VHS courses? [New Dilemma]

Test Preparation AP Test Preparation
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<p>I started a new thread, because my dilemma is completely different now.
I don't really have a choice for math... I'm taking Calc BC.</p>

<p>So now. This could play out a few different ways. The two most important are:
1. Take APES as a VHS course [Which my school will probably not allow. Apparently you're not supposed a take a VHS course that is offered by the school, even if it is impossible to fit it into your schedule.]
2. Take APES in school [This would require me to drop band second semester. Therefore, I'd have one semester where I could take a VHS course.]</p>

<p>Is anyone familiar with VHS [Virtual High School] courses?
How do colleges view them?</p>

<p>I would have liked to take an AP not offered by my school [such as Economics] online, but they're all two semester courses. </p>

<p>The one semester courses that I am looking at right now are American Popular Music and Sociology. I have no clue what I would like to major in, but some possibilities are history, anthropology, linguistics, and sociology. </p>

<p>The Pop Music course really interests me, because it's like a combo of history and sociology. It explores the evolution of pop music over the last century or so. But technically it's listed under the "Arts" discipline.</p>

<p>So as I was asking... how would colleges view me taking either course? They would be replacing an elective anyways [band], so I wouldn't have to worry about these not being honors or AP courses, correct?</p>

<p>What bothers me is that the two courses that interest me the most are offered to freshmen through seniors and have no prereq's. [I will be a senior next year.]</p>

<p>Advice?</p>

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<p>I've taken a VHS course in Number Theory, and it was not to my liking. Like the courses you are interested in, it was an elective, offered to 9-12, with no prerequisites. These courses are also generally offered to "gifted" middle schoolers, and many of these courses require a heavy discussion/teamwork component. I was often paired with seventh or eighth graders -- at that age, they don't have the best concepts of time management or group work, and as a junior, I was often more than a little frustrated with it. Though the coursework was easy, I often found it TOO easy (meaning I would spend less than 1 hour a week on it). </p>

<p>As for taking AP courses through VHS, I don't have experience with that. I have, however, taken an AP course (English Language) through my state's Virtual AP school, which I found to be a very positive experience.</p>

<p>Hope I helped!</p>

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<p>I actually pushed for VHS to be available in my school so I could take more classes, and we got it in my senior year. I've taken Biotechnology, Number Theory, and AP Computer Science at VHS. The school set aside a ninth period Study Hall so I "would have access to a computer". So that's the setting. Here's the story and advice:</p>

<p>VHS was a godsend to me = ) . Know why? The classes are so easy. The AP courses are also easy. I'm not saying the material is easy. I'm saying that the grading is easy. In my experience, the points and grades are based on a "do it and hand it in for XX points" basis, so if you do the work and check it over, you're flying a 100 average in an AP course no problem. The corresponding school course is usually much harder and more time consuming.</p>

<p>I'm usually frustrated with the busy work in classes in school. In VHS, for an AP course, the teacher will cover the material, just not that much in-depth. You study a lot more ON YOUR OWN for the AP test, so make sure you can handle that, but by being in the VHS course, you free up a ton of time every week that you would otherwise have spent on busywork in your school's version of the course.</p>

<p>-</p>

<p>At our school, seniors get "senior privileges" about halfway through the year that lets them leave the school during study halls to do whatever they want, as long as they return for the next period they have class. I used my VHS "study hall" to visit the mall or Dunkin' Donuts or just walk around outside everyday. = ) Coolata's are nice in the summer heat.</p>

<p>VHS is amazing for the credits and awesome grades you get for minimal work. Most of the work you get is annoying in non-AP classes, however. In an AP course, it's amazing for people who study well alone or through AP books. Your teacher WILL cover the material, just not as indepth as your schoolteacher will. As compensation, you free up mad free time every week.</p>

<p>-</p>

<p>Don't go for an AP VHS course if you depend heavily on your teacher to teach you. If you can depend lightly on your teacher to understand concepts and then review through AP books, you'll do great.</p>

<p>In VHS, you'll be annoyed at the system, but you'll get the grades you want in your AP courses and, if you follow up with studying of your own, good AP scores too.</p>

<p>That's all I have to say! Good luck.</p>

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<p>I took a VHS in macro with APEX. all i have to say is that they are worth it only if you want to put it on your transcript. you might as well self-study because they don't really teach you much.
Also, I didn't get to take it during school hours and made it a seventh course at home.</p>