<p>Hey guys, I'm 16 and I am a going into my junior year of high school I moved to a different city recently and the high schools out here are not letting me join ap classes because they say it is too late because school is about to start in like two weeks. I could go to my old school and take ap classes but it is a half an hour train ride back and forth every morning and afternoon, which sucks compared to the school that is like 2 blocks away from my house. With today's competition I doubt that I will get into any top schools anyway, and almost all the kids end up going to the local community college anyway. Should I just skip AP classes because I know I am going to end up at the community college anyway because of todays competition. My friend had a 4.2 gpa and had to end up going to the local community college. Plus, its cheaper. I know AP classes give you college credit, but I dont mind taking those classes in college. My choice is to ride the train back and forth everyday and take AP classes and MAYBE get into a good college but bust my butt for two years (possiby ending up having to go to the community college) or Going to the school next to me, not taking AP classes, just regular, and definitely ending up going to the community college. I pick #2, what do you guys think and why?</p>
<p>There’s a lot of schools between the Ivy League and a community college. You could go to your state flagship, which won’t be as cheap as a community college but will probably give you a lot more options after graduation. And even if you can’t get into your state flagship there are a lot of 4-year-colleges that are a lot less competitive. I’d say try your hardest in school - don’t limit your options because of a one-hour commute.</p>
<p>Or you could go to a community college but transfer to a 4-year-school. A lot of people do that too.</p>
<p>You’re too pessimistic. I’m like the dumbest student ever (no AP classes, flat 4.00 GPA, average SAT/SAT II scores, minimal extracurricular activities, etc.) and I managed to make it to a fairly decent college.</p>
<p>Now, it is an undisputed fact that AP classes help A LOT with college admissions. However, if you really aren’t aiming for the top-tier schools, you can most certainly just breeze through high school taking regular classes. If your stats aren’t abysmal, you will be able to get into something above the CC level, even if you do not take any AP classes whatsoever. If you don’t, though, just know that going to CC is actually a very reasonable option.</p>
<p>Ultimately, I can’t answer your question. The amount of sweat and tears you’re willing to put into your high school career determines which college you’ll be accepted to as an undergraduate. You can be lazy like me, or you can choose to overachieve like most of the people on this forum do~</p>
<p>Take the AP classes if you like the topic.
Don’t if you don’t. </p>
<p>Your options are NOT ivy or cc. Common sense should tell you that.</p>
<p>Are there any honors classes? You could also try self-studying some easy APs (like human geo or psych from what I’ve heard). Just because you don’t think you’ll get into an Ivy doesn’t mean you have to go to a CC. Maybe your friend with the 4.2 couldn’t afford anything other than community college.</p>
<p>You could always self study. I honestly don’t think it’s worth it to risk your physical health going between schools back and forth everyday. Also, liven up a little. I’m sure you’ll get into a good college because you’re ambitious.</p>