<p>ive been on lots of college help forums, and when ever i ask which courses i should take, they say the hardest, or "most challenging" ones. I agree, but heres the problem:</p>
<p>Ive applied and was admitted to one (if not the best) of the best High Schools in Saudi Arabia. They run a mixed curriculum, where they have general subjects that they provide as a "staple" for every student, all year. "Math, Chemistry, Biology, Physics,Geology, English, Arabic, Religious Studies, Art...etc" complimented by seemingly good and attractive electives. THEY DONT HAVE APs!!! </p>
<p>Ive looked at their admissions package booklet (which I must admit was very well done) and under their Alumni (Im going to think that they mean colleges that have accepted their graduates) they have got everything from the Ivies, to Oxford, to even Tokyo University! All of this with out APs?</p>
<p>Do you really need APs this much? Do they give you the opportunity to inform the admissions board/counselor that your school does NOT have APs?</p>
<p>APs aren’t the epitome of all high school courses. Colleges that you’ll apply to in the States will probably see the rigor of your schedule in its context.</p>
<p>However, you can always self-study APs. There is a good guide on how to in the AP Prep forum.</p>
<p>Anyone who wants to pay the money, can take any of the AP exams. Some high schools offer courses designed to specifically prepare students for these exams. Some don’t. It is not a problem that your HS doesn’t offer this kind of courses. When you apply to colleges/universities in the US, your counselor will send information that describes your school’s academic program. They will understand that you are taking challenging courses.</p>
<p>The important thing for you to know is that a number of graduates from your HS have been admitted to very high-ranking colleges and universities. Clearly the top institutions know about your HS, and like the kinds of graduates it produces.</p>
<p>My daughter’s school only offers AP courses in some departments, and strictly limits the number of such courses a student can take. It’s really no big deal.</p>