<p>I took 4 APs last year and had straight As. However, I've had a bad start this year as a senior. I have pretty much all As except a B in AP Lit and a D in AP Stats. Should I drop stats so that I'll only have one B but 3 APs or should I stay and try to bring it up to at least a B? I don't know if I can get my grades up for that class. We only had one test and I was confident I would do well...but I did not. Latest drop date is tomorrow. I'm applying to top colleges so I need my grades to be at least decent. How many Bs can I really afford to get? Does taking less APs than last year reduce my chances and how important is gpa?</p>
<p>As I said in your other thread, I would speak with your guidance counselor, as they must rate the rigor of your course load as compared to all other college bound students at your school on the Secondary School Report (SSR). See top half of page 2: <a href=“404 - Page Not Found - University of Dallas”>404 - Page Not Found - University of Dallas. If you are applying to top colleges, you need your GC to check the “Most Demanding” box for your course schedule. Will s/he will do that if you drop the class? </p>
<p>FWIW: I would think it’s better to stick it out with AP Stats and try for a B – many students are accepted to HYPSM and the like with several B’s on their transcript.</p>
<p>AP Stats is one of those courses where students get in trouble because they go in thinking they already know something about it, when in reality they have no idea. AP Physics has the same trap. I’d say go back over everything from the beginning, understand where you went wrong, establish a good baseline understanding, and go for the B.</p>
<p>BTW, every school, even the top ones, allow you to have a hiccup or two in your transcript. In a tough AP course load, struggling a little bit shows some character that your willing to challenge yourself, especially if you can turn it around. Might even give you an essay topic. </p>
<p>Think about it, if you were an admissions officer, which student would impress you more - the one who struggled in a class, buckled down, and pulled out a B, or the one who cut and ran when the going got tough?</p>