do ivy league scools care a lot about ap courses?

Question

my ultimate goal is to go to an ivy league school. Apart from a ton of clubs im a taking two AP courses among other honors classes. The problem is that im dying already from all the work i have. It seams all i do is sleep, eat, go to school and do homework. So I think that if I drop my AP bio class, I could actually survive the year. But im worried that if I drop it, I won't be as good a candidate for the ivy league schools. Does anyone know if they really matter that much?

oh, and im a sophomore rigt now.

Answer 1

Here's my advice: don't focus so much on the Ivy League. It's not going to be as helpful after graduation as you may think, and, with so many applicants, it's kind of a crap shoot now whether you get in or not. If you really, really want to go to Harvard or wherever, definitely apply and good luck! But also look around at the smaller schools. There are excellent colleges and universities out there, some of which are even better than the Ivy League ones, at least in some areas. Pick an area you think you'd like and check out the schools there that have programs that interest you. I was always a high achiever, but I went to a tiny liberal arts college which is very well respected among the ten non-alumni who've heard of it, and I had a great experience. Same with all my high school friends.

And to get into college, yes, showing that you can achieve at the college level can be important. But having a life is, too. You're a sophomore in two AP courses. I think you'll be fine. I didn't even take one until my junior year; neither did anyone else in my school, come to think of it, and several of my classmates did get into the Ivy League. Take a courseload that you can handle, because if you're overwhelmed now, imagine what February will be like. Drop a course or two and join a club you find interesting. The college entrance essays are very important, and you won't have anything to write about if you spend the next three years holed up like a monk, bent over your books.

Finally, and I know you won't listen to this, because no one does, but relax. It's terribly scary to think about, but you'll get through it and get into a good school. I spent several months my senior year telling everyone that I was not getting into any college, and that I would end up living in a trailer park with some guy named Bubba. Instead, I got into my first choice school, and my safety (still a very good private college) was practically begging me to come visit. And I barely took any classes my sophomore year (blasted overly popular pottery class not having room for me!). However, I took a few APs and a couple of honors classes during high school, and I did a ton of afterschool stuff and wrote good essays. If you can show yourself to be well-rounded and able to handle coursework, you'll be fine. If you give yourself a nervous breakdown before you're able to drive, well, that would suck.

Answer 2

This is a situation many students are in and the best way to come out on top is by taking courses at a local college or taking exams on your own. If there is a community college around or anything of that sort, take the opportunity to take classes there. Another GREAT way to show you are motivated is to pick up an AP review book (i like princeton review) and prepare for a test yourself-statistics, calculus AB, bio, and chem were the ones I found to be easiest (stay away from foreign language). Do well (aim for a 5) and that will be enough. Combine this with activities, leadership roles, volunteer work, a good GPA, and good SATs and you will have a good shot anywhere.

Answer 3

Schools care about a lot of things one of which is what type of classes you take.

APs are not the only thing that schools look at, they look at the grades you get in your classes, your grades on standardized tests such as the SATs, read the application essay(s), and see your extracurricular activities.

If the load of classes is really bad for you, I'd suggest switching into a lower level class. You have two more years to take this AP bio class... or you could just not take it.

No school will automatically not accept you if you haven't taken a certain number of APs

Answer 4

Well, I don't know if the Ivys will be that harsh on you. You don't necessarily need to take AP bio now. At most colleges, one AP in you sophomore year is considered pretty good.

But I will tell you not to take any fewer than 5 APs during your senior year. It will look bad otherwise.

Answer 5

If you were a senior I would have said try and stick it out. But as a Sophomore I would advise you to just focus on getting A's and to get involved in some of the clubs and/or sports at your school. Those are important things to have on your application. AP courses look good, but good grades and ACT/SAT test scores are more important.