Hey guys, I’m debating between two schedules for next year. I’d like to some hear some opinions on the two and which you would think would be better overall (rigor in relation to how manageable it is). They’re only separate in a few classes but it can make all the difference. Thanks if you guys have any advice or such. Also, disregarding other factors to college admissions, how do these schedules stack up to competitive schools and their applicants?
A.
AP US History
AP Computer Science A
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Calculus AB
AP Physics C Mechanics
AP Language and Composition
Entrepreneurship 1 (Dual Enrollment)
B.
AP US History
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Calculus AB
AP Physics C Mechanics or 1
AP Language and Composition
French 4 (no honors available)
Entrepreneurship 1 (Dual Enrollment) or Journalism 2
I vote B. Since you want to apply to competitive schools world language is a must and there is no world language on schedule A. Also schedule A has two comp sci classes which is good but don’t think 1 vs 2 APs will make a huge difference. Schedule A sounds a bit more rigorous (6 APs vs 5 APs) but I think colleges would prefer B.
Thanks for your input. I was also leaning towards B with pretty much the same logic and also the fact that I can take AP comp sci A senior year if I wanted to. I think I’ll be going with B.
Colleges will prefer B because they consider foreign language a core class.
Regarding Physics: take AP Physics 1 if you haven’t had physics yet, only take AP Physics C if you’ve had calculus AB and Physics before since it’s calculus-based and the second or third level in a sequence. So if you really want to take Physics C, since you’re a junior, you can take it after AP Physics 1 senior year.
I almost always agree with @MYOS1634 , except I partially disagree with her here.
Physics C requires at least concurrent enrollment in calculus. Additionally, the class is “only” mech, not Mech + E&M, so the level of calc is really not that critical in the beginning. Having said that, if you have not had a prior physics class, I would not recommend jumping straight into Physics C.
Oh, and B is the better schedule, for the reasons other mentioned.
You’re right, its not necessary to have taken calculus before Physics C, but it’s a good thing to have had some calculus. Since the OP will be a junior and will be enrolled in calc AB, I think it’d make more sense for her to take Physics C senior year.
I’ve taken physics before to some degree, although it was at an international school so I don’t know how it measures to the AP Physics courses and I’ll be taking AB Calculus concurrently. Guess I’ll be going out on a limb. Then again, I was also thinking of just taking Physics C senior year if I do continue to enjoy physics as you said.
Yup, it’s difficult in choosing which physics to take here. While I have take physics to some degree before, there is no level of difficulty to the class in the school I was (no honors, AP, regular, etc). Then again, it was notably difficult but manageable and I did moderately well. I may take my chances with C as I am doing AB calculus concurrently and as you helpfully pointed out which I didn’t know, not all that much calculus is required in C mechanics. Thanks again, I think I’ll be rolling with B. Although, I was kinda too dumb to apply for the editorial board thinking I would not do journalism again, but I regret that now. Will likely not to do it because I lack a leadership position there where I otherwise could’ve had it. Also how do you think the schedule(s) stack up to the more competitive applicants?
It’s fine; it’s balanced across core subjects with a nice mix of honors/AP classes. That said, course rigor is but one part of the application package for many colleges.
You might also ask for advice from the physics teacher.
If you’re only taking one comp sci, take CS A. Why? It’s harder, and colleges are aware of that. CS Principles is very easy. But CS A is not really that hard either- I just took the test this year and if you look at the frqs online they’re very basic.
^ Seconding the idea of asking the physics teacher - perhaps asking for some kind of old test for diagnostic?
I would personally do A, but B is probably more rigorous.
Really? I heard Comp Sci A wasn’t necessarily hard but was quite time consuming at my school so opted to take it senior year if I wanted to. I always sort’ve wanted to do principles because it’s supposed to give a nice background and overview of the sector although I may look further into it.
Yup, I had already spoken to her and she suggested to start off with C Mechanics and just switch out if I find it too difficult. Only issue I have with this is the potential schedule conflicts it may cause and it may mess it up entirely or I may even be unable to switch out.
Any specific reason you prefer A?
I’ve checked the material for physics 1 and it didn’t seem overly difficult, even partially some stuff I’ve covered before. Just kinda worried that C M is way out of my league.
Yeah unfortunately my extracurriculars don’t support my transcript well so far; however, I hope to change that next year. Also my grades from freshmen year are pretty average because of how they transferred from the MYP system to the US so I may have to forget about my chances at places like Ivies or others of that level.