<p>I will be taking all AP classes next year, but I'm trying to decide if it is worth all the extra work to go the harder route, or if I should take the easier route. I will also be doing college apps next year seeing as I'm a senior. In addition, my SAT scores are pretty bad but my GPA is really high so it might be best to keep it that way more easily... but colleges will see that the classes are easier (Are they TOO easy though? They don't seem to be...).</p>
<p>Definite Classes (assuming schedule works out):
AP Lit
AP Spanish
Chorus
Science Research 12 - This summer will be my 2nd summer doing Biochem research</p>
<p>Choices: <em>Easier class
Calc AB</em> or BC (BC is an extra period every other day and our calc teacher who has been there for like 30 years is retiring so I have NO IDEA how the new teacher will be)
AP Bio* or AP Physics C (Doing well in Physics B but hate it. I think I'd enjoy Bio a lot more. Plus, Bio would be A LOT easier)
AP Gov* or AP Econ (Econ is 2 APs... not really sure if Econ could fit in my schedule anyway but assuming it does for now. I also hate AP US if that's any indication of how I would like Gov)</p>
<p>I am taking Calc AB as a junior, and it is definitely not looked down upon by colleges (unless, maybe, you are planning to pursue as an Applied Mathematics major…?) Otherwise, I think colleges are fairly confident that they can expand your calculus knowledge themselves once you actually get to school. Take AB; BC is an additional two chapters of work in my textbook, which ends up translating to about two more months of intense learning, whereas in AB we have more time to review and (hopefully) better results on the AP exam. I really don’t think you’ll regret it, especially when application season rolls around and you find yourself buried under a myriad of other work commitments.</p>
<p>I also took Bio as a sophomore and absolutely loved it! It’s more concept-oriented than Physics, and therefore- to me at least- a little less monotonous. Also, if next year is going to be your first year of calc, then I would definitely recommend Bio over Physics C because I’ve heard that the latter is much easier if you have a year of calc already under your belt, rather than taking them simultaneously.</p>
<p>As for AP Gov and AP Econ, I don’t think it will really matters which one you choose. If it is any help at all, AP US is among the most hated courses at my school, but those who go on to AP Gov often love it (although whether that’s because of the material or the significantly different teaching styles, I’m not sure). I do know that colleges also sometimes look at classes like Psych, Econ, and other usually-university-level, non-basic courses as “fluff,” and tend to be skeptical of their value. I guess I’m suggesting you take Gov, after all!</p>
<p>I’m in the midst of schedule season, too, and also a Brown '15 hopeful! Good luck to you, whatever you choose!</p>
<p>Not so sure if I’m a Brown '15 hopeful anymore. Now I’m more of an “exploring ALL of her options.” Haha I did a summer program at Brown and LOVED it, plus I have family pretty close Brown. However, I’m starting to realize Brown would be different during the year and I didn’t really open my mind to other colleges. Maybe I’ll still choose Brown as my first choice, but as of now I’m undecided :).</p>
<p>You should take BC, since if it requires 2 more months of intense learning, then logically AB has two months where you’re not really learning much. Frankly I was able to self study the entire BC portion in less than 2 weeks and get a 5, so it’s not too much work and may help you skip an extra class.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>It’s not. Just no.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Huh? Gov is much more of a fluff class than the Econ classes, but neither are on the level of AP Psych. If your choice is between Gov and both Econs for a year long class, than definitely go with the latter, as all three have a semester’s worth of material.</p>
<p>At my school both classes are offered full-year (weird, huh?). I’m REALLY concerned about BC because of the new teacher. Is AB a LOT less work? I also, don’t want to give up a coveted free period as a senior but I guess colleges won’t accept that excuse.</p>
<p>Haha, I completely understand the indecision thing! I’m definitely not the type who could apply Early Decision to anywhere! I guess I’m more an acceptance-letter hopeful than an attendance hopeful, too :)</p>
<p>I tend to be a more English-history-foreign language student (although I really did love Bio), so for me AB has certainly been enough of a challenge. Teacher differences actually played a big role in my decision, too, and I don’t regret going with AB since it is taught by an Ivy grad who is much more helpful than the other teacher has been to his students. If it were me, I wouldn’t discount the value of a good teacher- or a free period! I guess it really comes down to personal preference; BC might be rewarding if you’re a math buff. In the end, though, I think it might be worthwhile to opt for less pressure considering that admissions committees don’t bar applicants because they took a slightly lesser course, especially if that course is part of a solid overall schedule.</p>
<p>Wow sorry I added a random comma in my last post if anyone caught that
I think I’m going with AB and Bio, thats kind of what I was leaning toward before I made the thread but I wanted some feedback.
Since AB is offered more than one period, I might be able to fit Econ in there :)</p>
but I guess colleges won’t accept that excuse.</p>