So I’m a junior right now and currently taking 3 AP classes (APUSH, AP bio, and AP English 3). I am also taking psychology cp as an elective (at the time of arranging my schedule, I wasn’t aware my school had AP psych, now I really regret not knowing sooner and wish I could switch now but December is kinda too late to change classes you know). I was thinking about self studying and taking the AP test for it though, I heard it is an easier test compared to other tests. If I pass, would colleges see this as a positive thing because I took the initiative to learn a subject by myself? Or would colleges prefer to see students actually take the class, so would it come across as something negative? Should I take the test or use my time outside of school to do something else instead of studying? Please help!
Our school doesn’t offer AP psych so my daughter is planning to self-study and take the test. Psychology is something she’s interested in and might pursue in college and so it makes sense for her to do it. I would say, if you’re really interested in psych and can adequately prepare for a 4th AP exam, then go for it, but otherwise, I would just let it go. As I’m sure you will hear over and over again, do what YOU want to do in high school and do those things to the best of your ability. Don’t frame your decisions based on how colleges will perceive you. Good luck to you.
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If your school offers the class, taketh class, if possible. As far as how it will be viewed, I’d say pretty neutrally. At the end of the day, though, do’t take a class or self study or do anything else to impress colleges - they won’t be impressed. Do something because it’s what you want to do.
This is too minor to ‘really regret’ it. Either switch in December to AP Psych, or self-study for the AP if you really want to, or (my recommendation), forget about it. One more or less AP class will make no difference at all to college admissions. Spend the time doing something you really care about instead.
For admissions, schools don’t really care about self study…at college they want you to take classes and do well in them, so they look if you can do the same in HS.
For credits, it might be worth it to self study so you can get credit for Psych 101 in college.
As a parent, I would encourage doing something outside of school…as you get older, there are less opportunities to try various activities…
I doubt you will get any points for initiative as your school actually offers the AP, this sort of stuff isn’t exactly hidden.
Switch ASAP if possible but don’t bother with self study IMO.