<p>Currently, I'm registered for AP biology, AP English lit, AP French, AP calc BC, AP psychology, band, and PE (required) for next year. However, because I'm doing a summer program that requires a very involved year-long commitment, my parents are strongly encouraging me to drop one of my APs, and if that were to happen, I would choose to drop psych. The college counselor at my school told me that if I don't take an AP social studies, I'm better off not taking social studies at all because it looks like I'm just trying to get credit that I don't need.</p>
<p>At my school, AP psych is a relatively easy A but a ton of busywork. If I were to not take it, I'd do some sort of independent study in science instead, probably meeting with the teacher twice a week or so and most likely doing less work overall than I'd do with psych.</p>
<p>So my question is, what's the better option, especially in college's eyes? Without AP psych, I'll have three years of social studies credits but five and a half years of science, which is what I'm interested in. I plan on applying to selective schools (WashU, JHU, Brown, Tufts, etc.), but which would they rather see: someone a little more well-rounded with one more AP credit, or someone slightly less balanced with more interest shown in one area?</p>
<p>I'd drop something. I have a similar schedule this year with multiple APs and honors classes and now that I'm in college, I hate it. I don't have frees at all. College like well-rounded people but drop any of those APs and you'll still appear to be well rounded</p>
<p>If you are going to drop an AP, drop AP psych. I knew it was a relatively easy class, but I liked the subject so I took it. Even though it's a lot of busy work, I like it.</p>
<p>they would 'prefer' to see four years each of the major academic subjects, and psych does not count for a history, particularly since APUSH and AP Euro are much more rigorous. Yes, a science major does not necessarily need four years of history, but four years of history will help you stand out from the thousands of pre-science types that stopped at three. :)</p>
<p>bluebayou:
The thing is, it'd either be psych or nothing. I'm not a history person, and my only options for AP social studies that remain for me to choose from are psych and Modern European History. And since Euro isn't happening - I can promise you that - would you still say to do psych over an extra science/maybe a free period part of the week?</p>
<p>I would recommend taking the same number of classes as you did last year. I was considering doing only 6 periods this year but decided to do 7 again because colleges disapprove of what might seem like a lightened schedule. Doesn't matter if you're taking full APs - I'm doing full-IB, including accelerated French and Math paths, in addition to Yearbook editor, and I'm involved in some pretty time-consuming community service projects as well. </p>
<p>So don't drop unless you're absolutely certain that you're going to be screwed. GPA is ultimately more important, but I would reevaluate that summer program. Doesn't seem worth it to me.</p>