DS has taken AP Physics, Honors Chem and Honors Bio. Wondering if not taking AP Chem will impact his application? Plan is to take AP Bio as a senior along with 4 other AP classes. DS has already completed 5 AP classes and received straight A's. Thank you everyone!
Rising senior science classes recommended
- Thread starter nvurban
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As long as he's taking an AP Science I think he'll be OK. AP Chem might be marginally better since it's part of the core curriculum the first two years, but I don't think AP Bio will hurt him. Just the opinion of one man who is not on the admissions board.
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IMHO any and all of this is good . . . USAFA will see it on the transcript submitted . . . but the great "leveler" will be the SAT / ACT scores.
High school GPA is important and is looked at, as well as the high school profile the guidance counselor submits with the student's transcript. The SA also has a record on students from your particular high school (and region) on well they did at that SA in the past. By taking these advanced courses it is usually a good indicator, and it usually helps prepare the student to excel on the SAT /ACT.
Make sure your DS is also demonstrating leadership through community service, Eagle Scout, Boys State, earning letters in Varsity sports, team Captain, band section leader, school club officer, school club founder, etc. Academics alone won't be enough.
Best wishes to you and your DS
MidwestDad
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It won't impact admissions one way or the other IMHO but AP Chem might help him more once/if admitted. And yes - SAT and class rank trump GPA due to rampant grade inflation almost everywhere. Many schools don't even rank anymore so SAT/ACT scores carry even more weight lately [again IMHO.]
Did he take the AP tests for the first 5 classes and if so did he get 3-5 on most? That is a much better indicator than an A in the class. Hard to see how kids get A's in AP classes but then can't get a 3 on the test. 'A' grade is supposed to represent mastery of the material.
BTW SAs do not use AP test scores for admissions - just for placement.
Did he take the AP tests for the first 5 classes and if so did he get 3-5 on most? That is a much better indicator than an A in the class. Hard to see how kids get A's in AP classes but then can't get a 3 on the test. 'A' grade is supposed to represent mastery of the material.
BTW SAs do not use AP test scores for admissions - just for placement.