The time to sign up for classes is here.
1) Princeton
Princeton, for those who don’t know, is an ivy league school located in New Jersey. Princeton has an overall acceptance rate of 7.3% as of 2017, I’ll just say that number says this school is legit. Princeton’s requirements include fours years of English, Mathematics and a foreign language. Two years of a lab science and history. But if you have taken any AP classes in high school, then be sure to pay attention. You can receive recognition for classes you have taken, this allows you to be placed in courses that match your level of preparation or skip out of their intro classes altogether. Don’t worry, all those years of English, math, science, history, etc will finally play off! I mean, if you already have to take these classes, might as well go and take higher level classes that way you already have a head start.
2) Cornish College of the Arts
Cornish is located in our very own Seattle, Washington. Cornish’s acceptance rate has a high acceptance rate of 85.5%. If you are into the arts or that’s your career direction, this should be a potential college to consider. When asked if higher level classes stand out more than normal classes, they responded by saying, “Yes, generally. It shows the student is challenging themselves in their high school curriculum. I went on to ask them if the grades in these types of classes were more important then just the fact that they took the class, they said,”Yes. Even if the grade is a little lowers, say B- vs A, there is still value in the fact that the student challenged themselves. [In terms of an higher level class in high school] When students get low grade – C or lower, and then keep taking more advanced classes, we question the guidance they are receiving, and wonder if they are able to absorb the knowledge in the higher level class. The most important point is to learn the material, and if the student is not learning, the advanced class is not serving them well.” Cornish guesstimates that about 10% of their students have taken high level classes, but remember, these classes will stand out even more!
3) Montana State University
Montana State is located in Bozeman, Montana. Their acceptance rate is 83.8%. Montana does take weighted GPAs, this shows it is beneficial for college credit. Although our Anacortes High School doesn’t weigh our GPAs, the higher level classes that you took can still earn you college credits. They also accept test scores for college credit (so you know those AP class exams coming up? Take them!) Numerous students attending Montana State University have taken AP classes.
4) University of Alaska Fairbanks
University of Alaska Fairbanks is located in Fairbanks, Alaska. T
When I sent out the survey asking about college and highe
The moral to the story is to take the higher level classes but know your strengths and weaknesses before you sign up. Go talk to the teacher who teaches the course your considering (not just your older sibling or friend who took this class) and make sure this class is a good fit. Remember that colleges love seeing higher level classes on transcripts, but that alone won’t get you in or make you stand out. You’ve got to earn the grades in those classes and be an well-rounded student. I know from my experience in AP Human Geography, that you have to listen to others and take advice. Even though AP classes are hard, it is all so worth it!
What a well researched opinion piece. As an instructor who has taught 5 different AP courses, I definitely coach students to be particular when making their selections. Even if the content isn’t initially interesting, you might find that a great teacher can help you improve your thinking skills, writing, and study skills.