How should I schedule next year?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi, I'm new here, so forgive me if this is in the wrong place, but I have a question about what I should do next year. I'm a freshman this year, but the thing is, my school's scheduling is bizarre compared to most others'. We have block scheduling, with 4 classes each semester, working at a double pace, so that we get one credit in a semester, and a half credit (like PE) in a quarter. So--this ends up giving us 8 credits each year. </p>

<p>This semester, I have:</p>

<p>Trigonometry
Physics
English/Literature
PE first quarter, Speech second quarter.</p>

<p>Last semester I was actually homeschooled, so I'm not sure what I'll end up doing about that, but that's not the question I have. Next year, my thoughts are...</p>

<p>Calculus AB, Biology, English/Literature, Health 1st quarter/Art 2nd (it's required to graduate) for the first semester.</p>

<p>AP Calculus BC, English/Literature, Civics, Spanish (or French) I</p>

<p>[these are in no particular order]</p>

<p>So...to the point, now, finally. I'm starting to worry about doing both AB and BC in the same year, especially considering I'll only be a sophomore. The only math classes that would be left at that point would be AP Statistics and Discreet Math. I have to be honest, I'm one of those people who really doesn't want to go take separate classes at the community college for math. Also, I'm wondering if that pace would be way to much, especially for somebody as young as I am. So--my question is, should I separate AB and BC into two years (if I did this I would take two credits of Spanish or French that year)? Or would I be much better off, in the long run, by just going ahead and taking both in the same year and taking some classes at our local community college as a senior?</p>

<p>EDIT: Sorry, I forgot, all the classes at my school are technically "honors classes" even though they aren't labeled as such.</p>

2

<p>I seriously doubt your counselor would even allow you to take AB and BC at the same time. It’s redundant. It would be like taking Honors Chem and AP Chem at the same time. BC covers the AB material. The BC exam includes the AB exam. You do not take both classes. You pick whichever you think you can handle.</p>

<p>If you’re strong in math, I’d recommend BC. It gets tough but it’s not too much for anyone who has a solid foundation.</p>

3

<p>If I’m reading this correctly, the two Calcs would not be at the same time; AB would be first semester and BC would be second. That seems like a good way to learn calculus to me, but other issues remain.</p>

4

<p>Make an appointment to see your gc to help you with your schedule.
The gc can answer questions specific to your wants and needs.
Or email the gc with your concerns if you cannot get an appointment.</p>

5

<p>Thanks, everyone.</p>

<p>@Pancaked: It’s actually one the first semester, another the second–or, in my case, maybe in two different years (but still just one semester each). And with my school, you have to take both; you can’t just jump straight to BC.</p>

<p>@sherpa: Ok, thanks. The only big problem I can think of is that I would be taking an AB exam sophomore year, and a BC exam junior, instead of just the BC exam as a sophomore. (Yes, my school is confusing…)</p>

<p>@Balto: Good idea. I’ll do that eventually, but I wanted to see what other people had to say as well.</p>

6

<p>I know a lot of schools with block scheduling split up calc into two semesters, but I don’t see that there’s any reason you can’t take two years in one. (I took BC as a soph, though, and I do have to admit that I’m scrambling a bit for math classes to take now…)</p>