5 answers
John
Student
North Wales, Pennsylvania
2
Questions
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Hi, Im a senior in highschool and I recently dropped my AP Econ (micro/macro) class and in place I am taking AP euro. I would like to major in Poli Sci in college and I am currently taking 4 APs which are, AP lit, Ap U.S. Gov, AP Euro, AP Comp Gov. I was wondering if dropping my AP econ class will affect my applications drastically.?
Is AP euro a difficult class and will it help me out in college as a poli sci major?
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5 answers
Katherine L
45
Answers
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Hi! Switching from AP Economics to AP European History won't drastically impact your college applications even if you're set on pursuing Political Science. AP Econ might touch on some elements of Political Science, but it's not usually a prerequisite for admission into Poli Sci programs. AP European History, on the other hand, could be extremely useful for a Poli Sci major. Gaining insights into European history, politics, and culture can offer a rich knowledge for studying international relations, comparative politics, and global affairs. Your course choices reflect a robust focus on social studies and humanities, which fit nicely with your intended major.
To prepare for your college applications and for a Political Science major, strive to excel in your current AP courses, maintain a solid GPA, and participate in extracurricular activities that resonate with your field of interest, like Model United Nations or debate clubs. Also, think about obtaining letters of recommendation from teachers who can speak to your enthusiasm and talent for Political Science.
College admission reviewers ultimately assess your overall academic performance, extracurriculars, essays, standardized test scores (if necessary), and letters of recommendation. The specific AP courses you choose should mirror your interests and strengths, and it seems you're on a promising path with your current course selection. Good luck!
To prepare for your college applications and for a Political Science major, strive to excel in your current AP courses, maintain a solid GPA, and participate in extracurricular activities that resonate with your field of interest, like Model United Nations or debate clubs. Also, think about obtaining letters of recommendation from teachers who can speak to your enthusiasm and talent for Political Science.
College admission reviewers ultimately assess your overall academic performance, extracurriculars, essays, standardized test scores (if necessary), and letters of recommendation. The specific AP courses you choose should mirror your interests and strengths, and it seems you're on a promising path with your current course selection. Good luck!
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
John
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
204
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hello John, thanks for reaching out to us. Your question is an excellent one. I would recommend discussing your thoughts about reducing some of your APs with your adviser. They can provide valuable guidance tailored to your situation. However, if you're firmly set on pursuing a path in political science and you're considering replacing some APs with courses more closely related to PolSci, that could be a beneficial move. Still, it's crucial to consult your adviser as there are mandatory courses common to all students. You just need to ensure that the APs you're thinking of dropping aren't among these required courses. If they aren't mandatory, then there's no need to fret about them impacting your college applications. Keep going, you're doing great!
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
521
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
It's great that you're considering your academic choices carefully as a senior in high school. Dropping AP Econ to take AP Euro shouldn't drastically affect your college applications, especially if you can demonstrate your commitment and passion for your chosen major, Political Science. Here are some points to consider:
1. **Relevance to Major**: AP Euro can be beneficial for a Political Science major as it covers historical events, political developments, and social changes in Europe. Understanding the historical context can be valuable when studying political systems and ideologies.
2. **Course Load**: It's important to manage your course load effectively. Four AP courses can be demanding, so ensure you have enough time and energy to excel in the ones you're taking. Quality of performance in your chosen courses matters more than quantity.
3. **Extracurriculars**: Use the extra time and energy you gain from dropping AP Econ to engage in extracurricular activities related to Political Science or other interests. Colleges often appreciate well-rounded applicants who are involved in their community.
4. **Explanation**: If you feel the need to explain your course change in your college applications, you can do so in the additional information section or during interviews. Explain why you made the change and how it aligns with your academic and career goals.
5. **Grades**: Focus on maintaining strong grades in your remaining AP courses. Good academic performance is a key factor in college admissions.
6. **Standardized Tests**: If standardized tests are required for college admissions, dedicate time to prepare and perform well on them.
