I have 2 study halls this semester. Do colleges and universities care how many study halls you have?
How should I fill the study hall to make it look more productive?
If you are already keeping grades up you could self-study for AP tests and the SAT/ACT.
@annabanabelle I was thinking that I should self study for APES. Would that be hard? I already got a Princeton Review on it and I am looking to study for it.
If you are passionate and have a deep understanding of environmental issues, biology, and complex math, it will be easier. You could also self-study for AP English Language and Composition (or Lit if you already took AP Language), or if you have made a lot of progress on a foreign language over the years.
You don’t get a college credit for them but SAT subject tests are also great. They are a much bigger advantage and are becoming more significant every year, and you could easily choose subjects that you excel at and relate to your major of choice.
@NewYorkHopeful1 I’m glad that you have these study periods – they give you a lot of opportunity!
Have you considered self- studying for AP Psychology? I have heard of a bunch of people doing that and getting 4’s and 5’s on the test.
Thanks @annabanabelle ! You’re totally right. The study halls give me lots of opportunity. I’m currently in AP lit, but studying for an SAT subject test sounds cool. At my school SAT subject test aren’t that common. We just have the ACT, but if SAT subject tests give me an advantage for getting into a school like NYU or SCU I’ll try some.
@aserto009 I have considered self studying AP psych, but I also know it consists of a lot of vocab memorization. Since you brought it up, I think I will self study for AP psych. If you know how your friends self studied and can give me tips, that would be helpful.
I suggest you talk to your guidance counselor. He/she will have more concrete suggestions. In general, two study halls isn’t something to highlight on an app.
Of course! I got a 5 on the test, however I took the course. My main tips would be to use the crash course book, flashcards, and also the crash course videos on youtube. You’ll find that most of the material is fairly interesting, unlike some other memorization based courses. If you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to ask! My friends who self studied focused on the crash course book and the flashcards, as well as the Free response questions on AP Central. There is a ton of resources that you will find easily online!
@aserto009 Thanks so so much! I looked into it and I think self studying AP psychology is the best option with all the study tools you suggested. I’ll definitely go to you if I have any questions.
Please disregard the suggestions to self study AP’s. That will help very little with admissions.
@sherpa why?
@NewYorkHopeful1 AP tests are only used to assign credit; they aren’t used in any admissions decisions. Colleges would rather seeing you taking the class, putting in the work to get the A, etc.
@NewYorkHopeful1 - Because it won’t show up on your transcript and, as @hope469 notes, they aren’t used for admission purposes.
@annabanabelle - Do you have any backup for your claim that SAT Subject tests “are becoming more significant every year”? I’m under the impression that they’re becoming less significant, as many schools that previously required them have made them optional. But I welcome any input that would enlighten me. Thanks in advance.
@sherpa From what I understand they are going in the same direction as the writing portion of the SAT/ACT has gone. The way I worded my first post didn’t express my point properly, I meant to imply that they are a plus on your application that shows colleges your dedication to your academic/testing abilities.
@annabanabelle - Thanks for the clarification. I fully agree.