Self-Study APs

[Melitzank]

I don`t have enough room in my schedule to take as many AP classes that I`d like to, so if I self-studied one or two, would this beneficial to my application? Would the admissions board see that I took x number of AP classes including the ones I self-studied, or just the ones taken at school?

 

[usnabgo08]

I'd say senior year isn't really going to count since it would be hard to approve (anyone could make that claim). However, if you do it before senior year and have the AP scores to prove you did well on the exam and your other grades/ECAs didn't suffer significantly, it might be to your benefit. This is something you or your guidance counselor should include in the comments section of the application and be able to prove (i.e. have the official score sheet handy).

I think you have a bit of time.

 

[Melitzank]

Thank you jadler! I`ll definitely consider that and if I do end up self-studying, I`ll be sure to put it on my application!

 

[nuensis]

Go for it. 5's on some AP tests (World History+U.S. History/European History, Macro+Microeconomics, Psychology, English, U.S. Government) will result in automatic validation regardless of whether you took the class or not.

And it'll be impressive on your application, of course. It would definitely show a high level of initiative, self-discipline, and academic focus (which you will need to succeed at USNA).

 

[Melitzank]

OK, that`s awesome, because that opens up more room on my class schedule. Now I can take some APs in class (the ones that I probably wouldn`t do very well on for self-study) and take the ones that are easier on my own. Appreciate it!