Importance of AP's

<p>I keep reading on here that AP's and the amount of them that you take is so important for college. I have a bit of a problem. I go to a really small school (graduating 55 this year) and the school simply doesn't offer the courses. Does that mean I should've taken a great amount of initiative and self-studied? </p>

<p>We do have the opportunity to take courses from the local CC taught by high school teachers, but they are not geared at all to the AP tests. The highest score anyone from our school has received in the last 10 years is a 3. No one takes the tests because the courses just aren't designed to prepare the students for the test.</p>

<p>Am I in a bad place for this or will Admissions take this into consideration? I didn't really have the opportunity to take the classes for the tests, so should I be penalized for it? Just want some opinions on this as it has been bothering me for quite some time now.</p>

<p>maybe instead of taking the classes at the CC you should self study some "easier" ones (the history ones, etc) or ones that you're interested in. it sounds like you might be better off with a textbook and kaplan review book than in a CC class.</p>

<p>i don't know if you're EXPECTED to go that route... i think it depends on what tier college you're looking at. but since a lot (most?) high school kids take at least 1-2 ap classes, you don't want that to be a weak spot on your application if you can help it.</p>

<p>I'm looking at top-tier colleges including ivy league, so it probably will be the weak spot in my application. Do you think that the ad. offices will take it into consideration though that my high school didn't offer it? They might EXPECT me to take them because they are the highest tier of schools, but if they are not offered in classes, how much am I at fault? Also, if it helps any, I do plan on taking AP exams at the conclusion of my senior year.</p>

<p>Had anyone made it to top schools from your school?
If yes than you better off looking at what those students have done than getting random information.
If you are the first one to apply to top schools, then concentrate on making the Essay reflect that and make your case by showing the passion and initiative to apply.
I think top school do take into account the availability of the courses before making any judgement.</p>