<p>I come from a very small international school (20 in my graduating class next year) that doesn't offer many AP courses. This year (junior year) I took AP Chemistry and AP Lang. Senior year I'm planning on taking AP Calculus and AP Literature. Because the schedule is very limited, I don't have much choice in classes. For one period I have a choice between AP Statistics and advanced programming. I have already taken Statistics this year (which covered about 70% of the AP material), so academically speaking it wouldn't be of much benefit. However, admissions wise as far as I know an AP class would be better.
I've also considered self-studying an AP during that period. As I'm aiming for an engineering/science/math based major, I'm looking at AP Physics (don't know which one!) and AP Computer Science. However, I'm worried about what colleges would think of this, as I won't have a grade as it is not an official class in addition to the fact that AP exams would come much later than college applications and acceptances.
Math and science wise I've only taken Pre-Calculus and normal Physics (which I presume is around honors level). Both courses haven't been really challenging for me (studying day before test, not paying much attention in class). I also got a 2220 on my SAT's (800m 740v 680w), in addition to tying for highest score on the Waterloo math competion in my grade with an AP-Calculus student. Which AP would be most suited for me?</p>
<p>All help and suggestions are greatly appreciated : )</p>
<p>Senior Year AP is worthwhile if the colleges that you are applying to actually grant credit for exam results. Check the individaul college websites. </p>
<p>If you objective for self-studying an AP during senior year is to help your college application, then it will NOT help, due to the reasons you gave in the first quote (lack of a grade or test score before decisions are made).</p>
<p>If your objective is either to get college credit or placement, or simply for academic enrichment, then self-studying and AP could be useful (though it wouldn’t be necessary to take the test for the latter reason).</p>
<p>I agree with entomom. I don’t think it will have any impact on your admissions application at all. There will be no mention of it on your transcript - and frankly - no proof that you have actually done the self-study until you take (and do well) on the exam. By that time, you will already have been accepted by colleges. The ONLY difference an AP exam would make at that point is to get you college credit. And you say that is not your goal.</p>
<p>If you want to do it for your own personal enrichment - fine. But I can’t see it having any impact on admissions.</p>
<p>Perhaps you could ask your school if they would sponsor EPGY courses. One of our local high schools pays for student EPGY courses where there are too few students to run a classroom course.</p>