>
<p>Edit: Oh, and I just read that a 4 for AP Bio gives me credit for the core Bio course, but (and this may just be my imagination playing tricks on me) I remembering reading that only a 5 for Bio would give me credit?</p>