<p>I think I'll request Honors French, because my average has remained steady for two years - ranging from about 96-100. Definitely not asking for Honors Physics, since they go on and on about being experienced in background in math. ;) </p>
<p>Should I request Honors Geometry though? I dont want to be overburdened my fall term because I don't want to get behind in work, and that's a lot of work. Math isn't my best subject; I'm good if I pay attention, but I usually drift off in class. I only have a 90 percent SSAT on it - my lowest. To Helen and Carolyn and other people going to Choate - what are you taking and what do you think I should do?</p>
<p>I think I will request Honors Geometry, not sure about the rest because I haven't gotten the stuff yet. Are we supposed to take physics first? Do they have a path that they recommend students taking for science? My friend at Choate said that he thought Honors Geometry would be too challenging for him because students are better academically at Choate than my school and so he didn't request for honors. Now, however, he regrets choosing geometry because it was too easy.</p>
<p>yes, go for Honors French. Honors Geometry.. I don't know. Geometry is different than most math. I had trouble w/ the algebra and stuff but geometry is so easy for me that it's like I've already learned it.. but that's because I'm just very logical and rational and analytical. It can be very tough for some people. I don't know how good you are in math, so you should ask someone who knows more about your skills. My teacher said that people who struggle a bit w/ algebra usually sail through geometry.. kgiven you're smart and not totally inept.</p>
<p>I would advise you to take biology first, and not physics. Really. Biology is much more applicable to psychology (evolution, natural selection, etc.. very interesting), which you like. You can take advanced physics when you're a junior or senior, that way. Plus, chem is really good to have down before you go for physics. Really. If do you go w/ physics, don't ask for honors.</p>
<p>remember, most honors class and top boarding schools are harder than AP classes in public schools. Last year, half of our honors chemistry class went on to take the AP test, more than half got 5s, the rest got 4s</p>
<p>Yes, you're supposed to take physics first. If you have any questions about courses, Helen, ask me. I'll type out the course descriptions if you want for any subjects.</p>
<p>You're supposed to take physics first, Blair. And my 8th grade science course is an Intro to Chem - so I know a bit about it; I think that's good.</p>
<p>I'm not sure how much say you have in whether or not you're placed in honors. I suspect your current teacher's input, past grades, placement tests, etc will determine whether you're assigned to honors or regular section. Some courses don't even have honors sections in 3rd form year (like English).</p>
<p>Also, even if you qualify for honors placement in multiple courses, you need to make sure your reach doesn't exceed your grasp. </p>
<p>For most of you, BS is going to be a lot more work. Piling on the honors courses, even if you are eligible, might not be the best thing. Better to limit yourself to one or two, particularly your first year.</p>
<p>At least that's what I'm telling my son.:) He's pretty good in Math and is in Honors Geometry at his present school, so I think he's going to be taking Algerbra II next year as a third former. Not sure if he should be placed in honors.</p>
<p>Also, will probably place in Latin II or maybe even Latin III. If they put him in Latin II, maybe honors would make sense, but definitely not Latin III.</p>
<p>As for science, I think you may need to coordinate with your math courses, particularly for Physics.</p>
<p>If you are at all considering taking an honors class (including Geometry), you should go for it. It is incredibly easy to drop down into a non-honors section, but very difficult to move up the other way. </p>
<p>I thought Geometry was pretty difficult at Choate, but I'm not really a spatial person. </p>
<p>im having the same dilemma as you, olivia...
i don't know whether to take honors geometry, honors latin 3, and maybe honors physics?
im still confused about whether you are allowed to take a sixth ACADEMIC course during your freshman year...and also that art requirement...oh so many different requirements!</p>
<p>For what it's worth, my daughter was a student at Choate and was an excellent middle school student but with only a so-so background in math and science (i.e. Algebra I in 8th grade was the top math section.) After looking at her scores, they placed her in both honors geometry and honors physics. Physics was instantly a joke, she clearly didn't have the background. Geometry might have been okay if she loved it (she discovered quickly she's more of an algebra person) but that was too challenging too. She ended up dropping down in both. I think if you have any choice at all in the matter, unless you have a very advanced math background, take biology first. It will give you an extra year of math and you'll be better prepared for chem and physics. Good luck!</p>
<p>Carson, I'm going to request Hon. French and and Geometry. I think I'd be fine with French and I've heard Geometry is easier than Algebra and it's more verbal and memorization. So, if I can't handle it, I'll drop down. I've heard from about 3 Choate students and graduates that it's easier to drop down than go up, so that's what I'll do. I don't feel ready for Hon. Physics, though, so I'll just request Regular.</p>
<p>It shouldn't be a problem taking six academic courses at any time during your 4 years in terms of logistics, but in terms of work, you may feel overwhelmed. I took 5 every term Freshman and Sophomore and 6 practically every other term. The art requirement involves one art Freshman year, one Sophomore OR Junior, and one Senior; and you must take at least one in each of the two art areas, Visual and Performing. </p>
<p>The Global whatever-its-called requirement is pretty new, so I'm not totally sure how that works... The Course Catalog explains fairly well. </p>
<p>Pumpkinyaz, I again suggest signing up for as many Honors as possible, then dropping if necessary. Its nearly impossible to start in a regular and then move up. </p>
<p>Unlike HSN, however, I do recommend taking Science in the order the school prefers, Physics, Chemistry, Bio. That way, you will be in classes with people in the same form, and it all works out better that way in terms of helping each other and projects, etc.</p>
<p>Do you think it's okay if I take Hon. French and Math and not Physics? I don't feel comfortable doing that ... I don't think I'd like math like that - and it states specifically that you need to have an experienced background.</p>
<p>What does this sound like:</p>
<p>En100 Freshman Eng.
MA250 Honors Geometry
FR250 Honors French II
PH200 Regular Physics
HI111 (Fall) Contemp. Issues</p>
<p>Same thing Winter and Spring, except HI111 would be Classical History, then Medieval History, and I'd request Photo in the Winter, though I'm not sure if I'd get it or not.</p>
<p>Olivia,
That looks fine to me. I was originally in Honors Physics and had to drop down because it was too difficult. Of course I'm not really a Geometry person either... But if you have a solid background in French, that choice should be fine. And I took Contemporary Issues before it was a required choice and I really enjoyed it. If you can request a teacher, get Mr. Foster or Mr. White... I think they both teach that and either would be an amazing introduction to the faculty at Choate. </p>
<p>Let me know (PMs are always welcome as well) if I can help you with anything else. </p>