<p>At our public HS, GC’s push for kids to take as many AP’s as possible. Once upon a time, there were prereqs for even the honors track–now it’s all about self-selection. I’m sure you can guess the school’s motivation for the change…(rankings anyone?)</p>
<p>AP’s are marketed to students before they even enter the HS. At the 8th grade orientation, the GC’s present a PowerPoint of a “typical” schedule complete with resume and then trot out the senior class wunderkind who is president of everything, competes on 3 varsity sports teams, volunteers, takes 7 AP’s, and is on the way to HYP as the role model to emulate. </p>
<p>Those who dare to dream usually end up graduating with about 10-12 at our HS. Only 1 (World) offered for sophs, 3 or 4 as a junior, and then 6 or 7 as a senior. Though lately there has been self-teaching mania. One senior is doing 10 this year, as a result. (The admissions outcome includes: Accepted at Princeton/Waitlisted at Harvard/Rejected at Yale.) One word–competiton. It’s almost a sickness. These kids are stressed to the max.</p>
<p>The marketing push includes the you get “credit” at a discount mythology. True for some but certainly not for all. Many of my D’s friends will be entering college with advanced (probably soph) standing, but my D is going to a LAC that offers NO credit. You can’t gain admission without taking them though, now, can you? So, the $800+ I shelled out will buy her a pass on a couple of “Intro to…” courses. But again, they’re an admissions necessity at many schools. So, I guess they’re a good enough deal no matter what you get out of them in terms of credit. </p>
<p>A timely thread since the exams begin next Monday. At least my D doesn’t have to attend classes for the next two weeks–it’s almost like a vacation.</p>
<p>Good luck to all taking the upcoming exams.</p>