What is more Important?

overachiever92 · 11-04-2010, 07:48 PM

I am thinking about whether I should drop AP Micro/Macro Econ (It's one class) and take regular econ/Gov. Is it more important to take a lot of AP classes or to maintain your 4.0 GPA for schools like Yale? Also will the fact that I'm only taking 4 AP classes (Honors French at my school has an AP test so it's an AP class technically) ruin my chances for admission?

ANY response ASAP would be appreciated because the deadline to drop a class is tomorrow...

imagodei · 11-04-2010, 07:51 PM

I personally don't think it will make too much of a difference either way. One less AP or one A-/B will not be the single "thing" that makes or breaks your chances at admission. I'd do what you would really ENJOY doing your senior year.

That being said, adcoms do say they prefer to see a B in a difficult course than an 'A' in a regular course.

ccuser18 · 11-04-2010, 08:04 PM

Is it definitely impossible for you to maintain an A in the AP Macro class?

And are you applying SCEA? Because if so, it will kind of be a hassle to notify them of the change.

leoyuguanall · 11-04-2010, 08:07 PM

If you already have a 4.0 I think you should keep the class, even if it lowers your GPA slightly.

overachiever92 · 11-04-2010, 08:44 PM

@imagodei,

where'd u hear about adcoms preferring a B in an AP class vs. an A in a regular class?

Also to ccuser, no it isn't impossible to get an A in the class, but it is highly improbable, since the class is 80% tests and the teacher teaches us the theory only and expects us to come with the application by some miracle on his tests... the most ridiculous teacher I have ever had. He doesn't even offer you any good study options, he just tells you to buy an AP Barrons book or something. THEN why do we even have a teacher when we are basically self-studying EVERYTHING??

overachiever92 · 11-04-2010, 09:31 PM

Also, when colleges say they want to see you perform "well" with a highly challenging course load, does a "B+" count as doing "well"?

imagodei · 11-04-2010, 10:09 PM

Maybe not specifically for Yale (the adcoms preferring B's in AP courses to A's in regular), but I know that in general college admissions officers prefer to see difficult classes. Possibly read it in an interview with an adcom? Or in a book? Sorry to be so vague about the source! But I am certain that I have heard this before, and it makes sense.

backfing · 11-04-2010, 10:41 PM

Quote:

but I know that in general college admissions officers prefer to see difficult classes.

No sh1t.......

micahbobicah · 11-05-2010, 04:36 PM

rude... haha...