<p>I'm new to this.. so I hope this is the right area to post this.
But anyway, I'm just curious if the fact that my highschool doesn't offer AP classes would affect my chances of getting into a fairly competitive school. My grades are all very high at my school (90%-95%) and I'm taking the most challenging classes that my school offers. Do you think this would make a significant difference when schools are looking at my classes?</p>
<p>If you take advantage of all the opportunities available to you, they won't dock you for not taking AP's at all.</p>
<p>Agree with cmjdjm. However, it never hurts to look for opportunities beyond your HS--for instance taking college courses or attending competitive summer programs/internships that show that you can do high level work and are willing to search out challenges where ever you can find them.</p>
<p>I agree with the wise ones, above. Colleges won't penalize you for not taking classes your high school doesn't offer, but they do want to see that you've taken advantage of challenge offered at your school in whatever form its offered. Your counselor should explain what this means in their school report (part of Common App.) It also doesn't hurt to show additional interest by taking classes, camps, other opportunities outside of school.</p>
<p>you're actually kind of lucky...</p>
<p>my high school doesn't have AP either and I'm going to Vanderbilt in the fall....</p>
<p>they can't hold it against you if you weren't able to take AP classes. however, if you want to take AP classes over the internet or something, then they will see that as taking initiative. it's all in the context of your school.</p>
<p>My high school is actually moving away from APs. We used to offer a lot but we only plan on keeping a few. I'm a senior and my class is the first to be effected by this decesion. According to the college counselors, this has been one of the most successful years EVER.</p>
<p>AP tests are a great way to earn college credit but high school shouldn't hold their teachers hostage to teaching towards the AP tests. I think my high school's made a great decesion. My only fear was how it would effect the college admissions process but it obviously hasn't hurt us at all. You're definitely fine.</p>
<p>Neither does mine. However, if you're in the toughest stream your school offers, with a little extra prep you should be able to take the AP exams on your own.</p>