I am scheduling for my freshman year right now. The only AP class being offered is AP Computer Science Principals. I am in no way interested in anything tech related but also want to take advantage of all the APs offered at my school (not many). Any advice?
I honestly don’t recommend taking an AP if you are not interested in it. I did this with Physics this year, and it was one of the worst mistakes I’ve made. Because you are not interesting in anything tech related, AP Computer Science Principles would not benefit you too much.
Best of luck and have a nice day.
It’s a class designed for students who aren’t interested in CS, to show them all the facets of the discipline.
As long as you have your 5 core classes (English, Math, Foreign Language, Social Science/History, Science) you should be free to try it.
In addition, it’d be a good introduction to a rigorous class.
Ask the GC: if you find the class too difficult, what alternatives would you have (an elective, a study hall, dropping not allowed???) If you don’t take it, does it jeopardize the “most rigorous” indication for colleges?
It depends on the level of selectivity of the colleges you’re interested in going to.
AP CS principles may be good for general knowledge about CS and how it relates to other things (it is intended to be suitable for students who will not be CS majors in college, as well as those who are undecided).
APCSP has the reputation of being the easiest and least rigorous of all AP classes. But it should be an easy A and boost your GPA/class rank, so at least there’s that.
Don’t take an AP just to get into a “good college” – there are plenty of colleges out there that are “good” and they don’t want to see every single AP offered at your school on your particular transcript. Believe me!
Schools would much rather see who you are as a person, reflected in the things you choose to study and the things you do outside of classes. Take what classes that interest you, and do ECs that actually interest you, unless you’re the sort of person who checks whatever boxes some amorphous fear or because of some anonymous person on the Internet tells you to do.
You do you.
“Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.”
That being said: computer science is something, that’s great to have as a foundation. Check your conscience and see if you mildly don’t want to take it (in which case you might want to try it) or if you really loathe the thought of it (in which case spend your time doing something you prefer).
CS Principles has been designed to interest kids who aren’t interested in CS.
DD is taking AP CSP, and even though she loves it, it is NOT as easy as @damon30 makes it out to be. Her class had four upperclassmen drop it due to the homework load. Like many AP classes, it IS a lot of work, whether or not you find the subject matter difficult. It is an introductory class, but it takes time outside of class to learn and write your code. Our school offers non-AP level CS classes as an option, but every school is different. Talk to teachers, guidance counselors, or kids who have taken the class to get a sense of how much time is necessary.
OP, I wouldn’t worry one bit about taking AP electives that don’t interest you. Colleges don’t rank students based on the number of APs taken, and AP classes are only one way to demonstrate rigor. When possible, for sure take the highest level classes available to you in the areas related to what you want to study in college. Then work out the rest from there.
@Groundwork2022 - My info was the usual forum self-reported and anecdotal. Since it’s a fairly new AP class, it’s possible that the initial instructors were not up to speed and the course experience suffered. Maybe now the rigor is where it should be.
No, it’s not as rigorous as other APs. However it is appropriate for freshmen and Sophomores like AP HumanGeo, in that it’s much easier than a college course but a big step up compared to 8-9th usual classes.
It is also designed for kids who aren’t interested in the subject - unlike most APs, which are designed for kids who like a subject and want to be challenged in it. So all in all the general advice - don’t take a class just because it’s an AP- is 100% sound… Except for the two subjects above, which are designed as introductions for students who like intellectual challenges but aren’t necessarily interested in the subject.
Don’t take an AP just to take an AP freshman year. See how you do in your honors classes. If all goes well, then maybe add an AP next year.
I personally think your better off taking an elective that interests you even if it is’t AP or even honors.
Take clep exams if you want college credit and your college accepts them. They’re easier, typically all multiple choice, and free through modern states. I’ve done quite a lot of clep exams and I can confidently say that they’re far easier than AP exams.
It really dosen’t take much studying. I have a 67 in precalc right now and I don’t understand in class and I passed the precalc clep exam and I have college credit for it.
The one thing though is that it’s not really an achievement like getting a 5 on AP exam. You wouldn’t brag to colleges about your perfect clep exam score.
Yes sometimes. I have no interest in english, but I am taking AP Lang because I know that english is important for all aspects of college. If it is something like AP Art history, then no, definitely don’t take it if you aren’t interested.