<p>I go to one of the most selective high schools in the state of Florida, and the United States. Its a public magnet called " Design and Architecture Sr. High." Anyways being the motivated student that I am, I have exhausted all available AP resources in my school. Next year the only APs I can take are AP Lit, AP 2-D portfolio (they force us), AP Environmental Science, AP World History, and AP Government. I know it sucks. On top of that AP Calc conflicts with one of my required classes. Now I was considering talking to the principal to "skip" the required class somehow, but I am not hopeful, since my school is evil. I took 7 AP tests this year (for 4 of those I had classes) and now im left with nothing. There is nothing more that can take in place of these horrible APs (Environmental, World) except like " Anatomy and Physiology Honors" which is crap. I have looked outside my school with the dual enrollment program, where I also take classes. I dont know what to do, all my resources are at their max. How will Harvard react to this? Im doing everything possible to maintain the strongest courseload while working on my community service project and working construction on the weekends to help my mom out ( Yes I am an under $40,000 a year family URM) What do you guys suggest I do? Take the stupid APs, or like I dont know. This sucks so much. I have even tried to start AP classes with no luck. ( Virtual School, Dual Enrollemnt, Independent study are all exhausted)</p>
<p>Have you checked out a local CC or university? They usually let HS kids take classes there.</p>
<p>Why does it have to be an AP class? You can do independent work in subjects of your interest area that don't necessarily correspond with an exam. I did 3 courses of this, researching Islamic Sharia Law in the Middle East, the Basques of France/Spain, and the impact of foreign exchange on international relations. I also did an internship with the third topic. Harvard interviewers and others have told me and my school, and another student from this program that got in last year, that this independent work helps set you apart from other students. Almost everyone can take AP tests, but choosing your own topic, etc, and researching that shows intellectual curiosity and helps define your passions. </p>
<p>If this doesn't work, I recommend the local CC. However, beware that it is difficult to balance a college schedule (no time in class, lots of work at home) with a high school schedule (more time in class whether you want to or not, and less work at home).</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>My son completed all available high school math courses by eighth grade. Since it was difficult to get him to a local college because of the demands of his extra-curriculars, he took three college level math courses through the Stanford University Education Program for Gifted Youth (EPGY). These are "distance learning" courses, where they provide you with computer software and have a "tutor" available for questions etc. His courses were very challenging--all university level, but you can take up to 6 months to complete them, and you can start at the beginning of any month in the year. He then had the transcript sent to Harvard when he applied.</p>
<p>thx for your suggestions. and Donemom I think im gonna do the stanford online program, I signed up and it seems pretty interesting</p>
<p>why do you think environmental science is a "horrible AP?" it can be a really challenging class</p>
<p>I know its a challenging class. In my school its tough. The problem is that its not a "real" AP. For example, the top colleges dont give you credit for it because they dont consider it a real academic class. So its hard and its not considered much. I dont know what im gonna do. Every though my school is top ranked, it has terrible AP choices ( Ive basically exhausted its APs). So ill have to see next year, and now AP calc conflicts with a required class. I hate this so much.... Im gonna have to take stupid Honors calc</p>
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<p>the top colleges dont give you credit for it </p>
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<p>Even if it is true that some colleges won't give you college credit for it (I have no idea), it does not follow that they won't give you ADMISSIONS credit for it -- in other words, take into account that you're doing everything to challenge yourself and succeeding in a tough curriculum. Worry about college credit later...take what you can and talk to your counselor about explaining to colleges that you worked within the schedule available to make the toughest possible program.</p>