<p>I am about to start my sophomore year of High School, and I'm having a bit of a schedule crisis. Last year, my grades were not quite as good as I had hoped they would be. This year, I'm hoping to turn things around. Last year I was on a split track, meaning that I took accelerated science (Biology) and average math (Algebra 1). To get back on the fast track, I will need to take both Geometry and Algebra 2 along with Chemistry. The idea of this makes me cringe. I am terrified to go back to school. What if I fail both classes? My only other option is to take freshman natural science instead of chem and drop alegbra 2. My parents think if I do this, I will never get into a good college. My High School is not very good or considered challenging. Will having a higher GPA look better than taking the most challenging classes? I'M LOST ND MY GUIDENCE COUNSELER IS NO HELP!</p>
<p>*I don't even like math! Science is okay, but I really love English and History. I want to be a writer someday.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, sophomore year in high school isn’t a great time to show passion in the humanities at most schools. So you’re gonna have to get through the maths and sciences. If you believe your poor grades were because you didn’t work as hard as you could have, or if you hadn’t yet learned very valuable lessons, then go for the hard classes and good grades. In general, your GPA is more important than your class rigor. Maximize the rigor without compromising a very good GPA. Is it possible to just drop down if you find yourself absolutely screwed?</p>
<p>To increase your chances into top colleges you need to take 4 years math, 4 years science, 4 years English, 3 years of same foreign language plus other courses to meet graduation standards and college prerequisites.
You have to face the fact that you have to show you are a good student across the board, not just in your favorite subjects.</p>
<p>You have not given us enough information to work with here. </p>
<p>What is the normal math sequence at your school? In many schools it is Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Trigonometry/Pre-Calc, with Calculus as an option after Trigonometry/Pre-Calc for students who took Algebra 1 in 8th grade.</p>
<p>What is the normal science sequence? In many schools it is Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics. Many also offer options of advanced or AP courses in Bio/Chem/Physics, or other sciences such as Environmental Science, Astronomy, Biotechnology, or Forensics.</p>
<p>Why are your only options a double-dose of math plus Chemistry, or “ninth grade natural science”? Are those two math courses strict pre-requisities/co-requisites for Chemistry? Or are the course offerings at your school so limited that changing one piece of your schedule messes up everything else? Back in the stone age I did take Chemistry, and yes, Algebra skills are necessary for all of those calculations, but Algebra 1 is probably good enough. Sit down with your counselor and get one of those math classes out of your schedule, and do your best to stay in Chemistry.</p>
<p>Good grades are important. Having challenging courses is important too. However, not everyone can fit every single piece of whatever their high school considers to be the “most challenging” program into their schedules every single year. Every single college admissions officer is fully aware of that as well.</p>
<p>I have no idea what your concept of a ‘good’ school is, but there are plenty of schools who would be happy to take someone on a split track. If you were my kid, I’d be fine with you just staying with accelerated science and average math. The last thing you want to do is set yourself up for failure.</p>