Are these classes enough, or should I take APUSH?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>My current schedule as a junior is:</p>

<p>US History
Honors English 5
Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry
PE
AP Chemistry (double period)
French Year 1 Term 1
Journalism 1</p>

<p>I studied abroad for my freshman and sophomore years, so I had schedule problems in the beginning of the school year. My schedule was just adjusted today, and I had the option of being placed in APUSH (I wanted Honors US History, but the class was full) and I turned it down. I'm going to be in AP Calculus AB/BC (my choice) by the first week of October, but since I'm transferring in, I need to get really good grades in honors trig first to show I know what I'm doing. I never took a second language, so this is my first year with French.</p>

<p>My reach colleges are Cornell, Columbia, and MIT. I'm expecting two APs this year, and under normal circumstances, I would've taken three. However, I have to make up for all of the regents I missed (it's a NYS thing idk) and I need to study for my SATs and do extra curriculars and SAT IIs and AP exams and everything, and I don't want to set myself up for failure, as I have no idea yet how rigorous AP classes are. That's why I wanted to be in Honors US History, but that's not an option. It's either APUSH or the regular US History class, which isn't as challenging as I'd like it to be (but the teacher is amazing). </p>

<p>I also have the option of dropping my journalism class for a science research class (I want to do both but can't!) and I'm not sure what to do there, either. Since I enjoy both classes, which would look better for universities?</p>

<p>Do they really care about the little details like if I have one regular class (there is no Honors French or Honors Journalism or anything like that)? Should I take APUSH and hope for the best, or play it safe and not switch? Also, will something like journalism vs. science research affect a college's decision? Thank you so much for your time.</p>

2

<p>If you feel that you can take the extra workload, it is definitely worth the grade bump.</p>

3

<p>Your situation is somewhat unique, so it’s hard to say what colleges will think, but if you were an ordinary student, your curriculum would be light for what your shooting for. You probably need to step it up a notch or two.</p>

<p>Since your situation isn’t normal, go see your school’s college advisor if you have one - NOT the ordinary guidance counselors who tend to be useless. If he’s at all familiar with the schools you’re looking at he’ll be able to tell you what you need to take and if you have a chance given your situation.</p>

4

<p>Ugh, that’s what I was afraid of - my coursework being too light. I think under normal conditions (if I had started high school here), I would’ve been able to handle APUSH, but things are very messy in my home life, and I have a lot to catch up with in terms of state requirements. :/</p>

<p>I really don’t want to dig myself a deeper hole, so I’ll stick to working hard in AP Chemistry and making sure my grades are good enough to transfer into AP Calculus AB. I’ll stay in US History.</p>

<p>Our college advisor won’t be in until later on in the year, so I don’t have anyone to talk to in that case. Thank you so much for your help though!</p>

5

<p>I’d say to go for it, but he warned about APUSH. It’s by far one of the APs that requires the most work, IMO at least.</p>

6

<p>*be not he… Oops :p</p>