<p>I am debating over whether or not to take AP English this next (my senior) year. Here's the situation:
-Bottom line: I hope to attend MIT or USMA after high school.
-Next year's courseload: AP Calc, AP Physics, AP Art History, AP German V, JROTC, Gov./Econoomics, and an english class (possibly AP English)
-I will be the JROTC Battalion Commander, soccer team captain, NHS president, science club president, and STUCO rep. this year.
-I have a 30 ACT <em>taken twice</em> (31 Reading, 31 English, 34 Math, 31 Science) and 2090 SAT <em>taken once</em> (770 Math, 720 Writing, 600 Reading)</p>
<p>My major concern is that I will be too busy managing time among my ECs and academics, and (since AP English is rumored in my school to take up over half of any senior's homework time; took up over 70% of my brother's) I am unsure of whether or not to take AP English, or instead enroll in a less rigorous english course. Additionally, I understand that my test scores are at or below the average level for one accepted to MIT. So, will I need AP English for acceptance or a better shot at it?
Thanks.</p>
<p>Important questions you should ask:
1. Will you enjoy this class? (ie. Is the teacher good, will you enjoy walking into that class room)
2. Will you do well in this class? (can you work through the challenges, I know I would've bombed if I had taken the hardest english course offered at my school)</p>
<p>These two questions are likely far more important than the affect taking the course has on your transcript.</p>
<p>I'd go with lastchancexi. You look like you've got way more enough to do. Looking for colleges/writing your apps will be like another class already.</p>
<p>You wrote:
"-I have a 30 ACT <em>taken twice</em> (31 Reading, 31 English, 34 Math, 31 Science) "</p>
<p>Are you sure about that math grade? </p>
<p>Jokes aside, it sounds like AP English could be overwhelming. Try writing out a theoretical schedule for your activities, season by season. Can you fit in the workload of AP English? Will it bring down your other grades?</p>
<p>Don't just take it for MIT. You know the acceptance rate there for white males is ridiculously low. If your EC's don't grab them, I doubt if another AP is going to matter.</p>
<p>Is the alternate english class still "honors" or something like that? Do you generally find english class to be easy, or do you invest a lot of time to get the grade?</p>
<p>How good are your time management skills? If you could improve them, that might give you that extra room in your schedule. If you already use every minute of the day, you might want to avoid another AP.</p>
<p>ACT scores are not evaluated as, "best individual scores from the two tests I took." They are always kept together as one set of test as reflected in the corresponding composite.</p>
<p>I think you need to think beyond MIT and consider schools that are more of a match for your scores and interests.</p>
<p>what do you mean by "more of a match for your scores and interests"? any suggestions? And yes, some schools do consider best test subscores...even for the ACT, such as USMA. The United States Military Academy at West Point (USMA) is actually my first choice (I have over half of the admissions process already taken care of), but I am also looking into MIT and Harvard, among other schools, as they would present an academic challenge and thus provide me with a rewarding experience. Additionally, they partner to form a strong co-op ROTC program.</p>
<p>Digressing from that matter, no, any other english class offered at my school does not constitute an honors or AP course.</p>
<p>I recommend you take it. Writing skills are a big deal at West Point, and they will be looking at your course load this fall to see whether or not you've challanged yourself to their standards. If West Point's your goal put your nose to the grindstone, get top grades, and show them what you're made of.</p>
<p>I had this debate with myself too. I decided to take it because even though i'm rotten at English and this might not affect my chances of getting into anywhere, by taking the course, I eliminate a future lingering regret when I get rejected from MIT or Princeton. I don't know if that made sense, but I would say just take it.</p>
<p>
[quote]
what do you mean by "more of a match for your scores and interests"? any suggestions? And yes, some schools do consider best test subscores...even for the ACT, such as USMA. The United States Military Academy at West Point (USMA) is actually my first choice (I have over half of the admissions process already taken care of), but I am also looking into MIT and Harvard, among other schools, as they would present an academic challenge and thus provide me with a rewarding experience. Additionally, they partner to form a strong co-op ROTC program.</p>
<p>Digressing from that matter, no, any other english class offered at my school does not constitute an honors or AP course.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>He means that your chances at Harvard, MIT, and any other top 10 caliber school are low. Unless you are a URM you should improve the SAT at least.I checked your profile on what are my chances. Your profile is definitely strong but likely not enough for HYSP or MIT.</p>
<p>I was a pretty busy student last year when I took AP English, I was heavily involved in my math team, debate team and judo. I also was the secretary for national honor society, captain for debate, and was pres for math team. I juggled AP Chem, Calc AB, AP English, AP Physics B, as well as my electives. I took AP English because I thought it would help with my college app (I'm more of a math/science kind of guy and didn't really like to write or read at all)</p>
<p>Now that the year is over, I have to say AP English was the best class I ever took. You get exposed to some great books, and not only is the teacher more competent, but so are the students, so you get a deeper appreciation of books/essays/articles etc. It was the first year that I really enjoyed to read ever since elemantary school. You can always take the class for a few weeks, and if it becomes too time consuming or hard, just drop it.</p>
<p>Hey, you have good ECs; I'll give you that. But I seriously believe you cannot make it into Harvard with a 2090. I suggest retaking it for 2200+ then you're set. You still have 2+ chances to improve. I suggest studying for the SAT I right now and take it in October when you still have like a month left for ED. If you're not doing ED, then heck, you have plenty of more chances to improve. My two cents. (I'm sure USMA will accept you though :). Unsure about MIT)</p>