<p>My school has a general limit of 3 APs for juniors, although there are some exceptional kids that take 4. However, because of all sorts of limitations, I am only able to take 2 APs this year. Since I will be compared to others from my school, would having only 2 APs while many others have 3/4 hurt my chances greatly?</p>
<p>Because of the 2 APs situation, I will be self-studying several APs on my own. Is doing well on self-studied AP exams enough to compensate for not taking the class at school? My counselor tells me that colleges prefer for students to actually take the class, but since I won't be able to do so, would self-studying be just as impressive? At the same time, does having self-studied AP score show colleges that I have the willingness to work hard on my own? Thanks for reading this and please give me some advice.</p>
<p>You have literally nothing to worry about. </p>
<p>While it is true that you will be compared with other people from your school, taking 2 AP’s instead of 3 or 4 is not as big of a deal as people make it out to be. Your schedule’s limitations are clearly not your fault, so make the most of it by achieving the highest possible grades. Instead, focus on things you can actually change… such as extracurricular opportunities that will set you apart from the people in your school that you are competing with.</p>
<p>I really do not think that self-studying helps as much as a lot of people seem to believe. I wouldn’t say it’s a waste of time because learning new things isn’t a waste by any means, but if you’re just doing it to try and impress colleges I would say save your time and use it elsewhere.</p>
<p>I concur with the above post don’t waste your time self studying AP classes when you can use your time to something much more meaningful such as EC’s from a college aspect</p>