<p>Quick question- would it look bad for strength of schedule to take English III Honors rather than AP Comp? At my son's school, a mean, old teacher who has been there 32 years teaches the AP Comp, but the English III is taught by an outgoing, super-kind, younger Columbia graduate who is a much better, more rigorous teacher. (older sons had both teachers to compare by) Will it hurt him alot to take the better teacher? Any input would be appreciated.</p>
<p>Take the AP class. It’s important to have the most rigorous schedule possible.</p>
<p>Oh, and this would be next year as a junior.</p>
<p>Take the AP, assuming he’ll get an A.</p>
<p>If he took AP comp, what would he do for English? Colleges pay special attention to the “core” classes of English and math.</p>
<p>If he’ll have a better, more rigorous class with English III Honors, take that. Then sit for the AP English Comp exam anyway. That’s what my own ds is doing this year. He didn’t care for the AP teacher either.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice all, I will tell him to look into taking AP Comp. on his own. He took the AP environmental science test last year as a freshman, and did well. Do schools generally let you self study if they offer the class? </p>
<p>Oh, and PrincessPea, great name. You must be very sensitive and kind! I have always loved that fairy tale!</p>
<p>Having a rigorous schedule is important, but not at the cost of being stuck in a boring, terrible class instead of one that’s much more interesting and inspiring.</p>
<p>The only way I’d even consider taking that AP course is if he didn’t have many other AP courses on his transcript by the time he applies. Assuming that, like most Princeton prospective students, he’s smart and generally takes harder classes anyway, it won’t be a big deal.</p>
<p>Talk to a guidance counselor about sitting on the AP exam. My school really discouraged that and nobody really thought to do it, but now that I’m at Princeton and have talked to to others here I realize that other schools are much more open to self-study.</p>
<p>Even if he doesn’t do the self-study, as long as his transcript shows that he pretty much always chooses the most rigorous classes (and does well in them) he should be in good shape for college admissions.</p>
<p>I feel like universities are far more interested in extracurriculars, passions, and personal interests and quirks (assuming that most prospective students are sound as far as grades and test scores). Past a certain level of academic achievement these things become more important. In my opinion, at least…</p>
<p>Thank you Princeton 12. I can see why you got into Princeton- that was an intelligent and honest reply that is extremely helpful. Sometimes accept only what is offered, but that is not always right for everyone.</p>
<p>“I feel like universities are far more interested in extracurriculars, passions, and personal interests and quirks (assuming that most prospective students are sound as far as grades and test scores). Past a certain level of academic achievement these things become more important.”</p>
<p>i hope you’re right. this is what i’m still nervous about. i have a solid (but not overwhelmingly spectacular) transcript but i have a lot of passion and dedication to my few ec’s, lots of depth to them. what would you say would be the level of academic achievement one would have to get past for their ec’s/passion to become more important?</p>
<p>It’s honestly hard to tell, I did well in my courses with a very rigorous schedule (graduated with like a 3.85) and well (but not overwhelmingly well) on my SATs with 2100. It was definitely my extracurriculars that got me in. I honestly think that extracurriculars matter a lot when you’re dealing with students who are all very academically talented. I think that my extracurricular activities in combination with my essays really said a lot about me. Showing personality and a sense of passion are very important, in my opinion.</p>