Telling Colleges about your Self-Study

<p>How do you tell colleges you're self-studying something? I'll be a senior next year and I'm going to take an online course (probably) to self-study econ. I'd like to use it to show colleges that I'm really passionate about learning and to re-emphasize that my courseload is the absolute hardest possible. So... should I just have my guidance counselor write a note? Should I write a note? I'm also independent study-ing organic chemistry with my AP Chem teacher from this year, but I think that one will show up on my transcript as an independent study. Will colleges weigh it as more or less important than my other classes because it's an independent study?</p>

<p>The first question is more important than the second.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>You should be fine if your guidance counselor writes a note. Alternately, you may be able to register it as an independent study, so it would appear on your transcript as well. Not sure how difficult that is at your school, but since you're taking an online course rather than just studying by yourself, it shouldn't be too much trouble.</p>

<p>I'd imagine an independent study would look good on your transcript. It shows that you care about the subject enough to go beyond the curricular limitations at your school, and that you're motivated enough to tackle tough subjects on your own.</p>

<p>how about for people who just want to self study but dont have room to do it "independently" on their schedules at school?</p>

<p>Yeah, I've been wondering about this. I know lots of people here at College Confidential have self-studied for AP exams, as have I. The thing I don't get is including this informationn in the college application process, & what do the universitiesd think of people self-studying and taking the class.</p>

<p>Interesting question. I self-studied bio last year and will do a few more this upcoming year, but I have no idea how to report it... just send in the score reports on the exams, maybe?</p>

<p>On most college applications, you are asked to write the date you took your AP exams. So, I imagine that you can just write the date for a future exam you'll take.</p>

<p>I'll also add what do they think of self-study in leui of the class.</p>

<p>Couldn't you just attach a note to your transcript or essay telling them what you self-studied?</p>