<p>Hey, I’m pretty sure some of you are in the same situation. So I’m currently finishing my sophomore year. I have two choices regarding classes- either take APs with some college classes in the next two years, which will lower my GPA/ class rank (cus my school is stupid and doesnt count college courses) but improve my college apps, or I could take more APs, with less college classes, which will increase my GPA, and make me valedictorian, but will not look as good. So what should i do?
- next year, take 4 APs, plus college calc3, engineering physics (looks super good on college apps), prob will be salutatorian.
- take 5 APs, college calc3, then i will be valedictorian.
soo… 1 or 2? I dont know…thanks.</p>
<p>I think it all depends on what you want to be. If you want to go into the engineering/physics arena then I would definetly go with choice A…if not then choice B seems more appealing (at least to me).</p>
<p>Another thing to think about is the fact that colleges will probably look more fondly towards your outside scholastic ventures (that sounds like your going on some sort of exotic trek!) more than your rank. And who knows…whoever is fighting for salutatorian may suck at his/her classes and move even further down the list!</p>
<p>I would do B, but it depends on how much you like that engineering class (and if you can get an A in it).</p>
<p>First of understand that being a valedictorian does not guarantee you entrance into any college of your desire. Personally I would be way more impressed as a College Admin if someone completed a course like Calc 3 or Differential Equations than an extra AP along with a essentially ego boosting title.</p>
<p>depends on what you really want to be
i don’t think colleges differentiate salutes and vales THAT much
1 and 2 class rank are pretty much the same to colleges
its yourself thats either wants one or the other and does whatever to get there but i think classes should come first with what you want to take</p>
<p>You are making an incorrect assumption that taking “some college classes” will “improve [your] college apps.” The most selective colleges actually prefer to see AP classes and the results of AP tests. They do not then have to evaluate what the context of your college courses, their syllabus, etc, are. They don’t have time for that.</p>
<p>This is why colleges often award credit for AP tests but do not necessarily award credit for college courses taken in high school.</p>
<p>You’re in high school. Do what a high schooler is supposed to do and take your high school’s courses. Do well in them and you will show colleges what you want to show them.</p>