Hi! I attend a very small high school, that only offers 3 AP classes. One became AP after we got a new teacher, but I couldn’t fit it into my schedule as I’d already taken the course before it was AP (AP Biology.) One just never fit into my plans and elective focuses (AP Human Geography.) For the last (AP Calculus) I was the only person who opted to take it over the Dual Enrollment math, so I was placed in the other course.
All I’ve taken in the way of more advanced courses are college dual enrollment courses because that’s really the only option I’ve been given.
I feel like it’s impossible for me to stand out as an applicant because of this, especially when everyone asking to be chance-d has at least 5 APs and that’s considered “low.”
Do they take things like this into account? Is there anything other than my GPA and test scores that can make me look better academically without any APs?
Duke won’t hold it against you for not taking courses that don’t exist at your high school. That would be completely nonsensical.
A number of the “top” high schools no longer offer AP courses at all. Schools will judge how rigorous your courses are in comparison with what is available at your school. Your GC should communicate that to the schools that you are applying to. Online or local community college advanced coursework is also an option, but you should consider those options only if they interest you and you have room in your schedule, not to boost your application.
MODERATOR’S NOTE:
This is an old thread that should not have been revived. The OP is long gone. Closing