<p>I am not in any AP classes but I have been self-studying for the AP English test and the AP United States History test, and I want to take it at the end of the year. My GC says that I can do it, but will it even look good to colleges? I want to get into UCLA, UCB, Cornell, MIT, and NYU. Will it be useless to take the AP tests if I don't take the AP classes, will it look better, or will it not make a difference? Please and thank you! Replies are greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>It’s not useless, but your first concern should be to take the most challenging courses your school offers.</p>
<p>I’m assuming that you’re a junior? Of course you can take the tests, but I doubt it’ll significantly increase your chances at top schools like MIT, even if you get 5’s on both. Take my word for it, it’s extremely difficult to get a 5 on AP Language without being in the class. So, if you’re worried about “looking good” to colleges above everything else, then I’d suggest taking the most rigorous courses at your school, doing well in them, and acing your standardized tests.</p>
<p>If you are taking a rigorous course load and doing very well in school, then there is not a great need to further prove up your academic skills to this bunch of aspirational colleges. Rather, you should spend your time developing your other skills and interests. Be a leader, get involved in a hobby or a cause, and show commitment to something other than academics. Those endeavors will serve you well in life as well as in college applications.</p>
<p>Not sure what the answer is, but if you’re not looking for college credit, would SAT IIs be more useful for that list of schools?</p>
<p>Also, why no AP classes? If your school doesn’t offer them, that’s one thing, if you’re not taking them and they offer them, that may be a really bad thing.</p>
<p>@MrMom62 hi! I am not looking for college credit, but I just want to show colleges that I do self-study and work hard. I could have been in the two AP classes my school offers this year but I chose to focus more on EC’s (and it’s true, I have been more active in my community and school, showing my leadership skills) but only now do I realize that I could have balanced out the workload and my rigorous EC’s, only now that I cannot change what courses I am taking. So I am currently a Junior with only one Honors class and nothing else, as compared to my previous 2+ Honors classes in the previous years… and my school only offers two AP classes per year (starting Junior year, not Sophomore year) and one Honors class.</p>
<p>Considering what your aiming for, it’s sounds like it’s a band-aid on a serious self-inflicted wound. It’ll help, but you were already at a serious disadvantage to other candidates because of your school, and while schools in theory don’t hold you responsible for not taking what your school doesn’t offer (though I take that with a grain of salt), the fact is, you didn’t take even the limited APs that were on offer. That’s the harsh truth and if someone told you to concentrate on the ECs rather than the academics, shame on them.</p>
<p>Since you’ve now got the situation you (or someone) created, taking the APs on your own is not a bad idea. And if your ECs allow you to become a recruited athlete or something comparable, especially on a high level, you may still have a shot. URM status or first in family status or going to a really low performing school may also all help. We don’t know what your GPA or test scores are either, which will make a huge difference.</p>
<p>Bottom line, based on the limited information you’ve given us, your situations ranges from might still have a chance to impossible. You’ll have to give us more you want a better answer than that.</p>
<p>@MrMom62 I ranked 5 out of 98 Freshmen in Freshman year, with a cumulative GPA of the year of 4.47. I ranked 6 out of 99 Sophomores in Sophomore year with a cumulative GPA of 4.43. As of right now I rank 7 out of 95 Juniors (my Junior year) with a cumulative GPA (weighted) of 4.33. I am only taking one Honors class this year, and my EC’s consist of: Earth Team volunteer, Coral Reef volunteer, Vice President of Finance of a Junior Achievement company, secretary of Future Educators of America, tree planting, part of Environmental Protection Agency, etc. I have over 300 community service hours so far. Thanks a lot for listening and for all your help!</p>
<p>My DS took some ap exams without the benefit of taking the class and passed them. His high school the week before school started decided to cancel some of the AP classes. Teachers were mad so they encouraged students to take the exams. I wouldn’t be quiet so negative as some of the posters. You are challenging yourself by taking the exams. Be sure to look at things like Khan Academy which has some good videos for those self-studying for APs. It was nice having this extra credit for my DS. He went into college with almost second year status and he could have graduated in 3 years. It saved us a lot of money too. </p>
<p>On a second unrelated point; try to apply for the presidential service award. It is given (at different levels starting with 100 hours per year) for service hours during the year Sept. to Aug. You will need to find an organization that is certified to award it. It doesn’t have to be just for one organization. My DD has received it for each of the past two years (at the bronze level). You receive a nice letter; certificate from the President and a pin. </p>
<p>My DD takes only as many honors/AP courses that allows her to have balance in her life (she needs to go to bed by 11 p.m) and still do her EC’s which are important to her. So don’t feel bad that you have put your emphasis on your EC’s. Your grades are still very good and you are right; your EC’s show leadership. It sounds like you engage in those things that are interesting to you rather than try to “build a resume for college applications.” I think colleges will value what you do. I know in our house my DD has received some incredible recognition this past month for what she has done. She may not have as many AP’s as some of her classmates but I know she will end up at a college that is a good fit for her. Good luck.</p>