So when I was picking my courses last year (I am going into my junior year), I had signed up for AP English, but there was a conflict with my AP Calculus BC class (since both take place in one period), and basically, I am unable to take AP Language and Composition.
How will colleges react to this on my application? I wasn’t really interested in taking this class in the first place. I got As in honors English classes in the past, but I don’t feel confident about taking the AP exam, nor do I believe I have time for all the homework with my extracurriculars this year, which includes starting 1-2 new clubs, finishing up Boy Scouts things, practicing for AMC12.
I plan on majoring in CS at major institutions, and this year I am taking AP CS Principles (I took CS A last year, along with Statistics), AP Calculus BC, AP Physics 1, and AP US History. From what I’ve gathered, these major institutions would prefer their students to take English at their schools. So what negative effects will not taking AP Lang, specifically due to scheduling issues, have on my college admissions?
Additionally, I do plan on taking UCONN ECE AP English Literature, as it will give me college credit at UCONN, since it is my state college and I will be applying there.
If the guidance counselor manages to get the issue resolved, I still don’t feel comfortable taking a course simply because it will make my schedule more rigorous. I honestly just signed up for the challenge, but the summer assignment was not only confusing, but poorly explained, and that really hurts my image of the class and only teacher.
English has never been a strong point for me. I do have the ability to concisely explain my point, but taking an AP course for English isn’t as interesting to me. My parents really want me to take this course, but I’m really not interested in it. I’ve had As in previous honors English classes, even with the most difficult teachers, but this is a step too far for me.
If this course was a make or break for my application (like AP Calculus is), then yeah, I would’ve taken it. But considering that I’ll probably end up with a 2 or 3 on the exam, I really don’t know what to do.
If I end up not taking AP Lang, then I probably will take Honors English. Added bonus is that I can get a recommendation letter from either teacher for Honors English 11. One teacher I had last year and I was somewhat one of his favorite students, and the other I actually had in 6th grade (he was a programming teacher) and again in 9th grade.
Take Honors English now and ECE Lit next year, and don’t worry about it. Your schedule is quite rigorous already and taking Honors English v. AP Language won’t make or break your application.