I had pretty bad grades as a freshman, but they have been slowly rising up since then. Right now I’m still in normal classes, but everything seems to look good (well except physics). I feel like I might be ready for honors classes now but I need some advice.
Here is what I had in mind for next year:
Math: Calculus Honors / AP Calc if all works out.
English: I’m pretty sure I could make it into AP Lit but I’m having second thoughts because I’ve just never been great at writing. Should I go through with it anyway? Otherwise, I’ll be signing up for a semester of Fiction and then Poetry.
Social Studies: Today I handed in a request form for AP Gov. At first I was really considering AP Psych but the cons that made me change my mind were: It being an early morning class, the teachers getting low reviews with complaints of it being too rushed, and having to do a lot of self studying due to them mainly just teaching straight from the textbook. There’s a maximum 1.5 credit for Social Studies so I think I’ll use the extra 0.5 for a semester of Intro to Psych. Anyways, I’ll probably gain more from taking a college class on it instead
Science: I’m doing horrible in Physics right now, but maybe through some miracle, my teacher actually recommends me into an AP class. But I’ll probably end up taking a half year of Anatomy and/or Forensic Science. AP Environment could be an option, although I can’t tell how interested I’ll be with it in the long run. If I risk this, would it be a useless class to take or should I just go for it since it’ll mean having an extra AP in my schedule? I’m still figuring out what I’d like to do in the future so I’m hoping that the classes I take for next year help with this decision.
Foreign Language: Eh. I was thinking about dropping it. I hate having to take French, and theres no honors or AP option in it for seniors. Pros and Cons? Maybe you guys can change my mind.
Other: Some more electives just in case I have extra credits to fill. Any suggestions?
Is it bad that I’m only just now signing up for honors and AP classes?
Since I’ve only been taking normal classes this far, what should I expect going into them as a senior?
I’ll go ahead and tell you know that jump from regulars to APs is going to be rough. I’d really only recommend signing up for maybe two relativly tame ones and then maybe a good bit of honors classes. However, if you’re determined to work hard, I think almost anyone can do some work at the AP level and be successful. Also remeber that colleges like to see upward trends. They show your desire to improve and grow. I would think that colleges understand that you are not the same person as a freshman as you are a senior. Some colleges don’t even look at freshman year.
AP Calc AB might be ok if you are good at math, but I definitely wouldn’t take BC.
I think I’ve heard rumors that AP Lit is a harder AP. I’m not completely sure though so I would ask someone at your school since it varies from school to school too. AP Language and Composition is considered to be easier than AP Lit I believe (again not sure, ask a classmate) so that might be a better option since you say it’s not your best subject.
While AP Pysch is usually considered one of the easiest APs there is, if your teacher is bad, it can be just as hard as the most difficult APs. I agree it would probably be best not to take it. I really don’t know that much about AP Gov.
I think APES would be a good choice for you. It’s generally considered to be a game AP. High school is a time to explore your intrests. Even if you don’t end up using it later, it will show colleges that you can handle rigorous courses. Plus it will also get you used to more rigorous college style work.
Some we continue to say over here is yes you really should take a foreign language throughout high school. Often the main reason is whether you like it or not, colleges like to see it. Also, while there is a good chance a lot of people won’t be graphing sine waves and need to know about the Chinese emperors in everyday life, communicating with someone you might not otherwise be able to is always a useful skill.
Don’t feel pressured into taking a lot of AP’s. A challenge is always good, but too much at once can be difficult to manage. I would recommend taking:
English: If you’re not good at writing, I would avoid AP Lit. It is known to be a fairly challenging class at my school. Try taking Honors English if you want a challenge.
Social Studies:I would also not take AP Psych. It is known to be an easier AP, but in my opinion, it’s a lot of “busy work”. Endless hours of memorizing facts and disorders. I wouldn’t recommend the class to anyone unless you’re genuinely interested in Psychology.
Science: Again, I wouldn’t recommend APES unless you truly are interested in it. If it seems like APES might bore you, it probably will. I’m currently in APES and I hate it. I honestly regret not taking Anatomy/Forensics. People taking those classes just seem happier about it.
Sorry for being such a debby downer:( I think you should really try to craft your schedule around what you like vs bulking up on APs. You’re going into your senior year and you should be having fun:) Try taking a ridiculous class you’re interested in.
If I were you I would take 1-2 AP’s ( Calc AB and World?) and then some honors ( English, Anatomy, Forensics)
I wouldn’t take AP English Lit. If you can take AP English Language, it would help you adjust to the level of writing required in college. If you can’t, take Honors English seminars. Try to get B’s or higher.
Take another year of foreign language. This “signals rigor” to colleges.
It sounds as if you’ll get into calculus (Honors or AB), so good for you! 
APGov is a good class, and the .5 Intro to Psych would give you a glimpse of what psychology is about in case you want to take a class in it in Class (many freshmen do). If you want an easy AP class that relates to the real world (will shed light upon national news for instance) AP Human Geog is a good one.
For APES vs. Forensic, take what you’re interested in - as long as you take a science, you’re good. If your public university system weighs APs, then taking APES would be in your interest to get into college. It’s also quite interesting since it relates to what’s going in the world currently.
For electives, take whatever you want.
So:
Honors English 12 or AP English Language
Calculus
AP Gov and/or AP Human Geog
APES or Forensic/Anatomy
Foreign Language
One “fun” elective