28 replies to this topic

[DoodleKid]

Okay, so I'm still in Civil and what I got from all of those months of complaining to anyone I could was the message "You're not getting into Media."

I decided to talk to Ms.Czerniewski, the AP Studio Art teacher, about what I can do, and she told me I could still take the AP exam, which is to put together a portfolio of around 30 art pieces. She showed me some of the submissions on the Collegeboard website that had high scores and they were out of my fxcking league. Last Friday, she asked me if I really wanted to go through with doing it because she needed a straight answer to order something.

I'm honestly not that sure. From what I've seen, there's a huge skill gap between me and the best, and I'm going to need to improve in a short period of time, while improving my grades, since I'm gunning for Cooper and I don't want my failing/barely-passing grades to look too pathetic.
What I'm asking is what would I get out of doing the AP exam? I mean I want to improve, but I've got a lot to do, and I don't know if I should add this to my work load. Does taking it improve my grades somehow? Will it make me look slightly less stupid when applying for colleges if I get a good grade on it? What comes out of doing this, aside from art improvement?
She wants an answer by tomorrow, and although I'm leaning towards going through with it, I'm still kind of on the fence.
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And onto another subject, I think I recalled seeing a topic somewhere in the BTHSnews forum about a senior dropping a major. Would I be able do drop my major during my senior year, and if so, how would this impact me? Grades, college application, graduation, etc. I mean... Civil Engineering is okay and stuff, but I already know I am never, ever, EVER, EVER, EVER going to use the knowledge I gain from it in my future. Seriously, I don't plan on building any structures and even if I do, none of you should walk into or around it. Not safe. At all.
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I really don't understand why I can't just switch with someone in Media... During one of our conversations, Ms.Czerniewski brought up the fact that one of her students wanted to be in Civil and that she tried talking to my guidance councilor about maybe switching us, but apparently nothing came out of it. Seems counterproductive to make kids learn about things they aren't going to use while keeping other kids away from things they are going to use in their future.

[ABrooklynTechie]

I don't know the answer but I love your last paragraph!

[MaiAndy]

I think unless you have Art Studio class with her, you will not have enough time to improve.
There are only 3 months until submission of portfolios and you have already lost a term.
That's my thought.

[DBest]

DoodleKid, on 07 February 2010 - 03:36 PM, said:

I'm honestly not that sure. From what I've seen, there's a huge skill gap between me and the best

lol got that right...

However, you should definitely take that AP if you have the opportunity. The thing is, AP classes take a lot of time, money, and effort. But for good reason. Many Universities/ colleges when looking at your application take into great consideration how "rigorous" your course load was. This basically means weighted classes like many PLTW's, honors, and APs. Now you wouldn't be able to take the class, but about 31% of colleges give credit for AP exams. Besides this, whatever you've obtained on that AP exam is also put into consideration for many colleges.
For Cooper Union.....

Admission requirements:
* Essay(s) required
* Required: SAT Reasoning Test or ACT
* If submitting ACT, the writing section is optional
* Required for Some: SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests; or ACT
* If submitting ACT, the writing section is optional
* Considered if Submitted: SAT Subject Tests

Very important admission factors:
* Rigor of secondary school record
* Standardized Test Scores
* Talent/Ability
* Academic GPA
* Level of Applicant's Interest

Important admission factors:
* Application Essay
* Extracurricular Activities

Considered:
* Class Rank
* Interview
* Racial/Ethnic Status
* Recommendations
* Volunteer Work
* Work Experience
* First generation college student

Along with the course load from civil, it should be fairly easy to study for the AP art (keep in mind you don't have to take the class. AP tests are only multiple choice, and an hour long -___-. Just study up on history, rather....)
AP STUDIO ART
AP ART HISTORY
Since you're interested in Cooper Union's program, than
Cooper Union SCHOOL OF ART

If you let this opportunity slide, you'll be screwing yourself over. If you feel a little ambivalent, than let someone else persuade you (that's the only reason why you'd be posting this anyway). DO IT! IF YOU WANT SOMETHING DONE, DO IT YOURSELF!!!!!

