<p>Several weeks into senior year I keep asking myself this.
I decided over the summer to take 6 AP classes this year, so my day is pretty intense.
When I get home, I spend the majority of my time working on homework, in EC's or working part time (I have to work around 20 hours a week). In addition to those things, I'm finishing up my eagle project in what little free time I have left.
Now, I really wonder what this is for though. My top choice college is Northwestern...
but even if I'm admitted it's likely the cost will keep from attending.
(and don't even mention fin.aid.- I talked to NU and the money they said I'll likely get is not enough to make it affordable for me, or my family).
THAT SAID- since I'm pretty sure i won't be going there, and attending a state school instead, I don't feel like trying so hard anymore.
Is anyone else feeling like this? Surely I'm not the only one.</p>
<p>PS: I know what I said, but this doesn't mean I'm giving up in school! So don't post things like "keep trying!" I will, my personality would never let me stop, I'm just curious as to who else is feeling like they don't need to push themselves so hard.</p>
<p>Is it too late to make an adjustment in your schedule? Six AP classes and a 20 hour per week job plus applying to college sounds very overwhelming to me.</p>
<p>I agree with siliconvalleymom. If you need to work 20 hrs/wk, it’s going to be very rough to keep up your GPA with 6 APs. Colleges will take into account your need to work - especially if you are helping to support your family or paying for your own tuition - so one more or less AP is unlikely to make any difference.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that writing compelling application essays is hard work too and you need some time to do it.</p>
<p>While 6 APs is similar in rigor to the IB (albeit a bit less rigorous by some comparisons), and the IB is doable and well worth it, I would not have done as well as I did in IB or had as positive of an experience had I worked 20 hours a week.</p>
<p>Colleges respect the commitments you make to working. I’d recommend easing up on the APs and trying to survive high school with your soul intact.</p>
<p>One of the many good things about state schools is they give lots of credit for AP. Look up their AP transfer chart and adjust your AP’s accordingly. You do need to balance your senior year to allow for application essays and time to maybe apply for some scholarships. You also don’t want to start college feeling burned out.</p>
<p>If you end up going to your state U, at least all that hard work senior year will give you a ton of credits when you walk in the door (assuming you pass all of your AP tests).</p>
<p>ince I’m pretty sure i won’t be going there, and attending a state school instead, I don’t feel like trying so hard anymore.
Is anyone else feeling like this? Surely I’m not the only one.</p>
<p>Well, you might have other options…</p>
<p>*I live in Illinois. I have done well in HS and have gotten a list together of all schools I want to apply to.
2 of those are public schools are in IL.
4 are VERY expensive private universities (over 50k a year).
2 are out of state Public universities.
The in-state schools will total around 25k~26k per year.
My parents already have 5 semesters of IL state college tuition paid for (which CAN be given to my sister or sold. These aren’t the issue here.)</p>
<p>The problem is, I have almost no interest in attending public college in Illinois.
My first choice school is 59,000 a year (it’s actually only a 45 min drive from my house). My second choice will be around 38,000 a year. My EFC is high… my parents haven’t told me, but they vaguely said something about low 30’s. I’m guessing it’s around 33,000.
They don’t want me to go to an expensive school, and they believe any school other than he two $26,000 publics aren’t even worth the money.
*</p>
<p>I have a 31 ACT and 3.75 GPA.
Also, my parents have the money to pay for all of the EFC (yes, 33k is the federal one).
My parents will not allow me to take out a Stafford loan.</p>
<p>Can you clarify? </p>
<p>Are your parents still willing to pay the $33k or are they now saying a lower amount?</p>