<p>Hi all,</p>
<p>[I'm sorry if I'm posting in the wrong place, this is my first time around here]</p>
<p>I'm running into some logistical issues at my schedule that are making it challenging for me to add AP statistics to my schedule, which is a class that I am rather interested in taking (I'm a junior).</p>
<p>I am very confident in my ability to self-study the material and get a 5 on the test (I am well into the college math curriculum, and I think the stats material is itself trivial), though I was wondering if this wouldn't carry as much weight as taking the <em>actual class</em> and getting it on my transcript when it comes around to college apps.</p>
<p>While I am not worried exactly about not having enough AP <em>classes</em> done (by the end of junior year I will have finished 8), I was wondering if it would be in my interest to slug it out with the guidance office and try to get the class onto my schedule.</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for what I know will be helpful comments and suggestions.</p>
<p>“While I am not worried exactly about not having enough AP <em>classes</em> done (by the end of junior year I will have finished 8), I was wondering if it would be in my interest to slug it out with the guidance office and try to get the class onto my schedule.”
- Don’t worry, that’s plenty. </p>
<p>I think it will be easier to take the class itself - self-studying for statistics is doable, but taking the actual course is probably the easiest option. As for college apps, it’s not going to make a significant difference if you self-study the course or if you take it at your high school, as you already have so many APs. Alternatively, it’ll probably be easiest if you just take the class during the senior year.</p>
<p>There are benefits to both self-studying and taking the class, I think. I had the same problem with my schedule last year, an AP class I wanted to take conflicted with another class I had to take. At first I tried to set up an independent study for the AP and I tried to work it out with teachers, but in the end I thought it would be easier to just wait until my senior year and hope it fits into my schedule then. I think self-studying AP statistics and getting a 5 is definitely possible, especially if you consider yourself a solid math student. With self-studying you can move at your own pace and work on what you need to, whereas in a class I personally feel more motivation to study and get work done (plus it’s easier to ask questions and such). As far as college goes, since you’re already taking other AP classes, it doesn’t matter much which option you choose. Taking it as a class would add another AP to your schedule and show you could handle it, while self-studying would show that you had the motivation to study for something and do well alongside your school classes. Either way, a 5 on an AP test is always impressive and will most likely get you college credit and show you can handle college statistics!</p>