When to take AP economics?

Could I get into AP Economics or AP Gov during my junior year or could I only take it in my senior year?

• Could I get into AP Economics or AP Gov during my junior year or could I only take it in my senior year? Cause i want to take it this year because I dont have much AP's and plan on taking a bunch next year to compensate.

• Answer:

  It depends on your school. Some large schools are able to have AP classes that can be taken as extra classes or earlier than typical. Some schools have different history classes required to be taken during different years. At my son's private school, they don't have that many AP classes (they prefer a more rigorous curriculum), and they are usually taken during specific grades, and students take the AP tests from regular classes. Math classes are often mixed grades, so we have kids in 9th grade taking AP Calculus AB because they've advanced through summer school. Many kids take AP classes during summer school. (Some kids take 4 or 5 AP classes during summer, insane and a waste of their time. Better to intern or do something to make yourself stand out.) Typically because of the way the curriculum works at my son's school, they take AP Gov in 12th, AP USH in 11th, AP Euro in 10th, to make sure all of their college requirements are covered. We don't have AP Economics because we have an Econ/Investment class for seniors, taught by an investment manager who retired early with like a zillion dollars. (A very popular and useful class.) Many of the kids take the AP Econ test after that class. You don't have to take an AP class to take the AP tests. Don't load up on AP classes unless you will get all As and 5s, maybe 4s, on your AP tests. It's better to get an A in a regular class than a B in an AP class. It calls into question the validity of your grades if you get an A in an AP class, but a 1 to 3 on your AP test. Schools have different curriculum, and the colleges know this and take it into consideration. Not all AP classes are as rigorous as they should be. It is also better to spend time on your Passion, extracurriculars and community service with Depth and Focus. Just stacking up AP classes doesn't get you into a good college, that's too easy, the colleges want to see something unique about you. Stand out! Good luck!