4 AP Classes in spring semester as a sophomore

Pre-College Issues High School Life
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<p>Hey guys, I am not sure what I am getting myself into since these four AP classes will be my first AP classes ever...</p>

<p>My school has a block schedule, so this means that I get 4 classes per semester for 90 minutes every day (our school's IB program is a different story...) The classes that I will be taking are Honors Biology, English 10, AP Chemistry (2 semesters), AP Calculus AB/BC (each part would be a semester, I am doing both), AP Euro** (1 semester, with an amazing teacher), AP Spanish (1 semester, but I have no choice in this being spring semester).</p>

<p>Sadly (or not so sadly), I just happened to get Euro**,Chem 2, Calc BC and Spanish spring semester. So this leaves me with 2 AP classes fall semester and 4 spring semester. :O</p>

<p>I am also quite active in extracurriculars (mostly Academic Team, MUN, Mock Trial, NHD and Science Bowl, there are others like Envirothon, but they don't require much effort) but most of my competitions end around April (National History Day is pushing this limit from January to April, granted I make states) and I have weekly Arabic memorization...</p>

<p>And I applied for a student-writer position at the local town courier, but it shouldn't take much time out of my schedule. </p>

<p>Any advice with coping with this presumably hectic schedule, I really am aiming for a 5 on all my AP Exams (exception of Spanish, that is not my subject, perhaps a 4 would suffice)</p>

<p>What books would help me prepare for these AP Tests, I am willing to start studying ASAP!!</p>

<p>**Note, I can switch to first semester AP Euro, but I won't get the 'best' teacher at my school.</p>

<p>Oh, and I am a Pre-IB student (if that helps in anyway..??)</p>

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<p>Bragging on CC is definitely the first step. Good thing you got that out of the way.</p>

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<p>Lol^ I think you are crazy for taking on that many AP’s as a sophomore or any grade, but that’s just my opinion. Maybe you’ll do great in all of them! Don’t take the saying: “Take the most challenging course load possible”, too literal. The key word is challenging, meaning difficult yet achievable.</p>

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<p>Definitely listen to Highschool2016 when they say that challenging means difficult yet achievable. The key is not to easily stride through your classes or to fail and be miserable, but to rather pace yourself and come out with as much fullfilment as possible. Through learning you will really develop passion. You are obviously a goal-oriented and accomplished student so you probably won’t drop any APs. When it comes to APs understand that you need to come prepared. You are taking a math heavy science class and an extremely advanced calculus class for a sophomore. The key to doing well in any math or science class would be to practice. It is now August which means that it is not too early to get started on reviewing for the coming year. I recommend looking at your future teachers’ sites and taking a look at their grading system so that you are in the game and you can prioritize. Next I recommend looking at some supplements to really get a taste of your AP classes. First review basic concepts of past math classes, application of skills is imperative for any math class. Then once you are comfortable, look up online sources for Calculus and especially Chem. I would try Khan Academy (excellent) and Education Portal which has multiple AP courses. Learning the material ahead of time will make for a less stressful school year and will make everything seem like a review. You’ve got a full plate so this is probably a very good idea. You must also stay VERY organized. Knowing where everything is and how it works will definitely make everything easier. Start your system like now. Literally. Most importantly you need motivation. You have a purpose to be in school and that is to learn. You may have a dream college so keep that in mind. However, don’t spend your year obsessing over a certain college. Remember that you have got to make the most of these four years. Good luck. ;)</p>

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<p>Unless you honestly believe you have great time management skills this year will not be fun. Were you challenged freshman year? Have you ever had to pull an all-nighter to finish a long essay? A lot ECs+6 APs is usually done as a junior or senior, at that point you actually have experience.</p>

<p>But, if you can’t drop any classes or ECs then make sure to buy the best AP prep books for each class and start adjusting your sleep schedule XD</p>

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<p>GG.
Seriously, Idk if anyone can do 2 APs in less than a semester (AP exams are in May)</p>

