AP Gov & Economics
AP Lit
AP Spanish 5
AP Drawing
AP Bio
AP Calc BC
I’m thinking of taking either physics C or AP Enviromental Sciences as well. There’s a possibility that the physics teacher may leave next year so there’d be no more Physics C. I was thinking of taking an off-period and self studying Physics C or just taking APES because the counselor suggested it since it was an “easy” class and would boost my gpa. It doesn’t really interest me, but everyone currently in Physics C says it difficult.
I would counsel too many APs Senior year, and this is why.
In the fall, you are in college application season. You may be taking the SAT again. You may want to visit some more colleges. You have to write college- specific essays (hopefully you already wrote your common app essay over the summer.). You have to fill out your Common App and get recommendations.
Also you may be in marching band or Sports or be a leader of a club. College Apps is like another timesucking EC on top of that.
Then in the spring, you may have senioritis. You are been accepted to college and are looking toward the finish line. You will be going to admitted student’s days. You have to study for the AP tests…it will be difficult to study for too many at once.
Stanford U says:
“We expect applicants to pursue a reasonably challenging curriculum, choosing courses from among the most demanding courses available at your school. We ask you to exercise good judgment and to consult with your counselor, teachers and parents as you construct a curriculum that is right for you. Our hope is that your curriculum will inspire you to develop your intellectual passions, not suffer from unnecessary stress. The students who thrive at Stanford are those who are genuinely excited about learning, not necessarily those who take every single AP or IB, Honors or Accelerated class just because it has that designation.”
“The College Board needs to say a similar thing about taking A.P. courses. We have data that taking up to five A.P. courses over the course of high school helps students complete college on time. But there is no evidence that excessively cramming your schedule with A.P. classes advances you. Let us say to students, ‘If you would like to take more than 5 A.P. courses because you love the class, do so, but not to get into college.’
Also, how many APs did you take this year? How did you do? How did you do on the AP tests?
Have you taken bio, chem and physics yet? If not, at least take AP Physics 1.
Don’t self study Physics C…you will need a class with a lab. It will not help with admissions.
Take it in college if you need it.
With 6 APs, don’t take any more. Unless you live in Texas and want to go to a UT school based on GPA, the difference in your GPA won’t make that much of a difference.
How about taking something fun? like Photography or cooking?
I’m already taking 7 APs, including Physics 1 and chem, this junior year. I’ve taken honors bio before that and ended with a high A in it. It’s not time for AP exams yet, but I’m doing well in all classes, and I’ve done well on AP exams in the past years. Along with that is an SAT prep course and based on scores on previous practice exams, I highly doubt I’d need to retake that as a senior. I’m not in sports or marching band, but I am involved in other extracurriculars. Despite this, I still have a fair amount of free time and get enough sleep, so I think I’d be able to fit in college apps just fine. Yes, I do live in Texas. No, not interested in cooking or photography. Neither sound particularly interesting to me.