Helloooo!
Hi guys! I’m having a little conflict with choosing a course for next year.
I have taken 3 years of art and am eligible to take AP Art Studio.
I have taken Human Behavior and am eligible for AP Psychology.
I know very little about politics and am interested in AP Comparitive Gov.
I like all of these courses but aren’t sure which would be best for me. I plan go into health sciences and research in college.
Does taking AP Art show dedication?
Is AP Psychology worth taking, as its possible to self-study?
Is AP Gov to random?
I like all of these courses equally and would be happy with any. Which would look best to colleges?
AP Psychology would probably be worth it if you are going into health sciences, because of psychological disorders and behavior. If you like Art as a hobby and are able to produce some nice and worthy pieces to send off to the AP folks, then take AP Studio Art (not for the college aspect, but for the fun of it).
AP Comparative Government is too random, and you should probably not take this course.
If they are all truly equal in what you would enjoy, there are a couple other things to consider:
Look at it in the context of your total transcript: If you do not have many history and world studies classes already, government would fill a hole, for example.
If you do not have a weakness in your transcript, think about time commitment. I’m not up to speed on which ones have the most homework (or extra studio time for art) or hardest tests, but senior year is a tough balancing act in the best of circumstances. Don’t be afraid to pass on the one that would otherwise be a huge time sink for you.
I agree with @gwh2016. AP Psychology would be the best with your planned major. AP Studio Art does sound fun though! If you don’t take AP Studio Art next year, you can always take art classes for fun in college or even as part of your general ed courses. Do what you feel is best. It’ll be your senior year, so have fun! And good luck!
Taking one of these course of the other will not get you into a college or keep you out of a college. Go with your personal preference, the best teacher etc. If you have no preference, I’d probably pick AP Psych (it was one of my D’s favorite courses in HS).
Another factor is:
Would you have a chance to take this course again?
In college, you will definitely get to take Pysch. Would you get to take more Art classes? probably not…so maybe this is the time to take it.
But balance that with: Do colleges of your choice want 4 years of History/Social Science? Then Psych/Gov might be better.
Taking non science AP classes may not be significantly helpful for the sake of admission but they may help you with skipping general ed requirements for 1st year.
I agree with the others. AP Psych might be your best choice, but if you feel that you are leaning towards art of comp gov, then choose those. But, psych would look the best. Still, they are all APs so I wouldn’t worry too too much.
None would look better or worse for colleges. Take the one that interests you more/is more aligned to your futures plans/has the better teacher/has a better track record on the AP exams. Doing anything just to look good for colleges is pure folly.
According to your profile, you’re not targeting the most selective schools where people feel the need to strategize and present perfect every aspect of themselves. Don’t give into feeling that pressure. Your target colleges want a solid GPA, test scores and ability to pay their tuition. Your decision one way or another of your classes will affect nothing. Enjoy!
FWIW, my D self studied AP psych becasue she was interested and our school doesn’t offer it. She got a 5, but she wishes she could have taken it as a real course. I would do art or psych, as those align with your interests.