@RichInPitt, I do see your point. AP Lang is a stretch especially since a lot of schools don’t offer it. I was more so making an example of my own experience with the SAT, my school system doesn’t offer Honors and my lit classes were very surface level until Junior year when I took AP Lang. It isn’t a fair assumption that all schools and students would have my experience so your argument is noted.
I would say though, that the Rhetorical Analysis Essay students are taught to master in AP Lang is very helpful for the SAT Essay portion so I’d still recommend the class.
It could be the case that all regular Junior year English classes, AP Lang/Lit, and Honors English classes starting 8th grade prepare students for the EBRW/Essay. After all, it should be a goal for schools, but there’s no way to make sure of this.
I’d say AP Lang is a safe recommendation since everyone is taught the same skills but your school officials likely know better than me, especially if they keep track of scores, and they could give you a tailored recommendation.