Hi, I am having an extremely difficult time trying to decide which classes I should take my junior year. So far I know for sure I am taking AP Calc AB and AP Chem. However, I am still deciding between AP Chem and AP Biology, mostly because of the difficulty in my AP Chem class. I have heard so many stories of really intelligent people earning a B in AP chem, which scare me. I enjoy learning about chemistry wayyyy more than I do in biology ( I’m not really interested in bio), but it is easier to maintain a good grade in ap biology than ap chem. So I cant really decide on which to take. I was also thinking of taking APUSH, but I absolutely hate history and memorizing historical facts. I can bear it and try my best at it, but I’m nervous I won’t be able to do well in the class, the only reason I want to take it is earn college credits. I was wondering what skills do I need in order to do well in APUSH. In addition, I was thinking of taking AP Computer Science, the thing is, I have no knowledge of computer programming at all or computers in general. The class is really interesting, and I want to learn about comp sci. But I am also worried I won’t do well due to my lack of prior knowledge going into the class. Would I still be able to be successful in AP Comp Sci, even with no prior knowledge? I’m also thinking of taking AP Stat, but then all of my AP classes would be somewhat math-based classes, which is a lot. I excel in math than any other subject. I am a straight A student, and I don’t want to drop to a B, I want to take at least three AP classes, but I can’t decide what classes to take.
My two cents as a rising senior.
- If you enjoy chemistry more, take it over biology. Other people's grades aren't necessarily an indicator of your own potential in the class. Do NOT take AP Bio if you hate biology– you will have a very bad time, trust me.
- If you hate history and memorization, there's no need to force yourself into APUSH.
- For compsci A, it'll be hard, but yes you can be successful in it even without prior knowledge. If you are genuinely interested in programming, you should go for it, especially if you are a math whiz. If you're talking about compsci principles, then you should have zero concern because it's a much easier class.
Don’t obsess over your GPA. Take classes you’ll like.
Science: You should take Bio, Chem, Physics and then at least one AP version of those. Have you taken physics?
Comp Sci: You have to start somewhere with CS. HS will be the easiest place to do it. They assume you know nothing. Better than taking it in college where many know something.
APUSH: Its okay to take Honors USH if you really think you won’t like APUSH.
Why bother with AP stat?