<p>My daughter was in one of the classes that is piloting the AP Russian course and exam, so she took an “AP Russian” exam in the spring at the same time as other AP’s, but the exam was not administered by College Board and there was no fee. I believe the exam was administered by AATSEEL (American Association of Teachers of Slavic and Eastern European Languages) and my d. has yet to hear what her score on the exam was. The exam is also unique as it was done by computer, and there were some serious server problems that took placed during the exam, although apparently it did not affect my daughter – but others at her school had problems sustaining a connection. So there may be technical issues that delayed or invalidated the test results. In any case, it is unlikely that the College Board will certify this exam as official, but the class did show up as “AP Russian” on my d’s transcript, and I’m sure her high school weighted the course grade. </p>
<p>As to your situation: the colleges DO look at what your high school offers, and if there are others from your high school who have stronger transcripts, who also apply to HPMS – then you may not fare as well, simply because the colleges aren’t going to take that many from a single high school. Also, your school g.c. can’t very well write that every single student is the ‘best and the brightest’ so on a purely academic measure, the kids who have the tougher courses are going to end up with better recs. </p>
<p>But you can’t do anything to change that, which is why I say its best to focus on your strengths. My d. was waitlisted at a couple of colleges that were actually less selective than the colleges which admitted her, so it is very possible that they were looking at weaknesses in her transcript. </p>
<p>But of course my daughter also had good safety schools to apply to! Try to look beyond the Ivies. I think if you are true to yourself in terms of the colleges you pick, then you will do much better than if you are trying to fit yourself into a mold of what you think the colleges are looking for. It is important to make sure the application explains any perceived deficiencies in your record, but at the same time the primary focus should be on your strong points.</p>