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<p>I appreciate your help! For time management, I’m not perfect at it, but I might be able to get by. Also, does just one binder and a large notebook sound good? That’s what I had for freshman year, and it was fine until the last few months of school…</p>

<p>I signed up for an AP calc prep class starting this Monday (until the end of the week) at a local community college, so hopefully that might get me more prepared for that class. As for chemistry, I think I might just buy a prep book like, today, so that I can prepare. Is there any particular topic in any of these classes that require more studying and focus?</p>

<p>And also, if I prepare now, since my school starts Aug 19, should I just study the hardest material, or should I go over the first few chapters (this applies to my first semester classes)</p>

<p>Also, switching to first semester AP euro, does that sound better to make it a more ‘balanced’ courseload? (3 AP classes for both semesters)
Again thanks everyone! I will definitely use @LaDiDa’s advice Asap!</p>

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<p>@Odoacer I wasn’t, except in my Spanish 4 class, I seriously just barely made an A (88 one term, 93 the other) for my final grade. And the latest I went to bed for a school assignment was 2:00 (this was Spanish 4 as well). My other classes were fine, and I did very well in my Pre-Calc and Chemistry classes. History is also my ‘hobby’ because I actually enjoy watching historical documentaries and playing any video game somewhat like the AC series…</p>

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<p>Just FYI taking 5 or more AP classes is HARDER than most schools IB program. So yes taking APs in pre-ib is vital. Hate to break it to you but colleges will only accept hl IB classes and not SL. Some IB kids cry about this but APs are harder than SL. I’m experienced with both programs (take both ap and ib but mainly ap because I’m a science and math guy)</p>

<p>Okay I agree that you don’t need that many APs BUT as an ib student you can’t take any junior and senior year really. And tbh many ib kids go to college before their test scores are submitted. This is similar to AP kids going to college before their senior APs can be submitted. However, at least AP kids can submit hard APs junior year.</p>

<p>This might sound random but I want to see the ib classes you plan to take. I’m guessing:
HL chemistry, HL math, and HL Spanish?</p>

<p>Alright here I go:
HL chemistry is pretty similar to AP chemistry. Their both hard! Had you taken chemistry freshman year? Ap chemistry recommends previous chemistry knowledge for a reason. I’m doing AP chemistry because my school only offers chemistry SL which is way easier. HL chemistry covers more
things but not as in depth as ap. however you will get more homework cause IB is like that ;)</p>

<p>HL math is harder than calculus bc. However, only harder in the sense that t covers more:
Calculus bc stuff
Some stats
Some “gifted kid" topics such as integrating factor (a nifty method to solve differential equations.)
Honestly I’m not sure how I feel about hl ib math. I personally think that I would rather do ap stats and ap Calc bc junior year then do MV Calc senior. I guess hl math is good for smart kids but for those who love math like me you will think your wasting time learning the same things you learned in ap stats and ap Calc.</p>

<p>And another way you might get screwed being in ib: most colleges consider ib hl math and Calc bc to be the same level. I guess their right in that hl math teaches f all but it is a harder class than ap Calc which is kind of a joke for some kids.</p>

<p>OR ATE YOU TAKING IB FURTHER MATH? (my school doesn’t offer it so dk what it is really)</p>

<p>AP Spanish is a harder test than ib hl Spanish. I don’t think your ready for a 5.</p>

<p>Please post all your ib classes you plan to take. Some of those APs might surprise you in being harder than the IBs. Just cause your in some program that constantly reminds you how smart you are doesn’t mean APs are for dumb kids ;)</p>

<p>Best regards,
A very honest man experiences with IB BS</p>

<p>LordEango</p>

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<p>Thanks LordEango for your response,</p>

