<p>Hey guys, which combination would be better as a rising senior who’s applying to colleges this fall?</p>
<p>Option A
AP Stat
AP Spanish Lang.
<a href=“5%20APs%20total”>i</a>*</p>
<p>Option B
AP Stat
Lab Research Class
<a href=“4%20APs%20total”>i</a>*</p>
<p>Option C
Linear Algebra
Lab Research Class
<a href=“3%20APs%20total”>i</a>*</p>
<p>I’ll be having other classes like AP Physics, Gov, Lit, etc. along with each of the above. Please choose choice A, B, or C and give an explanation if you would like!</p>
<p>Thanks!!</p>
<p>Option C with the caveat that it really depends on what field you will pursue in college. We have always been told by the GC that opting for the higher level math is the most impressive to colleges. I’m not sure if this is true, but it makes sense.</p>
<p>I’ll probably be pursuing science and business together so I’m not too sure. I would definitely use the AP Stat and Spanish credits to place out of classes, and I’m not sure if 3 APs demonstrates proper “rigor.” Also, without AP Spanish I’d only have 3 years of language.</p>
<p>In addition I could also do Linear Algebra and AP Stat with 4 APs total as option D… What do you think?</p>
<p>Thanks for your response anyways!</p>
<p>I know a kid that went to Harvard 2 years ago. He took AP Stat with PreCalc. He said it was a huge mistake. For him, the math was very time consuming and left little time for the reading he had in his other classes. He got his first B that year. Of course, he still got into Harvard. </p>
<p>Do you know which schools you’re applying to in the Fall? If so, you may want to check out which classes they are most likely to award credits for. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Option C if you’re most concerned about having a rigorous schedule.
(Linear algebra is above the level of the AP math offerings. It doesn’t matter that it doesn’t have the AP label. It’s not going to be viewed the same as most “regular” classes.)</p>
<p>If you’re most concerned about getting college credit, then Option A.</p>
<p>Yeah I’m likely applying to either Penn ED or Princeton SCEA. Option A would give me the most credits, but theres less rigor and probably less fun.</p>
<p>I’ll probably end up selfing AP Stat and taking the Spanish SAT for credit anyways, because I’ll need it.</p>
<p>Thanks for your help though!</p>
<p>Which option sounds most fun to you?</p>
<p>@halcyonheather I’d say Option B or C for sure, but idk if the Lab research thing would demonstrate more rigor than AP Spanish (which is pretty hard at my school). Especially since I will only have taken 3 years of language if I go with Option C.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Eh, I think they’ll be fine with that. Most colleges only require two years and recommend the third, and a few require three years and recommend the fourth, but you’re not going to get rejected for not having four years.</p>
<p>I think you should choose Option B (given that you take SAT Spanish to place out). Option B is useful if you’re a little weak on the research experience. Research experience is key because LSM factors that in heavily. Ultimately your senior grades don’t matter too much and the rigor will be adequate in either case. Linear algebra could be fun, but AP stat still viewed decently, you learn useful stuff and it will save you time later. Option C is fine if you’re confident about self-studying Stat. I personally wouldn’t, but if you know you’re good with that then it’ll work out. Perhaps skip out on a test like AP Gov to study more for Stat or something. Good luck.</p>
<p>^I concur with breaker746. You can place out of Stat101 at Penn if you get a 5 on the AP test and research is instrumental to the LSM app. On the other hand, you won’t get any credit for Lin. Alg. and it’s far easier to get the foreign language exemption by taking the Spanish SAT subject test over the AP exam.</p>