2010-05-11, 12:16 AM
Taking AP classes does more wonders to you, given that you put your time and effort into it.
- Getting credit and/or allowing you to take advanced courses: this is very helpful (especially the credit part), and guarantees (to a certain extent) that you will graduate on time. You did say you're going to UC right? You do know about the massive budget cuts that is impacting both the UC/CSU system? This translates to less general ed. courses being offered.....well I'll let you fill in the blanks here. In short: that's where APs come and save the day.
- Show that you are dedicated to take college-level courses (aka show that you're ready for college): This is probably a big thing now, especially in the coming years. Admission officers want to see that you are taking challenging courses (and succeed in it). You could stand out in the admissions process if you have a few AP's done by the end of junior year (and getting scores of 4 or above)
People that call you "overachievers" are those that are simply jealous of what you're putting yourself up to, or those that are afraid to step up to the academic challenge (I apologize for any hasty generalization I may be making here). But remember though, come college application time, things definitely becomes lucid between those who get into the best schools and those who get into the "eh"/crappy schools. Now ask yourself: Were the "overachiever" taunts effective in the end?
Trust me, APs are very valuable (and it could be a godsend for you). However, that requires a bit of sacrifice on your own end. I myself took the initiative and quit MS so I could focus on my academics (and I've never regretted my decision. Ever). Why would you not give up gaming (as you put it in your own words) and simply do something that could provide many benefits for you in the long run? Academics first, entertainment second.
- Getting credit and/or allowing you to take advanced courses: this is very helpful (especially the credit part), and guarantees (to a certain extent) that you will graduate on time. You did say you're going to UC right? You do know about the massive budget cuts that is impacting both the UC/CSU system? This translates to less general ed. courses being offered.....well I'll let you fill in the blanks here. In short: that's where APs come and save the day.
- Show that you are dedicated to take college-level courses (aka show that you're ready for college): This is probably a big thing now, especially in the coming years. Admission officers want to see that you are taking challenging courses (and succeed in it). You could stand out in the admissions process if you have a few AP's done by the end of junior year (and getting scores of 4 or above)
People that call you "overachievers" are those that are simply jealous of what you're putting yourself up to, or those that are afraid to step up to the academic challenge (I apologize for any hasty generalization I may be making here). But remember though, come college application time, things definitely becomes lucid between those who get into the best schools and those who get into the "eh"/crappy schools. Now ask yourself: Were the "overachiever" taunts effective in the end?
Trust me, APs are very valuable (and it could be a godsend for you). However, that requires a bit of sacrifice on your own end. I myself took the initiative and quit MS so I could focus on my academics (and I've never regretted my decision. Ever). Why would you not give up gaming (as you put it in your own words) and simply do something that could provide many benefits for you in the long run? Academics first, entertainment second.