<p>I am planning to take all HL classes except for SL Economics and Physics. My higher levels include History of the Americas HL, Math HL, Biology HL, Spanish HL, English HL, and Computer Science HL. Since you technically need three standard levels, I am going to test standard level for History of Americas. I am not worried about not having enough room in my schedule because I BELIEVE I am taking the most number of IB classes that can fit into our block schedule, but I have to double check, and if it doesn’t work out, I might drop Economics or something. (Our IB Economics class is basically AP Macro/Micro and our IB Physics SL is AP Physics B.)</p>

<p>And our schedule is like A day, B day, so we have our higher level classes every other day for two years and standard level every other day but for one year. So we can ideally take 8 classes both junior and senior year, so if all my hopeful IB classes are offered, then I SHOULD be able to take the classes I want.</p>

<p>I am going for the IB Diploma as well, so all in all, the IB classes I choose should qualify me for it, if I do well in the classes, EE and CAS stuff…</p>

<p>Also, this schedule will be finalized later on in the year (December), so it might change a bit depending on the classes that will be offered. </p>

<p>As for my AP Euro class, I think I might go ahead and switch it to first semester, but if I do this, does that mean I have a decreased chance of getting a 5 compared to those who take it Spring semester? This has been worrying me for sometime…</p>

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<p>Alright now I can offer my opinions ;)</p>

<p>So looks like your schools IB is way better than mine so go ahead and stick with it if you want. I dropped because AP was genuinely better than my schools IB (only like 4 HLs and 3 history related!) Just know that you will have to deal with what I call “IB BS". </p>

<p>Math issue:
Do you guys do HL math as 1 year or 2 year? We do 1 year but I reckon you do it as 2 years since that’s the standard IB thing.</p>

<p>I would pick ap cal Ab or ap calc bc. Not do both. Now usually I recommend people to skip calc Ab and do calc bc because it really just adds a little more. In your case I would just do calculus Ab as a skinny year round. If you feel smart than go for calculus bc. The ap calculus bc test actually gives you two scores: your Ab score and bc score.
Here’s a good way to think of it:
A - the precalc stuff like functions
B - derivatives and integrals
C - series and sequences
If you feel like you know A good - meaning you took percalc and did well - go for bc. If you think a brush up of percalc stuff alongside new calculus topics suits you - go for Ab. Taking both is kind of an oxymoron IMO.</p>

<p>HOWEVER
So your school doesn’t do any skinnies? Then I would go for calculus bc second half the year while prepping first half on your own time. You can take calculus Ab first half if you really want to but I just don’t think you should take both exams.</p>

<p>Chemistry issue:
So your not taking any chemistry class in IB? Have you taken chemistry as a freshman? I think you can go for AP chemistry but don’t expect it to be easy. I am taking AP chemistry senior year and doing just honors junior year. Really there isn’t any law on what year to take science classes. I’m taking ap physics c junior year for example (hardest physics class in ap or IB). Point is doesn’t matter what year you take science classes as long as you get the main areas: chemistry, biology, and physics.</p>

<p>I recommend taking AP chemistry because it looks like its your shot to take an advanced chemistry class.</p>

<p>AP eruo:
Take it first half of the year if you listen to my calculus advice. You just need to do a review book second half and I don’t think ap eruo is too hard but I don’t know or care (not a history guy).</p>

<p>IB stuff:
Those all two year classes right?
Your IB schedule looks good. Just know that your physics so with mean f all. In fact physics b means f all.</p>

<p>College stuff:
I wish I could share this knowledge to myself at your age. Hopefully I don’t stress you out when I say that YOU SHOULD TAKE 2 SAT SUBJECT TESTS. Think you get unlimited tries though. So I reckon that you should do: sat subject test math 2 and sat subject biology. Don’t worry about this until junior year. </p>

<p>And time for IB kids to get screwed again :frowning: (sorry I feel you): sat subject exams are modeled more on ap classes. Especially the biology exam. However I think IB biology HL does most ap stuff. Math level 2 shouldn’t be a problem.</p>

