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@Rachel_
0 answers, 4 votes
 • 3 years ago •
Admissions Advice

What should I do if my school doesn't offer AP/IB or Honors classes?
Answered

I am enrolled in an Indian-curriculum based school which doesn't offer AP, IB or any sort of Honors class. Which means that I am lagging behind on the course work section of my resume. My extra curriculars and GPA are good, but my course work definitely needs some help. Any advice on what to do??

Honors
AP
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Accepted Answer
@unior
46 answers, 136 votes
 • 3 years ago

Nothing.

I know, hard to believe.

Colleges look at what is available in your school and if you have taken the hardest courses offered there. If yes, you're fine.

I would say that even if you have the chance to take AP, IB, honor exams (by self-studying), don't. You can use that time to make your essays better and to just get a little bit further in the application process.

There is actually an article (I forgot the website so cannot provide you the link) where AOs said that they don't actually care if you have taken AP/IB/Honor exams OUTSIDE OF YOUR SCHOOL. They want to see your performance inside the classroom. So don't worry much about it. You're fine.

[Note: Whatever I have said above applies only if you don't have AP/Honor/IB classes offered in your school.]

6
@DebaterMAX3 years ago

I will say if you think you are advanced enough and have access to AP exams it’s worth looking into as it’s very cheap college credit

@unior3 years ago [edited]

Great point! If the purpose of the OP is to get college credits then AP classes are worth it. With respect to Admission Decisions, AP exams aren't worth the money and hassle if not offered in school. Do check the college website to see if they accept AP college credits (Some don't).

@DebaterMAX3 years ago

@mathgeek AP exam scores provide minimal if any decision on admission.

@DebaterMAX3 years ago

From all that I’ve read exam scores aren’t super worthwhile in admission. The best case where you get maximum value would be if you have a very lackluster but passing grade in let’s say AP math but a school that usally has 3.8 as average GPA the 5 on AP Calc can cover those flaws.

1
@EliasMiller
expert
144 answers, 157 votes
 • 3 years ago

The most important thing isn't the total number of APs or IBs. Rather, it's just that you took the most competitive courses your school offers. Some students attend schools that offer only one course pathway to everyone. If that's your only option, that's totally fine.

Of course, you can always supplement your coursework with some online courses (IE. Coursera or edX), summer programs, or with classes at a local college or university. However, unless your grades in these courses will be factored into your GPA (which I assume they won't, unless your school has some kind of dual enrollment program), they won't be as important as your high school classes. I'd mostly seek out these kinds of opportunities if you find yourself bored or not challenged in school, or if there is a specific subject you'd like to study that your school doesn't offer.

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