Next year will be my junior year and I have the option of taking APES (environmental science) or AP Physics 1. I will be taking 4 other AP classes next year and orchestra (Spanish literature, English literature, BC calculus, and US history). I currently have a 4.8 GPA and have skipped a grade in math and in science. Math is my favorite subject and I would like to major in either computer, civil, architectural or some other type of engineering.
Here is the breakdown of my dilemma:
The Physics teacher at my school has the reputation of not preparing the students well enough for the exam, while still giving them A’s in the class. Many students have reported this to the administrators and the teacher himself and have made a little progress. Before he would give 0 homework which would not give them the practice they need for the test, but now he gives them some. Most of my better friends are taking this class next year.
On the flip side, APES is known as one of the easiest AP classes to get an A on campus, and the teacher prepares them fairly well. (Not great but enough so that most people pass if they work hard). Not many of my friend will be taking this class.
What would look best for colleges, taking physics next year or my senior year?
And with my situation mostly laid out, which class would I enjoy more with my already fairly heavy workload?
Any input is greatly appreciated and thank you to anyone who responds in advance.
Let’s assume you have a natural facility for math and science, as I would certainly say might be inferred from the acceleration in those areas. What I am going to say next is dependent on natural facility, mixed with what may best be understood to be a felicity for the material in the respective courses.
If you “think” mathematically and it comes to you as easily as breathing, then you will love AP Physics and you will do extremely well. You will be taking a calculus course which is actually the complement pre-req course for AP Physics C under the old system. You will probably find this course to be something which augments your growing knowledge of the sciences, and may not struggle in any way to comprehend or retain this material.
Truly, AP Spanish Literature may be the biggest time commitment you have in senior year, assuming you are not a native Spanish speaker. AP English Literature will be the other big time commitment, and assuming you do not shun the humanities, this course will both enrich you and cause you to seek quiet space for completion of your work.
If you have great study habits and do not procrastinate, this will work for you.
It looks like five AP’s are what you are determined to do anyway, and if the choice is really one of ‘what course should I take to best round out who I am as a student who works at level XXX,’ and not merely ‘which AP looks best,’ you should be able to get around the teacher’s failings at prep for the AP, and finish strong.
Success.
It doesn’t matter when you take it. Although if the physics teacher sucks now, he’s unlikely to get miraculously better in a year’s time.
You’d probably enjoy APES more.
For future reference, colleges will not be interested in excuses like this. Many students have problem teachers, and they manage to overcome the hurdles. Teachers are there to facilitate your learning, not do it for you. Just because a teacher does not assign HW does not mean that the student can’t take the initiative and work on problems on his/her own.
Who enjoys AP Enviro? A mind is a terrible thing to waste.