<p>And I would drop AP Spanish but its up to you. My IB Spanish teacher says that he thinks ap Spanish test is harder than HL.</p>

<p>Final points:
First half - AP euro and ap chem, and optional ap calc Ab
Second half - ap chemistry, ap calc bc (or Ab).</p>

<p>AP chemistry is going to be hard if you hadn’t done chemistry before. Even I’m delaying it purposely. Watch khan academy videos.
That’s 4 ap classes. Not going to be freshman year.</p>

<p>Glhf,</p>

<p>LordEango</p>

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<p>I really appreciate your advice LordEango!</p>

<p>I will switch to first semester AP Euro and still stick to AP Calc AB/BC (I think this is the only way I can take BC at my school, so I should stick with this then). As for AP Spanish, I think I should keep it so that junior/senior year it will be an ‘easy’ class to fall back on. Yes, I know it might be killer to keep it in my sophomore schedule, but I should get it over with now so that I can focus on other stuff junior/senior year (I aspire to be the team captain for my school academic team)</p>

<p>Since you seem to be curious to know my freshman schedule, I’ll tell you my classes :)</p>

<p>First semester:
English 9H (required)
Spanish 3
Algebra 2 H
Chemistry H
**Online~Gym, Health (both required .5 hour classes)</p>

<p>Second semester:
Algebra-Based physics H (required)
Pre-Calculus w/Trig H
Spanish 4
Government Honors (required)
**Online~Foundations of Tech, Digital Photography (both required 1 hour classes)</p>

<p>I had a 4.0 unweighted freshman year, no idea what I had weighted…</p>

<p>Edit~~For the sat subject tests, does it hurt to take the sat math 2 in October or should i just wait until i am done with calculus? I think i might even take the Chemistry one in May, since ap chem 2 would be done by then. I might even do the bio one (ofc when i am done with hl bio or something) senior year.</p>

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<p>Glad I’m a help! </p>

<p>Your freshmen schedule was harder than mine even though i “took more APs". You pretty much did an honors class for every branch. </p>

<p>APs: alright go or AP chemistry. Still will be hard but your more ready than me lol.</p>

<p>I can’t stand how so many schools make Calc ab a prereq. CollegeBoard ether has to define rules or make bc harder and more on the level of math hl :/</p>

<p>Subject tests:
SAT Subject tests are only multiple choice I think for all. Their not as bad as I probably made them seem. Most prestige colleges require 1 math (level 1 or 2) and one science (biology chemistry or physics). Don’t know any that require humanity ones but you got google :wink: I think there’s a Spanish one which you will destroy after ap Spanish. Though probably not required it might be a cool addition to do it. It’s like doing 360 no scope in a video game fps lol</p>

<p>Math level 2 is the highest level but doesn’t require calculus. Mainly precalculus stuff and some stars (taught in precalculus). I THINK you get unlimited tries so minus well just take it october with precalculus still fresh in your mind. I personally don’t find it to hard but everyone is different. 800 is best score but over 760 I think means you “check the mark." I’m still a n00b on this. I’m going into junior an gonna take it. Wish I did last year. </p>

<p>I would hold off until junior year for a science one. </p>

<p>Ap study:
Prep books help me. Don’t think you’ll need much prep for calculus outside the class. You should get a prep book for ap euro. I think Barron’s is best for that particular class but I usually prefer Princeton review. Just do the practice tests to stay fresh on the topic.</p>

<p>Get Princeton review for ap chemistry. The tests are similar to real thing.</p>

<p>I don’t think prep books would help with Spanish but I’m bad at Spanish.</p>

<p>So you’ll be taking 5 ap tests or 4? Like I said calculus bc gives you an ab score too (just evidence of the prereq nonsense) but taking ab exam would just give you more credit I think. If you can 4 or 5 them all you’ll get credit. Try to 5 the pivotal ones (calculus and chemistry IMO)</p>

