<p>Instead of taking AP Chemistry my junior year I decided that I am going to take genetics and independent study: anatomy. So anyways… does genetics and independent study look worse on a college application in compairison to AP Chemistry? </p>
<p>Ultimately I am planning on taking 4 AP’s throughout high school (my school offers 8)… is that enough to get into highly competitive schools (ie Northwestern)?</p>
<p>(this is also posted on “the U’s” forum)</p>
<p>I go to a school that doesn’t have any APs at all. Nothing like that…so I don’t really know.</p>
<p>Independent studies, however, are EXTREMELY popular at my school and I really think it shows you are actually interested and passionated about learning.</p>
<p>Think about it this way: many people take APs because they are over-achievers and know it will look good on their apps. However, people take independent studies because of genuine interest in a subject. </p>
<p>Most colleges want a human being, not a machine.</p>
<p>Four APs sounds a little slim. Are you going into medicine? The AP Chemistry might really be better than independent study anatomy. Even better, do them both-- show your passion with independent study anatomy and your ability with AP Chemistry. I was looking at the college catalogues, and I think you’d reach a dead end after anatomy because physiology, the next step, requires chemistry. So, choose wisely.</p>