....hey my 666th post

[DoodleKid]

@ABrooklynTechie:
lol, thanks.

@MaiAndy:
Crap, I didn't even realize the exact amount of months I had, I just knew I was very low on it. I've been visiting Ms.Czerniewski everyday during my lunch period last week and I'm probably going to do so again this week (Although I'm not sure if I should, because I don't want to annoy her too much. Though if it were possible, I would gladly change my lunch period to a LetsGoBugMs.CzerniewskiAboutArt period).
I have improved during my first term, though not in the way the portfolio graders are looking for. My Macbeth comic was the first comic I made that wasn't just a humorous comic strip and my El Ofensivo Muerto comic was the second, which was a big improvement from my first, although still with many flaws due to time constrictions.

@DBest:
Wow, thanks for all the research. I guess I will take the AP exam, even though I don't have much time... Taking a shot at it is better than just not trying at all. I hear Cooper takes a very close look at portfolios, so this can be like a pre-college portfolio prep. If I can get a good grade on this, I might actually have a chance at Cooper.

[DBest]

ROFLMAO the spanish comic was awesome!

[DoodleKid]

Blegh, quality on El Ofensivo Muerto took a nosedive when I rushed. I redid the last page during my last day of finals because I didn't have anymore tests/projects to stress out about.

[ABrooklynTechie]

By the way, colleges look at if you took AP's and not if you passed or failed :) Even though it helps to pass.

[DoodleKid]

But how exactly would this show up anyway? I'm not really taking the class, but I'm taking the exam, so... Will it still show up as a class grade or something?

Also, to take the exam it costs $80+, so does anyone know how I'll need to pay for that? Since my parents aren't really supportive of my decision to be an artist, using a credit card or something might not be an option...

[NickC]

DoodleKid, on 07 February 2010 - 03:36 PM, said:

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I really don't understand why I can't just switch with someone in Media... During one of our conversations, Ms.Czerniewski brought up the fact that one of her students wanted to be in Civil and that she tried talking to my guidance councilor about maybe switching us, but apparently nothing came out of it. Seems counterproductive to make kids learn about things they aren't going to use while keeping other kids away from things they are going to use in their future.

If we let YOU change your major, every other kid who is about to cry being in AP Chem or taking 12309812039 AP Classes in IAS, or those who just don't really care about building models every night in Architecture will want to switch.

It can't be done. You get what you earn. That's how the policy is now. Unless there is a distinct, clear cut way to let kids transfer out of each major it is not going to happen. You will just have to live with it. Which is why it was STRONGLY recommended to NOT slack off in Freshman year.

[DoodleKid]

But isn't the point of school to educate children for a better future? How is keeping them from taking classes they can actually use and giving those spots to kids who won't use the knowledge logical at all?

I do agree with you that the option of switching majors can ruin the system if every student who can't handle their major decides to bxtch and moan about it, but c'mon!
I know for a fact I'm going to have a career in the art field. Whether it's as a comic artist who draws worlds you won't want to leave or as a hobo drawing for a couple pennies, I'm going to do something art-related. I am not, at all, going to be an engineer. Let's get that clear. I'd rather choose being an art hobo over civil engineering.
The option to switch shouldn't be given to students who just don't want to do work. It should be given to people who are determined to better themselves in that environment. Maybe giving them some kind of transfer-test on the major to see if they really want to be in it, I don't know. Rewarding a dumb student with even more lack of knowledge doesn't make any sense to me at all. I guess it's 'cause of my grades.

[DoodleKid]

Blegh, sorry for the attitude.

All nighters + Touchy subject + Too much soda = Unfiltered DoodleKid

[Ilya R.]

DoodleKid, on 08 February 2010 - 05:53 AM, said:

Blegh, sorry for the attitude.

