This is lengthy but I really need help. I am currently wrapping up my freshman year at a college preparatory academy so you know what that means: sophomore scheduling. Down below is my current tentative schedule (recommended by my teachers):
World History 2AP (this will be a new course at my school next year)
English 2AP
Chemistry H
French 2H
Theology 2H
Health/P.E. (required)
There is a new option for sophomores as of next year to take Biology 2AP, so as I want to pursue a medical career, I think this will stand out on college apps. I asked many upperclassmen their opinions on me taking it alongside Chemistry H, and i have recieved TONS of warnings. I even asked my biology teacher (who is also the AP teacher) multiple times if she thinks I would be a good fit for the class and she thinks I could handle it. It is relatively a class juniors and seniors take but I don’t see why it is now an option for sophomores if they didn’t think it would be manageable.
I am generally a good student, ending my freshman year with all A’s, and I am a firm believer if you have the mentality to have good grades, you will receive them if you put in the effort. But the downside is, I am part of the competitive cheerleading team at my school, which runs through June to February and I would be taking 2 other AP classes and advanced geometry (which is very similar to AP).
Is it recommended to take all 3 (4) AP classes? Especially AP bio with chem? I am willing to stop cheerleading if it means bettering myself academically, but I am also willing to drop AP world history… the whole fiasco for me is a big “I don’t know”. I’m in need of recommendations, please help!!!
Allow me pose a question: why do you want to take AP Bio next year? Is it because you truly think it would be the best option for you or because you feel that you “have to” to be academically competitive for top schools? If it’s the latter, then don’t bother. The common wisdom is that once you hit about 8 APs throughout your high school career, any more will be of minimal benefit. Also, if you’re considering majoring in something medical- or biology-related, I would highly recommend taking it later in your high school career when you will presumably be more prepared to earn top grades and a 4/5 on the AP exam. Remember that some colleges will scrutinize performance in major-related classes more than other classes, so taking this class when you are most prepared would be wise.
Also, when planning out your high school courses, be sure to consider your options for all four years. If you were to take AP Bio next year, would you still be able to take high-level science classes each year? Since this is a new option at your school, you need to be proactive about ensuring that the new course pathway is well thought-out and a good fit for you.
And, for the record, if cheerleading is something that you enjoy, do not give it up for an extra class. Grades aren’t everything for either college admissions or for life.
Just some things to think about. Good luck!
I would recommend NOT taking AP Bio next year.
(Also it won’t “stand out” to colleges. At best, they’ll think you took a jr/sr class early for no reason. At worst, you’ll do poorly and they’ll think “hubris”).
In addition, if you’re serious about being premed, you really need to take AP Bio and AP chem as jr/sr so that you’re not rusty when you take Bio and Chem in college.
You can take AP Bio alongside Physics as a junior, with AP Chem as a senior. That’s the most rigorous sequence for science.
^Yes, the difficulty of your math class could definitely impact your ability to handle your proposed schedule. I would not skip a year of math. Also, even science majors don’t need to double up on science in any given year in order to prove anything to colleges. In fact, you’re better off with one science class, then demonstrating your interest in a medical career through one or two of your extracurriculars.
Thank you for all the feedback! After multiple meetings with my guidance counselor, teachers, and of course reading these replies, I’ve decided not to take AP biology and to just wait until Jr./Sr. year.