I am currently debating between a few different classes and I am not sure what classes would best suit me.
My schedule for next year (tentatively):
English L4 (Honors)
Algebra II L3: took level 2 math classes for the first two years, then took L3 Geometry (which is usually for sophomores) in junior year. I am wondering If I should double up in math since I know level 2 algebra only counts as 1 credit, and taking four years of math like this only counts as 3 credits, not four.
For science, I have a choice between physics L3 (took physical science L3, biology L3 and chemistry L3 until now), anatomy and physiology L4 (which is a full year elective), and AP biology, which I’ve heard was incredibly difficult and I am not sure if I can handle. But I do want to take a hard science class since I am considering either some kind of business major or biology major (for pre med).
We don’t have history course available for senior year, but I am taking AP psych instead
A semester of PE is requires and for electives, I am considering taking both AP Macro (full year) and AP micro (half year)
French L3
I am looking for some advice on what to choose that will make me seem like a attractive candidate for colleges since I don’t have a great range of EC’s, or a sport I am playing. I want this year to look better than junior year, where I only had one AP (with a B as my grade) and 2 honors classes. I also failed one of my electives (a Java coding class that I knew was going to be trouble for me) this year, which I am sure has damaged my transcript considerably.
I really want to do better this year and I want to know what classes would be right for me. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Additional info:
L2
L3 is regular classes/college prep in our school
L4 is honors
L5 is AP/Accelerated
My unweighted GPA is 3.49
I moved from another country (where they don't speak English) to the United States in 7th grade
Would it be possible to double up on algebra 2 and pre-calculus without having to change your schedule too much? Even if you aren’t planning on majoring in STEM (and especially if you do end up going the pre-med route), taking pre-calculus is important.
You seem to be well aware of your abilities. You don’t want to take classes that prove to be too difficult and hurt your GPA senior year, but you seem to know yourself and what you can do well in with a nice balance of classes. As for a science, physics is a different class than physical science, so it would be helpful to take that. Is there a physics L4 option?
To make yourself stand out more in applications, maybe you could seek out leadership positions in any ECs that you are in? Application essays are important to the admission process too, so don’t overlook those. Good luck!
I can’t take pre calc senior year since I didn’t meet the pre reqs for it. If I want to double up in math, my only choice is to take level 3 statistics. Since I cant take pre calc anyway, I am wondering if doubling up is worth it to make my weak math background a tiny bit better.
I don’t meet the pre reqs for physics level 4, but I do meet the requirements for AP Bio, which I am not sure I can handle. I am really not sure if I should take AP micro (full year) instead of electives I actually like (marketing and photography). Honestly, I am only considering that class b/c I want to make up for lackluster EC’s and GPA with a rigorous course load. I feel like my junior year wasn’t as strong as I would like it to be, and I want to better my chances of getting into a good college. Overall, I would say that I am still every unsure of what to do.
I would suggest taking algebra2 and statistics at L3 Indeed. It’d show that while math isn’t your strong point, you try to push yourself. In addition, odds are they you will have to take statistics in college so it’d be an introduction before you’re thrown into the deep end so to speak. Same idea with Physics L3 (shows you challenge yourself with a quantitative class).
Don’t take an AP class unless your teacher feels you can get a B in it. No college will be impressed with a C in an AP class - it’ll actually be detrimental. So, I’d stick with AP Psych and AP micro, and add the electives you like.
Can you take French L4 though?
Don’t get too attached to the idea of pre-med - most students who are competitive have taken precalculus honors if not Calculus, along with AP Bio and AP chem, and still 75% don’t make it. Think if other ways to explore - mis/cis has very good professional outcomes and less math. If it’s too mathy, there are lots of majors. Often what matters isn’t your major but your leadership’s activities and internships, and so you should choose a college with a very good career center.
Same idea with Physics L3 (shows you challenge yourself with a quantitative class).