Self studying some AP exams

Applying to College
1

<p>My school offers around 30 of the 37 AP classes. However, students are severely stricted in the number of classes that they may actually take. My question is: will self studying some AP classes be a waste of time or will it make me look good? </p>

<p>Most people at my school have around 4-9 AP classes by graduation. However, if I self study, I'm looking at having 12-14 by the time I graduate. </p>

<p>Will top schools look at this favorably?</p>

<p>Also, if I don't self study, I'll have only 9 or 10 AP classes. If I do, I can pull it up to like 13-15.</p>

2

<p>Your options are not mutually exclusive…</p>

3

<p>What do you mean by that?</p>

4

<p>You should definitely do it if you think you can handle it. Most colleges will look favorably on a student that self studies. You might even put a note on your app (or have your counselor do it in the rec) saying that APs at the school are limited and you self studied blah blah blah subjects. Just make sure you can do well on all these tests and that you dont bite off more than you can chew.</p>

5

<p>What colleges are you looking at?</p>

<p>I think in general it will look good by colleges and shows self-motivation. However, I don’t feel any colleges will hold it against you that you are not allowed to take more AP classes.</p>

6

<p>I’m aspiring to get into HYPSM but realistically, I’m not sure yet. </p>

<p>Will doing biology, human geography, and environmental science on my own be feasible? </p>

<p>I’m currently taking calculus BC, physics B, psychology, and english language in school. </p>

<p>I took world history last year as a sophomore and got a 5.</p>

<p>Thanks for the help</p>

7

<p>Anyone else? bump</p>

8

<p>If where you want to study and what you want to study --will make use of the APs then try self studying for a few…
but realize that many schools univ give nothing for some of the AP tests…
no adv standing, etc and so be careful which you choose to pursue…</p>

<p>when looking at what our student wants to study–some of the APs like APUSH, AP Environ, AP Psych etc are worthless at certain schools…not even as an elective…
so before you try to do the extra–decide if they are any advantage…</p>

<p>if its about having a ton of AP tests…to look competitive…also consider what else will be on your resume so to speak–
sports
music
a part time job
etc…
the APs may not be worth your time…kwim
good luck ;o)</p>