VertigoGal: Ahh, I see. That's pretty cool. I'm from a fairly rural area with a small population (there were 125 students in my graduating class), so I guess we don't have the demand for as many courses or whatever.
As for the college rowing, I really enjoy it...but then again, I had never rowed before so I couldn't really give you a comparative analysis or anything.
I guess it depends on where you go as to how expensive it will be - for example, at my school rowing is a club sport, which means we have to pay dues, engage in fundraising, etc., but I know of some schools where it's a much more competitive varsity sport and the rowers pretty much get a free ride, complete with jackets, spandex unis, etc. Personally, I'm fine with the club rowing, because even though it's fairly expensive (about $300 per semester for novice, counting dues and fundraising obligations), there are generally lots of fundraising opportunities, and you get to row in a competitive setting that isn't quite so cutthroat. (Wow, that was a long sentence!
) I expect the time issue would be pretty much the same anywhere you go, though - crew does tend to consume your life a bit!
AP credit also depends on which school you go to, I think. Most colleges will accept 4s and 5s, but there are some variations - like in my case, the school accepts 4s in some subjects, but for my APUSH credit to count, I would've needed to get a 5. (Does that make sense? I'm lousy at explaining things, sorry.
) Hope that answers at least some of your questions - and if not, I'll try to do a better job next time.