<p>Hey guys, I'm a current junior and have just recently begun the process of scheduling for next year. </p>
<p>As a result of various graduation requirements, I'm left with the following choice to make: I have to select two classes out of AP stats, AP psych, and Honors Spanish V (currently taking AP spanish 4). </p>
<p>From what I've heard neither AP psych nor AP stats commands much respect from admissions officers. I've also heard that a fourth year of foreign language in high school is highly recommended. So essentially: AP psych and AP stats, AP psych and Honors Span V, or AP stats and Honors Span V are my choices (along with the rest of my schedule - AP CS, AP Eng, AP phys, P.E., linear algebra @ Stanford).</p>
<p>Personally I'd probably prefer to take AP psych, but don't have a strong affinity for either course. I'm going in as a hard science major - likely biophysics - so neither really contributes toward my career goals. </p>
<p>tl;dr Basically I have two questions:
1. What does a 4th year of language add to the application, and is it worth it in my case? (consider that I have already taken AP Spanish 4.)
2. What will be looked upon more highly: AP Psych or AP stats? (consider that I will also be taking linear algebra, so my math requirement is fulfilled; if I don't take AP psych I will also take a one semester regular sociology class to fulfill my school's requirement.)</p>
<p>I apologize if this was the wrong place to post as well - I couldn't find a place for general scheduling issues and am highly interested in Stanford, so thought I might as well post. Insight into how Stanford differs from other competitive schools (MIT, Harvard, etc.) in its evaluation of the courseload would also be much appreciated. </p>
<p>Thank you so much!</p>
<p>Honestly, one class will not make or break an application. Maybe a 4th year of language will help, but then again AP Psych or Stats won’t make the admissions officer reject you.</p>
<p>Do whatever you like most, they like to see exploration of interests. Whichever classes you’re more interested in are what you should be taking. I got in and I only took AP Spanish and then stopped, if you don’t like the language then don’t feel compelled to continue it because this won’t make or break the app</p>
<p>Idk, you’re rambling too much. Nobody knows what AP Spanish 4 means. AP Spanish Language and AP Spanish Literature are the exams offered by collegeboard. For all I know AP spanish 4 in your school could just be a pre-AP class given the title of AP for no reason. Idk why you’d have a higher level honors option available AFTER you’ve already completed an AP class.</p>
<p>My advice is that you go with what you’re interested in the most, not what you think will impress colleges the most. Any of those classes will be seen as challenging yourself, so pick the ones that you will enjoy the most and can best elaborate on if asked to do so at a potential alumni interview.</p>
<p>Honestly, there is no such thing as an “ideal schedule”. Colleges, and Stanford in particular, don’t say “Oh, AP Psych is worth a point, AP Stats is worth 2, and a fourth year of a language, well that’s worth 10.” Pick the classes you WANT to take. That is, I would pick the classes that
a) interest you
b) have good teachers
c) your friends are taking
d) won’t make you miserable your SENIOR YEAR
e) you can do well enough in to avoid being rescinded if you’re admitted</p>
<p>After all, all 3 of those classes are respectable. The difference between any of those is going to be negligible in your application. </p>
<p>As far as your career goes though, I think you ARE going to have to learn stats at some point, haha. Just a thought.</p>
<p>Take the language. That’s all that will matter, the other class should be decided by your preference.</p>