All nighters + Touchy subject + Too much soda = Unfiltered DoodleKid

Give it to us raw! Censor filters will get you if anything =P

[SoLR]

DoodleKid, on 08 February 2010 - 03:30 AM, said:

But isn't the point of school to educate children for a better future? How is keeping them from taking classes they can actually use and giving those spots to kids who won't use the knowledge logical at all?

I do agree with you that the option of switching majors can ruin the system if every student who can't handle their major decides to bxtch and moan about it, but c'mon!
I know for a fact I'm going to have a career in the art field. Whether it's as a comic artist who draws worlds you won't want to leave or as a hobo drawing for a couple pennies, I'm going to do something art-related. I am not, at all, going to be an engineer. Let's get that clear. I'd rather choose being an art hobo over civil engineering.
The option to switch shouldn't be given to students who just don't want to do work. It should be given to people who are determined to better themselves in that environment. Maybe giving them some kind of transfer-test on the major to see if they really want to be in it, I don't know. Rewarding a dumb student with even more lack of knowledge doesn't make any sense to me at all. I guess it's 'cause of my grades.

Sure the point of a school is to educate, but quite frankly being mad and bringing up these points isn't going to do anything. Plus, you got 1.5 yrs left, face it you're not going to be in media. Just stick through civil and have fun doing what you like in college.

[BassOmegaX]

1. It is not an AP exam, it is an art portfolio submitted to the CollegeBoard.

2. Realize that not all colleges will accept AP credit, including AP Studio Art.

3. In a far-fetched situation, it *might* be possible for you to take media classes in senior year. If there is room in the junior media classes, and if you beg, you might be able to take it. Of course, its highly not probable. I only say this because I know someone who took Digital Electronics without being in Comp Sci or IAS.

4. You can keep begging to transfer into Media but what makes you so special? If one person is able to transfer majors, then people will start using you as an example to try to get their own transfer and it may cause lots of trouble. 

5. You reap what you sow. You stated you failed your classes. Why should you get priority in choosing your classes? The people who get priority are the ones who worked hard. Of course, grades can be subjective, but I'm pretty sure anybody can pass. In the end, you should stop trying to get into Media. It just won't happen. Instead, use your time to productively plan out the future. Remember, its not about where you go or what classes you take, but what you learn. 

[DoodleKid]

Ouch.

Guess that's my cue to shut up.

[DBest]

BassOmegaX, on 09 February 2010 - 05:03 PM, said:

3. In a far-fetched situation, it *might* be possible for you to take media classes in senior year. If there is room in the junior media classes, and if you beg, you might be able to take it. Of course, its highly not probable. I only say this because I know someone who took Digital Electronics without being in Comp Sci or IAS.

Everybody in electromechanical (applied physics) have to take digital electronics as well, however that's senior year.

[DoodleKid]

NickC, on 08 February 2010 - 01:44 AM, said:

If we let YOU change your major, every other kid who is about to cry being in AP Chem or taking 12309812039 AP Classes in IAS, or those who just don't really care about building models every night in Architecture will want to switch.

It can't be done. You get what you earn. That's how the policy is now. Unless there is a distinct, clear cut way to let kids transfer out of each major it is not going to happen. You will just have to live with it. Which is why it was STRONGLY recommended to NOT slack off in Freshman year.

SoLR, on 08 February 2010 - 06:42 PM, said:

Sure the point of a school is to educate, but quite frankly being mad and bringing up these points isn't going to do anything. Plus, you got 1.5 yrs left, face it you're not going to be in media. Just stick through civil and have fun doing what you like in college.

BassOmegaX, on 09 February 2010 - 05:03 PM, said:

1. It is not an AP exam, it is an art portfolio submitted to the CollegeBoard.

2. Realize that not all colleges will accept AP credit, including AP Studio Art.

3. In a far-fetched situation, it *might* be possible for you to take media classes in senior year. If there is room in the junior media classes, and if you beg, you might be able to take it. Of course, its highly not probable. I only say this because I know someone who took Digital Electronics without being in Comp Sci or IAS.

