<p>I am seeking some advice regarding my course schedule for senior year. My school offers 3 AP courses (English, Bio, CalcAB), but it is generally unheard of for a student to take all three. Regardless, I want to, esspecially since I already completed all of the other math classes my school offers. Anyway, the school also requires that students take a government/economics class, religion, and then two additional electives. The question I have regards the electives. AP Students can elect to have a free period, which I plan to do. The elective choices otherwise are Philosophy, Film History, Anatomy, Advanced Web Design, Women in History, and Java Programming. Out of these, which would be the most wise selection? I really wanted to take Film History, but would this be seen as too much of a "fluff" course? My second choice is Philsophy, then web design. </p>
<p>BTW, I hope to major in economics/political science, and am most interested in competitive LACs, such as Wesleyan or Barnard.</p>
<p>Good decision to go for all three courses--Calc is pretty much considered a must for the top colleges, as is AP English, and it is always good to show that you are stretching yourself with another strong AP like AP Bio. As far as electives, I think that Film History, while neat sounding, might not be the best choice. If you really want to take, I would say go for it, because your courseload compares very favorably within your school setting. But, of the courses that you listed, I would say that Philosophy, Anatomy, Women in History, and Java seem like the heavier hitters and I would lean towards taking one of those. If your second choice is Philosophy, then I would take that. </p>
<p>My other suggestion would be for you to take Philosophy and Film History and not have the free period. Be aware that many of your competitors for admission will be taking full courseloads...I am not saying kill yourself, but do realize that, unless your HS is known to be highly rigorous (which it very well may be--I just don't know), that a free period will stick out a bit amongst the many applicants will full courseloads.</p>
<p>Looking at your college plans you should certainly take AP Calc AB (as an economics major you'd have to take it anyway) AP English would help to become a better writter, which is beneficial for any college student. AP Biology would get you your life sci requirement for college, so all 3 are great courses to take, as long as your up to taking 3 AP classes at once (it's no joke). In regards to your elective course I would lean toward philosophy for your future plans, but if your passionate about film history take it!</p>
<p>Hope I helped!</p>
<p>Thanks for the assistance! It sounds worthwhile to take three AP's, and I also can see where it would be helpful to take two electives. I was planning on taking a fourth year of Latin as well, but there was only two students interested in signing up for the course...I know that having a fourth year in all major subject areas would show a strong schedule, but unfortunately, that's not an option. It seems philosophy or java might be the best picks.</p>
<p>Yes, I would say that as long as you are moderately interested, Philosophy or Java are good options for your elective. </p>
<p>Too bad about Latin--don't be shy in noting that on your applicatin, because you don't want extenuating circumstances counting against you.</p>
<p>Take film history and the free period! Seriously, your counselor is already going to check the "most challenging schedule" box because of your 3 APs. It's senior year--you'll end up hating yourself if you sign up for elective courses you don't want to take.</p>