Would this help me at all? (AP self-study Q)

Test Preparation AP Test Preparation
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<p>Hi everyone! This forum has definitely made me consider self-studying some AP's next year, and I just want to see if you think self-studying would help my situation at all. </p>

<p>This year, as a sophomore, I have not yet taken any AP classes. Freshman at my school do not take AP classes, except for REALLY ADVANCED people. I only know one classmate that took an AP class last year, and that was only through several meetings with the Principal and such. However, I do know quite a few sophomores (my current classmates) at my school taking 1-2 AP classes this year. The majority of these people are taking AP Euro only, or AP Euro and either AP Bio or AP Music Theory. </p>

<p>So as you can see, academically speaking, I am a little behind. My parents did not want me to take AP classes until junior year, and I didn't think I could handle these classes as a sophomore. However, based on my friends' performances in these classes, I think if I had taken these classes this year, I would have succeeded.</p>

<p>So this is my dilemma:
Next year, I am taking 6 AP classes, the highest number possible for a Junior who does not opt to have a study hall and is not taking a 4th year language class. These classes are: AP English Lang, AP Chem, AP Psych, AP Stats, AP US History, and AP Human Geography. I am also taking Spanish IV Honors, which is the most rigorous language class available to juniors at my school because AP Spanish Language is only available to seniors. So by the time I apply to colleges, I would have taken six AP classes and exams, compared to the 8-9 taken by my peers. Should I self-study a couple of APs to make up for this? If I did, I would most likely study AP Comp Gov (I have a HUGE interest in this and am taking a related class at a University this summer), AP Env Sci (I heard this was a very easy exam....but I don't have as huge an interest in this as in Comp Gov), and/or Art History (I have an interest in this, but I heard the exam was pretty hard). </p>

<p>So my final question for you: With my schedule next year, do you think I could handle self-studying 2 APs? Would this help me catch up to my peers?
*NOTE: The APs I am considering self-studying are NOT available as classes at my school. However, my school does have a decent AP program (18 classes in a variety of disciplines). </p>

<p>I would appreciate any feedback you can give me! Thanks in advance!</p>

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<p>You’re planning to take six ap classes next year, and you want to self study a couple more? That seems like a lot to handle. Colleges don’t accept students based on the number of ap classes that they take; there are so many more important factors. If ap classes are really such a cakewalk at your school, then go for it. But I wouldn’t say that “only” taking six aps would put you “behind.”</p>

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<p>I completely agree with you. Taking 6 AP classes next year is definitely going to be hard. My only concern is that a huge amount of my classmates are taking AP classes this year, and I don’t want to look like I don’t have the same dedication to academics as they do. But I really appreciate your opinion, and if I went to another school, one that didn’t have so many high achieving students, I would never consider more than 2-3 APs in one school year. Unfortunately, taking “only” 2-3 APs as a junior at my school is something that would cause most to think of you as “stupid” and “unwilling to accept the challenge”. I really wish that I didn’t have to do this to myself…but I think I am going to have to. </p>

<p>Thank you for your response, I really appreciate it.</p>

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<p>anybody else? please help me :)</p>

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<p>Well, what type of school are you aiming for?</p>

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<p>top schools…Penn, Hopkins, Georgetown, Yale (in my dreams) :)</p>

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<p>Schools don’t admit students solely based on the number of APs they’ve taken. There are other factors as well. Unless you are aiming for a AP scholarship or something, I would highly advise against giving yourself too much of a workload. 6 APs is a great enough challenge.</p>

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<p>Is AP national scholar not a very prestigious award then?</p>

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<p>Well, 15,000 kids got it so…not particularly.</p>

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<p>Oh I see. So if I also take 6 senior year, will colleges see my schedule as “rigorous” enough? I know academics aren’t THE deciding factor, but tbh, my ecs are good, but not great. I have a feeling my essays/recs will be good. I just want to make sure colleges don’t view me as unmotivated compared to other students from my school, who will likely apply to some of the same places as I do.</p>

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<p>bumpity bump…:)</p>

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<p>Yeah as long as your schedule shows you’re not slacking off or anything (like taking regular classes instead of Honors), you should be good</p>

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<p>okay thanks!!</p>