4. You can keep begging to transfer into Media but what makes you so special? If one person is able to transfer majors, then people will start using you as an example to try to get their own transfer and it may cause lots of trouble. 

5. You reap what you sow. You stated you failed your classes. Why should you get priority in choosing your classes? The people who get priority are the ones who worked hard. Of course, grades can be subjective, but I'm pretty sure anybody can pass. In the end, you should stop trying to get into Media. It just won't happen. Instead, use your time to productively plan out the future. Remember, its not about where you go or what classes you take, but what you learn. 

Okay, I suck at keeping quiet online.

1. I know it's not an actual exam, but for the art AP, where most APs would have an exam, it has a portfolio. I'm just typing exam because it's faster than typing "portfolio" and I already stated that I had to put together a portfolio in the first portion of my topic.

2. Yes, but doing this will both improve my art skills and show the colleges that do look at APs that I took a shot at it.

3-5. Please try to be consistent. Telling me to beg to get into a Media class in my senior year doesn't mean much when you bash begging in your very next statement.

And to all the quotes, can we just drop the whole fxcking transfer subject? I started this topic mainly for advice on the top portion of my post. I only included the last paragraph because I didn't understand how keeping people from learning about things they wanted to learn didn't make people think the whole damn system was broken and because I still have plenty of built up anger towards this whole freaking major problem. I get it. It's my fault. I get told that every freaking time I bring this up and I even tell it to myself, but I'm pretty sick and tired of having that statement beaten and burned into my brain because it already has been for plenty of other things. I'm sorry for even mentioning it again, so please, let's just leave it alone.

Thank you, and proceed with the incredibly long and awkward silence that will follow this post.

[SoLR]

DoodleKid, on 09 February 2010 - 10:32 PM, said:

Okay, I suck at keeping quiet online.

1. I know it's not an actual exam, but for the art AP, where most APs would have an exam, it has a portfolio. I'm just typing exam because it's faster than typing "portfolio" and I already stated that I had to put together a portfolio in the first portion of my topic.

2. Yes, but doing this will both improve my art skills and show the colleges that do look at APs that I took a shot at it.

3-5. Please try to be consistent. Telling me to beg to get into a Media class in my senior year doesn't mean much when you bash begging in your very next statement.

And to all the quotes, can we just drop the whole fxcking transfer subject? I started this topic mainly for advice on the top portion of my post. I only included the last paragraph because I didn't understand how keeping people from learning about things they wanted to learn didn't make people think the whole damn system was broken and because I still have plenty of built up anger towards this whole freaking major problem. I get it. It's my fault. I get told that every freaking time I bring this up and I even tell it to myself, but I'm pretty sick and tired of having that statement beaten and burned into my brain because it already has been for plenty of other things. I'm sorry for even mentioning it again, so please, let's just leave it alone.

Thank you, and proceed with the incredibly long and awkward silence that will follow this post.

Fair enough, as for the AP portfolio, I think you should concentrate on getting your grades up. I've looked into what college board wants for the portfolio and in my opinion it'd be too time consuming; time that'd better be used to get your grades up/study for the SAT. Also, please remember that you'd be at a great disadvantage compared to people who actually took the class. Especially since they learned techniques, chose concentrations, and had the critique/assistance of their teachers. In the end do as you wish, my recommendation is to drop the AP idea and focus on grades/SATs.

[tycoonboy388]

I know I'm late to the discussion, but if money is no object (or to put it correctly, if you can afford the cost), take the portfolio exam. Remember that there is no rule that you must report any AP scores, and in most cases, most college applicants don't. This is because CollegeBoard doesn't discount it like they do for the SAT, and they are essentially meaningless to the application process UNLESS you have taken a lot of AP Classes (if you are an AP scholar, then you might want to send the scores).

My point is that in this case, if you perform poorly on the Studio portfolio, you can keep it quiet. If you manage to rock the portfolio and get a 4 or a 5, you can then brag about it on your application. Because you did not take the Studio class, only you need to know that you took the Studio portfolio exam, and you can make the decision with little ill repercussions.