Hi everyone! This is my plan for AP classes next year.
AP Spanish
AP Literature
AP Government
AP Chemistry
AP Biology
I might drop AP biology because I’m afraid that it might be too much work for me to handle. Any thoughts?
I’ve heard taking two AP science classes at once isn’t a good idea due to the workload. Wouldn’t your schedule get heavily impacted by lab periods?
It’s important to challenge yourself, but it’s also important to do well in your classes. I agree with the above poster that two sciences may be a bit more difficult; if you think that you are unable to handle the workload, it’s better to drop now than to drop later (when it’s already too late).
Are you done with math? I agree with the top two posts that it will be too much work and stress with two AP sciences.
You are fine with 7-8 APs total in HS. Focus on the grades.
Although in theory it may seem like a good idea to take two science APs concurrently, especially if you’re planning on becoming a STEM major or pursuing STEM in college, in practice it’s a lot more difficult. I’m taking AP Chem right now, and I probably wouldn’t do as well if I had opted to take AP Bio as well; if you were to take two science APs together, Chem and Physics would be better choices, as they are more math-based than is bio, which is a heavily loaded class in terms of reading and memorization (that’s not to discount the amount of memorization needed in chem & physics).
I would not recommend taking two AP sciences concurrently, especially AP Biology and AP Chemistry. I would also recommend taking a math class, unless you are maxed out, in which case, could you take a class at a CC? You will want a free period in your schedule because during your junior year it is important to do well and have time to begin doing college things, such as research. Focus on your GPA instead of trying to cram in as many APs as possible.
Like I always tell underclassmen wanting to take lots of APs/Honors… an A in honors looks better than a C in an AP class. Yes, it’s good to challenge yourself, but your workload is very strenuous, especially with two AP sciences. Your schedule would still be tough, but if you picked one AP science it would benefit you greatly, especially since the two are also double-blocked, as the lab periods take up time too. I’m taking three AP courses this year: Bio, Lang, and US History. Bio takes up a LOT of my time, and I mean a LOT (and I don’t even do all of the recommended reading.) AP Language is the same way, the workload is very heavy… lots of response writing. AP US History is a lot of studying. Just these three AP courses as a junior sucks up a lot of my free time and ends up dominating any other classes I have, and hobbies I have. Don’t forget as a junior you’re probably going to be taking the SAT / ACT and potentially the PSAT again for the National Merit Scholarship… leave some time to study for those things and get on top of college preparation while you can.
I would be worried about your GPA; taking many AP classes usually calls for one or two being sacrificed, which can bomb your GPA… sometimes, even if you study a LOT for the classes, they just don’t turn into a pretty A or B. Your junior year is also widely viewed as the most important and influential: it’s the one colleges look at the most. A ton of AP courses won’t excuse a poor GPA.
Understand your limits and parameters. Don’t wear yourself out. If you feel like it’ll be too much, it probably will be. Remember to take time for other things, and try to enjoy yourself a little bit. Being in three AP classes now has really taken a toll on my overall mental well-being and happiness, and most of it is rooted in AP Biology. If you feel like you need to take a lot of APs, at least drop one of the sciences. Follow your heart.