7. **Essays and Recommendations**: In your application essays and recommendation letters, highlight your passion for Political Science and your commitment to your chosen courses and extracurricular activities.
8. **College Fit**: Remember that different colleges have varying preferences and criteria for admissions. Research the colleges you're interested in to understand their specific requirements and expectations.
Ultimately, what colleges are looking for in applicants is a combination of academic excellence, passion for your chosen field, and the potential to contribute to their campus community. So, while dropping AP Econ may not significantly impact your applications, your enthusiasm for Political Science and your overall application package will play a crucial role in your college admissions journey.
1. **Relevance to Major**: AP Euro can be beneficial for a Political Science major as it covers historical events, political developments, and social changes in Europe. Understanding the historical context can be valuable when studying political systems and ideologies.
2. **Course Load**: It's important to manage your course load effectively. Four AP courses can be demanding, so ensure you have enough time and energy to excel in the ones you're taking. Quality of performance in your chosen courses matters more than quantity.
3. **Extracurriculars**: Use the extra time and energy you gain from dropping AP Econ to engage in extracurricular activities related to Political Science or other interests. Colleges often appreciate well-rounded applicants who are involved in their community.
4. **Explanation**: If you feel the need to explain your course change in your college applications, you can do so in the additional information section or during interviews. Explain why you made the change and how it aligns with your academic and career goals.
5. **Grades**: Focus on maintaining strong grades in your remaining AP courses. Good academic performance is a key factor in college admissions.
6. **Standardized Tests**: If standardized tests are required for college admissions, dedicate time to prepare and perform well on them.
7. **Essays and Recommendations**: In your application essays and recommendation letters, highlight your passion for Political Science and your commitment to your chosen courses and extracurricular activities.
8. **College Fit**: Remember that different colleges have varying preferences and criteria for admissions. Research the colleges you're interested in to understand their specific requirements and expectations.
Ultimately, what colleges are looking for in applicants is a combination of academic excellence, passion for your chosen field, and the potential to contribute to their campus community. So, while dropping AP Econ may not significantly impact your applications, your enthusiasm for Political Science and your overall application package will play a crucial role in your college admissions journey.
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
353
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
You ask an excellent question, John, and have received sound advice already. I would like to add/reinforce:
1) With the change, you still have four APs, which shows your willingness to challenge yourself and your academic curiosity. As Katherine noted, switching one humanity course for another should not matter.
2) That said, you could have a lot of reading and writing with these four APs. To gain the knowledge (and, hopefully, get a 4 or 5 on the exams at the end of the year), plan how you are going to complete the assignments. My children found study books from Barron's or Kaplan very helpful to reinforce or sometimes even fill in gaps. Ask your teachers which books they recommend.
3) Get rest and exercise and eat healthfully. That may seem obvious but it could be easy to forget in the throes of school and college admissions. It is important to keep up your health.
Good luck!
1) With the change, you still have four APs, which shows your willingness to challenge yourself and your academic curiosity. As Katherine noted, switching one humanity course for another should not matter.
2) That said, you could have a lot of reading and writing with these four APs. To gain the knowledge (and, hopefully, get a 4 or 5 on the exams at the end of the year), plan how you are going to complete the assignments. My children found study books from Barron's or Kaplan very helpful to reinforce or sometimes even fill in gaps. Ask your teachers which books they recommend.
3) Get rest and exercise and eat healthfully. That may seem obvious but it could be easy to forget in the throes of school and college admissions. It is important to keep up your health.
Good luck!
Thanks for the advice.
John
Rian Alam
Student
139
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Rian’s Answer
Hi John,
I don't think that dropping AP econ would significantly hurt your application chances. I will say that for your own personal curiorisity, economics is a very common subject that will come up in political science major so it may be worth it to take next year.
I don't think that dropping AP econ would significantly hurt your application chances. I will say that for your own personal curiorisity, economics is a very common subject that will come up in political science major so it may be worth it to take next year.