<p>I noticed how colleges look for a "rigorous course load". It seems that people who take harder classes and challenge themselves tend to do better in these college admittance circumstances. I am wondering about how self-studying APs compare to a rigorous course load.</p>
<p>For example, how would a person who takes 6APs Junior year in school compare to one who takes 3 APs in school and self-studies 3 other APs?</p>
<p>My main question is whether or not taking APs in school yields more benefits than self studying. </p>
<p>However, wouldn’t self-studying also mean that one can manage their time wisely and that they are quite smart?</p>
<p>Self study of standard courses is not the point of high school. Take the courses. Get good/exceptional grades. Participate in class discussions. Get the interest and support of the AP teachers, and perhaps even strong recommendations from them. That’s the point, and that’s how college admissions officers see it. They are not looking for “smart” in some abstract fashion. They are looking for prospective students who will be an asset to the college. Are you planning to “self study” when you are in college? If so what is the point of the college? If you self study in high school how will they be able to gauge how you will fit in with other students in college, and how you will contribute in seminar courses, and so on …</p>
<p>Thanks fogcity, that made a lot of sense! </p>
<p>What if I am self studying AP calc AB in sophomore year to be able to take Calc BC junior year and Calc 2 (I will have to go to a community college) in senior year?</p>