Since freshman year my goal has been a top college, not necessarily an ivy, but a high ranked one. My field of interest is engineering, possibly within computer science? Not 100% sure on the focus yet. I received 1 B sophomore year (didn’t focus much/medical issues), but I’ve already received a B in AP Chem first semester this year, and I don’t see this semester going well for chem or some of my other classes. Of course there are other aspects to college admissions, but my extracurriculars aren’t amazing and I’m sure my essays will be good but average. If anyone has suggestions on how to proceed, I’d appreciate it. I’m focusing all of my energy on chemistry, but because of it I’m suffering in other classes and my grade still isn’t improving at all.
Additionally, I’m trying to pick my schedule for next year. I’m currently in AP Chem, AP Physics 1, AP Calc AB, AP English 11, AP Comp Sci, French 3H, and Science Lab Assistant. Here’s what I’m planning:
AP Gov/Econ
AP Lit
AP Calc BC
AP Stats
AP Physics C Mech
AP Physics C E&M (May end up being independent study/not a-g, therefore not AP, because not enough enrollment, but I’m interested in the course material)
I’m concerned because many people say you should take 4 years of language, but I’m not great at French and I’d probably not do well in AP. I’m also concerned in general about whether it’s a good schedule, or if I should consider changing anything.
Thanks!
Do you have any colleges that you are definitely interested in? If so, it would be beneficial to look at their language requirements or even email someone in admissions asking about how the lack of french would effect your admissions. If you find it difficult to handle your current course load, I would not advise you to take that many AP classes. Maybe only take one Physics class and focus on quality over quantity. Is there any activity that you are very passionate about? Its never too late to focus on a new interest, and you can even write an essay about how you discovered a new passion! Its funny because my junior schedule is very similar to yours, and I want to major in the same thing in college. As someone who also wants to go to a good college, I just have to remind myself to put my mental health first. Do you have a high SAT/PSAT? That might help you when applying.
So you have a couple Bs? You are overreacting and should try to relax. Try to have fun and high school and not stress yourself out to death.
ABET accreditation means that the education you’ll get at many engineering schools is very similar. Relax, apply to a wide range of schools that fit your stats as of the end of junior year, and let the chips fall where they may. If you want to do engineering, the end goal is to be an engineer. Not to brag about what school you went to, but to get an engineering education. Keep that in sight.