Will dropping down from an AP course hurt my chance at admission?

Applying to College
1

I’m taking AP Economics online this year and its unduly stressing me out. I wanted to take the actual AP class at school but there’s only one block that it’s offered–during my AP calc BC class (which is also only offered one time)–so I can’t take it.
If I dropped down to regular Personal Finance/economics do you think it would look bad? I’m taking 5 AP classes this year (counting the online class). I took 4 last year, so if I dropped down I don’t think my GPA would get any higher. However I have a high class rank that I’ve worked hard to get and I’m afraid someone else with more APs would succeed me. :confused:

Right now I’ve been taking some of the online AP Economics quizzes and I don’t do too well…I’m afraid if I continue, my final grade will be low. Plus I’ve only really started working on college essays, so my stress level will only continue to rise; also I’m in marching band and we have practice nearly every day and all-day Saturday, leaving me barely any time for homework as it is, let alone parts of my online course. And it’s not like I can just take AP Psych instead or something like that; some sort of economics class is required for graduation.

For reference I’m only applying to one Ivy but getting into my other schools is certainly not guaranteed!! I’m torn. Any advice is greatly appreciated!!

2

I think if your college essays and other homework is going to suffer, you should drop down to the regular level.

3

one more or less AP class will not change anything.
If you’re taking 4 AP classes without the online class, you’re taking a very rigorous schedule. That’s what colleges will see.
They’ll understand economics and personal finance are mandatory for graduation and won’t hold the class against you as most kids from your state will have taken it too.
Finally, getting good grades, sleeping sufficiently, and spending time on apps is way more important than an online class.
So: drop the online econ class and don’t look back. :slight_smile:

4

Thank you so much @yonceonhismouth @MYOS1634 I feel more confident now in my decision.

5

Drop it like a hot potato.