<p>GPA:
Unweighted GPA is what matters is what is speculated. Weighted GPA is your imagination one. However Im one of those who think that prestige colleges have their own “GPA calculation" system. All you and I have to worry about is getting good grades though :wink: </p>

<p>IB:
Key to IB classes is to read. Have fun with essays :D</p>

<p>Also research is vital. Colleges reward people who can use search engines. I would just look up some school like Harvard and their requirements. If you meet Harvards or MIT or Cal Tech requirements you probably meet every schools requirements.</p>

<p>Best regards,</p>

<p>LordEango</p>

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<p>Again thanks!</p>

<p>I think I will take the math 2 this October, hold back for the science until junior year (like october so I can prepare the extra material for Chemistry that is on the subject test)and take the Spanish one right after Ap ;)</p>

<p>Ib seems so far away, but so close at the same time! I think I can do research quite well and I just wrote one for my college (high school oriented) engineering class this summer. I did surprisingly well, considering it was my first ever official research paper! </p>

<p>Oops, I think I might have to drop one HL class, there has to be TOK somewhere. if I had to drop a class, it might be economics or physics…but now is not the time I’ve got until December to worry over IB…</p>

<p>Anyways…so basically, try my best to 5 the Chem and calc tests and then still try my best in euro and Spanish. I think I only have 4 exams, like the calc one for bc has a sub score for ab, am I right? Also, does each ap test have a certain strategy?
(My only official, OFFICIAL test ever experience~~) I took the SAT for CTY in 8th grade (I didn’t care about it then, now I wish I did) and got like a 1700 exactly ( I got a 690 on the critical reading, and an 8/12 on the essay). I have no test taking strategies really, and sometimes stay after to finish a test in school because I am just that slow)</p>

<p>Now taking AP classes, should I figure out a strategy? How are your test taking strategies guys? I am sorry for all my questions I am so anxious because school starts in two weeks from tomorrow!! :/</p>

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<p>Lol far TOK. Hard class I hear.</p>

<p>Key to APs and subject tests and act and sat and stuff are prep books. </p>

<p>Really utilize what you won’t be able to in IB: free practice tests.</p>

<p>For the math subject test I’m using a Barron’s book. Think it’s 7 practice tests which is ridiculous over prep for just a 75 multiple choice math test. You can get 8 wrong and still get 800. Its a predictable test. Get it now and start prepping. Basic strategy I have is to just pwn :/</p>

<p>For calculus I like princeton review. Some like Barron’s but I think it’s overprep.</p>

<p>Dk for ap chemistry but Princeton review is probably the best.</p>

<p>For ap euro I reckon Barron’s is best.</p>

<p>So basically what I did sophomore year and what I’ll do junior year is review material in the prep book all school year. Then just take the practice tests ad review more. Also College Board has REAL tests on their website for some AP which is really generous. And if yor curious I did ap physics b and calc ab as a self study sophomore year alongside ap us gov. I only got 4 on physics b but that class means f all. I decided last second to take it. I used it to prep for physics c which is going to be hardcore D:</p>

<p>For you I would buy those books and:</p>

<p>Slowly review calculus book throughout year. After a topic in class just do it in your prep book. At end of year take practice tests BUT use College Boards free response. PR is too easy on free response. And yes you get 2 scores on bc exam!!! Really they tend to ask the same questions cause they need to “meet certain requirements." ib math hl is a harder test by far. </p>

<p>I would not use ap euro prep book until second half of the year. You just have to stay fresh on what AP says you have to know.</p>

<p>Read the hell and understand the chemistry topics. This will be harder than calculus FYI. Ap calculus test isn’t too difficult. Physics, chemistry, and biology APs are up with HLs btw (hl chemistry being harder, AP physics being harder, and AP biology = hl biology but hl having more topics and probably more work. Tests still same pass rate. Ib kids and ap kids take same biology class at my school). In fact I think chemistry will be so hard that you might want 2 ap books for the sake of more practice tests. Perhaps look at “5 steps to a 5." getting a 5 on this test will be quite good. A 4 will still give credits at most places though. </p>

