I’m currently taking Honors English 3 (Junior year) and it’s already super stressful (3rd day). Many people are considering dropping out and switching to Regular English. My biggest fear is that the class will take up a lot of time (he gives a lot of essay) and that it would take away from my ability to do EC’s. Despite this, I’m still planning to self-study AP English Lang. Which scenario would be better?
-Taking regular English 3 and getting a 5 on AP English Lang or
-Keeping Honors English 3 and trying to manage everything
So basically, can I redeem myself of taking regular english, by getting a 5 on the AP test?
It’s probably not an even trade because some colleges don’t care as much about AP exams, but almost all do care about course rigor. Ask your GC – they can guide you.
Class rigor >>> ECs.
And no college cares about students self studying AP courses… they frown on it.
@T26E4
Really? But isn’t the grading process different for every school vs AP tests are a better representation of everyone? Is it even worth self studying AP English?
Taking the actual class is generally seen as better than just self-studying to the exam.
@lookingforward what if the ap class is only offered during senior year? Is it a waste of time self studying it?
Top colleges frown on the “self study AP test” thing because it’s a bigger part of the arms race that students mistakenly feel they must win in order to get the attn of competitive school admissions.
They want to choke its life out – or else it’ll rise in stature like the “passion” and “founder of X club” myths that are de rigeur for every other poster on the “What are my chances?” forum.
@T26E4 So if a student is interested in the business field and self studies Ap psych, ap stat, and Ap english, it would actually do more harm than good?
Anecdotally, I’d say YES for selective colleges. At a joint info session of 3 Ivies plus UVA, during the Q&A, an audience member asked about self-studied APs. The UVA rep said they didn’t look highly on it – and the other three reps heartily nodded in agreement. There was no further comment made but clearly, this has been asked before and clearly, the admissions officers didn’t quibble.
On the other hand, I suppose if one is not applying to a very selective school, the AP credits might actually be a positive for advanced standing.
What’s wrong with taking the class in senior year? Lots of kids do.
What’s so important in your schedule next year that you can’t?
From your original comment, it sounds like two things are in play. The rigor of the honors class is stressful and you may think you can get around this by self studying AP English-?
How high are you aiming, for colleges?
If you think studying for the AP test is equal to taking (and mastering) the class, assignments, discussions, etc, you miss how some top adcoms view the learning process. And the thinking behind the choices a high school kid makes.