<p>Ok so at my school, it sucks. It's unfair to high school students new to the district. For instance, I'm a sophomore and have only taken ONE honors course (honors bio) because it's the only one I have been able to take. However, if you grew up in the district and were classified as gifted then you're able to take all honors classes in 9th grade and start APs in 10th. This year I am taking 3 AP tests but my school also offers the AP classes (bio, psych, gov). I am shooting for some top universities like Michigan and Stanford. By the time I graduate I am looking at around 4 or 5 AP classes but around 8-12 AP tests. Instead of taking the APs though I am taking honors classes which interest me much more. Am I wise to take the tests without the classes? Or should I follow what universities look for (AP classes) instead of following my passions?</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p>PS: The not having AP courses available to me also kills my class rank because about 1/15 of my class can take more APs then the rest of us and they get the honor points =[.</p>
<p>Studying independently for tests is great. You're on the right track.</p>
<p>There's nothing you can really do about the class rank thing, though. Perhaps mention it in the app.</p>
<p>What's more important though, the class or the test?</p>
<p>Bump. Only bump I'll do cause I don't like to be annoying. =]</p>
<p>"Or should I follow what universities look for (AP classes) instead of following my passions?"
WHOA. No. Noooo. Never do something because you think it'll look better. Do what you feel is for YOU. Scroo the colleges. </p>
<p>And its all good to do just the tests and not the classes. In fact, I think the colleges would consider you waaay smarter if youre able to do the tests without a "formal" preparation. Example, my HS is lame-o, and so im doing AP physics C and AP Calc BC independently since my HS doesnt offer it.
Oh, and, if your nice enough, a convenient counselor's recommendation (this person is smart cuz they did Ap stuff without a class), can override the faulty rank system.</p>
<p>TAG people actually don't get to take all the honors classes freshman year. We actually can only take two; Honors American Lit./Writing and Honors Bio.</p>
<p>Okay, I admit that we get to take sophomore classes freshman year.</p>
<p>
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Example, my HS is lame-o, and so im doing AP physics C and AP Calc BC independently since my HS doesnt offer it.
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</p>
<p>Our high school doesn't offer Physics C, nor does it even offer Physics B.</p>
<p>Ok I was just trying to make a point that those kids get more advanced classes. I had no way of getting into accelerated classes because I didn't know about test out or anything. I got AGS II but that was my only higher level class.</p>