<p>For Spanish you will need to take practice test. PR is probably the best but I have zero idea. There’s also an oral part in the test (which is why ap Spanish ain’t easy). Listen to Spanish radio, watch Spanish TV, become Spanish. 5ing this isn’t a necessity.</p>

<p>When your in IB preparing for the tests will rely more on your teacher. However, I believe you can buy ib practice tests. I think it’s BS how hard it is to obtain ib practice tests. It’s like their trying to get more failures so they can claim how prestige it is lollol. Anyways worry about that later. Ap books can still help in ib (like looking at ap stats and ap cal bc to prep for hl math)</p>

<p>So basically go to Barnes and nobles and FOR SURE buy:</p>

<p>Barron’s sat math 2 subject test. Short book.</p>

<p>Princeton review cracking the ap chemistry exam</p>

<p>I’m not sure what books for other exams but I reckon Barron’s for those humanity subjects.</p>

<p>Also this is how I roll. Its a lot of work but it has proven to get the results. Others might be different so hopefully they’ll post!</p>

<p>Regards,</p>

<p>A tired LordEango (act prep :()</p>

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<p>Thanks for all your help!</p>

<p>I will buy those books like this week (tax-free week or something idk) and just read the Euro textbook (got it from the first semester teacher because I was curious about what we were going to learn) to prepare these two weeks before school starts. I am not good at Spanish (although I was amazing in Spanish 3 and not 4), so I should’t expect to 5 that, although I will try to 5 Euro considering the fact I love history and I’ve been watching documentaries and playing the AC ezio trilogy throughout the summer :)</p>

<p>As for Chemistry and Calculus, those classes will prove difficult and I will use your advice to an advantage to get a 5 on both tests. When I signed up for these classes, I think I underestimated the difficulty of those two classes but hey, better now then later (the ib issue). </p>

<p>Tok is hard? I didn’t expect to hear that! Isn’t it just philosophy? And good luck with your ACT! If I want to apply to the Ivies, should I take both the SAT and ACT? (Nothing to do with this thread, just planning for the future!)</p>

<p>And… I am currently filling out the form to switch to first semester Euro! :)</p>

<p>Edit–I read you did AP NSL, how did that go? I took government honors and I was considering doing the AP version online until I realized how futile this would be with my other classes (online class on fcvs and it is from November-April) again thanks!</p>

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<p>Don’t wanna burst your bubble or anything, but you can only take 4 IB HL courses in the IB program. </p>

<p>You have to take (up and limited to) 6 IB courses, which can be composed of either 4 HL and 2 SL or 3 HL and 3 SL courses. </p>

<p>Sources:</p>

<p><a href=“https://ibanswers.ibo.org/app/answers/detail/a_id/36/~/how-many-ib-exams-are-there,-and-when-do-students-take-them%3F[/url]”>https://ibanswers.ibo.org/app/answers/detail/a_id/36/~/how-many-ib-exams-are-there,-and-when-do-students-take-them%3F&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>[International</a> Baccalaureate Program - About IB (FAQ)](<a href=“http://www.nsd.org/education/components/faq/faq.php?sectiondetailid=75268]International”>http://www.nsd.org/education/components/faq/faq.php?sectiondetailid=75268)</p>

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<p>Hence the 6 core subjects focused on in the I.B program.</p>

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<p>Thanks for letting me know, I thought I could just take whatever and test standard level for some classes. Now that it has been brought to my attention, I’ll stick to Bio, English, Math and Comp Sci HL. For SL, I might do Spanish and History. Comp sci is debatable, but I think I’ll enjoy it if I prepare next summer. For physics and economics, I might just do macro/micro and Ap Physics B (idk, maybe C?) separately just as AP classes. Thanks sluchy ;P</p>