<p>AP Physics wouldn't work out with my schedule. For that reason, I persuaded my counselor and the principal of our school to consider my special case: Do AP work, do AP labs, do AP tests, all during my CP Physics class in 3rd period and get the "AP" designation on my transcripts. This is an indication of my initiative and passion for learning and for taking advanced Physics, in my opinion, since I'm accepting all the extra hassle for a higher intellectual challenge. Do you think that adcoms at UCB and Stanford would think the same?</p>
<p>I don't want to come across as arrogant or anything, so step in my shoes and maybe you'll see what I'm trying to say :)</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>P.S. Or should I just forget about it? Haha. I really think that doing this and persuading the school to change their traditional policy is pretty significant.</p>
<p>I think it sounds arrogant. I think the college you mentioned expect this from a student. you don’t want them thinking that you consider it such a rare and special case.</p>
<p>This is a case whre you want to learn how your guidance counselor will describe this in his/her LoR. It IS a mark of your initiative and determination. Stanford does seem to like kids who can stretch in great ways. (My read.) Many kids self-study, but here you have an adult educator who can attest to this. See if the GC thinks his/her words will carry the impact alone or if you should mention the sched conflict. Good luck.</p>
<p>“If you self-study for APs, you can put it in the “additional information” box. If you’re writing an app like MIT’s app that requires you to report your courseload, just put your self-studied APs as a regular course and put (self-study) beside it. That should be sufficient.” quote from oasis post #24 . See CC thread below:</p>
<p>BTW, doing so would require me to attend labs during my 6th period class (leaving my elective occasionally) and also to dedicate time before and after school for things that would require my own time (in addition to studying, projects and HW, of course).</p>
<p>So…do you guys think I should stick with CP Physics and self-study (and indicate so on the commonapp), or continue with the “AP” process? The AP, if possible, would also have a GPA boost, and actually show that I took the AP Physics class. I guess I’m afraid that top universities will think that regular Physics isn’t good enough for them (even though I know that every single AP isn’t necessary).</p>
<p>I did call Stanford’s admissions, and the representative said that they won’t penalize me for not taking a class that I couldn’t take, but I have a feeling that not taking it will disadvantage me in the admissions process (S’s and also UCB’s).</p>
<p>And of course, CP Physics will kill me of boredom and lack of intellectual challenge if I stay.</p>
<p>Don’t know my major yet, but it might be undecided, CS, PS, IR, math, or education. I honestly have no passionate preference as of yet.</p>
<p>I have a pretty good track record (3 B’s so far) and am working toward a 2100-2300 SAT. I have a 4 and a 5 on AP exams, and probably good recs. 5 APs senior year. My ECs aren’t all that compared to most applicants, and probably average, but I do have a few accomplishments to emphasize, as well as potential hot-topics for essays. I’d like to think I have some chance, and it wouldn’t hurt to apply, since I would love to write the “Why x” essay since I do have some slight connection (really not that significant, but it might work).</p>
<p>BUT…the point’s about the class. Talk about it or not talk about it? Have “AP” on transcript or not (the other option would be ‘self-study’ and stick with regular Physics without the GPA boost)? Thanks! :)</p>
<p>In the two minutes an adcom spends scanning over your application, your decision of whether or not to include “AP” before the class on the transcript will not make an iota of a difference in his/her decision.</p>
<p>Like others said, if you want to emphasize your initiative to do well in physics, ask your guidance counselor to include this tidbit of information in his/her letter.</p>
<p>I think you need to start with he GC. Some of this is confusing- self study would get you the AP designation on the transcript (post 1)? Or, the choice is (post 15) have AP on the transcript or self-study on top of reg physics and not get a gpa boost-? Has this been approved- or you just got them to agree to consider it?</p>
<p>And, your major is undefined? See, one thing any top school is looking for is some sense you have chosen a direction and are pursuing it. (Even an undeclared usually shows directions in the curriculum and indicates somewhere/somehow what his interest are.) As a PS or IR major, reg physics is sufficient, esp with schedule conflicts. For math or CS, AP physics could be a better statement. But, my take on Stanford is that they like kids who have a unique drive and ability to climb out of the box- not just in academics, but in the ECs, as well. That energy and follow-through. Your GC will know best if this is the wise path, at all, for you.</p>
<p>^ “the choice is (post 15) have AP on the transcript or self-study on top of reg physics and not get a gpa boost-” is the correct one.</p>
<p>What do you mean by </p>
<p>“But, my take on Stanford is that they like kids who have a unique drive and ability to climb out of the box- not just in academics, but in the ECs, as well.” </p>
<p>Are you saying that getting the “AP” designation with the corresponding work without the taking the actual class itself is a positive for Stanford?</p>
<p>Saying I don’t understand the choices.<br>
Do you have the approval? Do they think you are capable of succeeding with this plan? Are you required to complete the reg physics class or just sit there and self-study? It would result in AP on transcript AND the gpa boost?</p>
<p>In general, IME, just self-studying doesn’t do the trick. Results matter. Many of the competition will have ss’d and gotten 4 or 5 scores. Let’s assume you can do that. So, to what end? Because you want another AP or because you are driven in physics or it matters to your major? </p>
<p>I don’t mean to rag on you- I do like the drive. But, it could be an issue that My ECs aren’t all that compared to most applicants. To show drive, the competition will have ECs related to the major- and then some. Depth and breadth. </p>
<p>I understand your desire to try for S. If this is about making the best stab possible, you may not serve yourself best by just adding another AP. You need to cultivate those ECs- make them back up this “drive.” Make any sense? Remember it’s holistic.</p>
<p>They want me to take advantage of my opportunities, and I’m creating an opportunity for myself if this works out…which sounds awesome :3</p>
<p>My EC’s range from being Director of Public Relations of Interact club to winning an international logo design contest to having a part time job 10th-11th to working in an on-campus Print Shop to volunteering for the PTSA and ABC to being yearbook editor to making websites to graphic design for 6 years to yadayadaydadayadyasdsad…you get the gist.</p>
<p>Yes, I do want AP Physics because I want AP Physics. CP Physics just doesn’t make the cut.</p>