<p>what with sophomore counseling and the ongoing discussion about
choosing classes for next year in my high school, my parents and I
have come to a roadblock/disagreement about what my schedule for
next year should look like.</p>
<p>Well, I'm guessing that you've all probably heard about this particular
topic concerning college prep and whatnot - it's about whether I
should take more AP classes or not.</p>
<p>More specifically, have been pushing me to drop my music
class for next year and replace it with more math or science AP classes.</p>
<p>Considering that I plan to major in math or science, and am shooting for
the very best schools (dream school Princeton) I guess their
argument has a point; but the basic idea that I've been getting from
the counselors in my school is that it's not wise to stock up on AP's and
give up extracurriculars like music. </p>
<p>Well, the whole point of all that above was this: which path do you think I should take?
And do you know any college counselors or other people who have some knowledge about these things that I can contact? It'd be really helpful :)</p>
<p>Oh and this is the schedule that I was thinking about going with next year... </p>
<ol>
<li>AP English</li>
<li>AP Calculus BC</li>
<li>AP Physics</li>
<li>AP Chemistry</li>
<li>Wind Ensemble (highest music class)</li>
<li>Latin 3</li>
<li>Marching Band (after school; ends in December, cannot replace with another class)</li>
</ol>
<p>well, my parents want me to take out 5 and 7, Wind Ensemble because they think I should take another math or science class, and marching band cause it takes up so much time. Another thing to consider is that Marching Band is PE credit, and if I take it out I need to put in a pe class (not for senior year though)</p>
<p>I like your schedule and would not advise dropping music. If you were to drop music in order to pick up more APs, though, I would advise against another math or science and steer you toward a history. To get into colleges such as Princeton, even math/science focused applicants should have a broad range of rigorous courses.</p>
<p>If you enjoy your music classes, you should keep them. Colleges would rather see you taking 4 years of music and making a commitment to music than taking extra science classes that you don’t even want.</p>
<p>Plus, you’ve already got 4 APs in your schedule - do something for your own enjoyment.</p>
<p>Colleges aren’t looking for you to burn yourself out with <em>all</em> APs. They’re just looking for you to challenge yourself while pursuing your interests, which the schedule you listed here definitely does.</p>
<p>Music is not a bad thing just because it’s not math/science - colleges want to see that you can do a variety of things.</p>
<p>I am unsure as to what science and math classes you have taken and what is available to you currently, but the only other AP mathematics test that I know of is the Statistics test. The only other AP (natural) sciences you can take are Biology and Environmental Science. You can probably save biology and statistics for next year and skip environmental science assuming it is even available unless you plan to pursue a relevant major. </p>
<p>I would strongly discourage dropping your Wind Ensemble class, especially if you have already been in the class for two years. If your school offers weighted GPA based on AP/honors classes, you may want to ask your teacher for honors credit for the class if it is available. This is what I did for my sophomore through senior years, as I stayed in String Orchestra all four years when I was in high school.</p>
<p>Is AP Latin/Latin: Vergil offered at your school? I would definitely take that if you can since it is a fairly challenging but interesting class as well.</p>