there is a scheduling conflict with my classes where i cannot take AP lit, AP psych and AP gov since they are all only offered the same period (and we can only have two classes per period). however, there is one open spot in my schedule a different period. i could probably independent study AP psychology on a semester or a/b schedule in school along with self studying a bit at home, but the only thing is that i want to prospectively major in bio and psych. if i independent study/self study that class and want to major in it, would it look bad to colleges that i chose another class over that one?
No. Colleges understand that scheduling conflicts happen. You can also have your GC state that on his/her rec.
Having said that, if you want to self study AP Psych, feel free. But there is no expectation from any college that you need to do so because your schedule can’t accommodate the class.
Make sure you have taken AP Bio…i say that because most other Bio students will have. Psychology 101 is not something they have assumed you have taken…
Also realize some colleges won’t accept the AP credit if you didn’t actually take the class. You should check with the colleges on your list to see if they will accept the credit before you put in all that time and effort.
My D self studied AP psych because she was interested and our school didn’t offer it. She got a 5, and was able to,show her interest in psych on her app. If there is genuine interest, go for it.
There is a whole test froum here on CC, move this question there, you will get more results.
I am not aware of any colleges where this is the case, but I’ll be happy to have you prove me wrong.
Putting on my moderator hat, the post is in the correct place. The AP Test forum is for questions related to the test itself; the OP’s question is related to the effect on college admissions.
^ I believe that’s probably a misinterpretation/misunderstanding. Schools will not consider an self-studied AP test for GPA (or possibly admission - though there are some one-offs). But many schools will take a high AP score for class credit.