I am going to be a sophomore next year in High School and I’m worried about how my schedule looks to college applications. In my sophomore year, I took AP Human Geography and ended up with a 98 average all year, but it took too much hard work and manly restless nights. Next year, I have decided to just take regular World History instead because I’m taking many other preap classes. Do colleges look at that drop seriously? I dont want it to affect how they look at me as a student and maybe think I’m not challenging myself. I am going to take APUSH Junior year and join the IB Programme so hopefully that should add up. Any thoughts or suggestions? Should I take this class (everyone has told me u shouldn’t because it’s better of to get a high A in a regular class than an 80 in an AP class).
While APWH is typically more work than APHG, I think you should think about challenging yourself with APWH as you will need the same skill set and adapt to that workload for when you take APUSH. I don’t think it will break your application as you are taking other honors classes and plan on taking APUSH and IB classes, but it is worth consideration to benefit yourself in the future.
I think you are fine. Colleges like to see consistent good grades. A mix of regular and A.P. classes (your choice) are fine. Remember your application will be more than just your grades. Solid, good grades with some higher level classes and a nice mix of leadership, volunteerism, and activities will make you a strong candidate. (full disclosure…assuming you are not going for the Ivys which many on this board are)
I also think you would be fine to take honors history as a sophomore.
It’s perfectly fine.
In addition, colleges look at your overall schedule’s balance (do you have all 5 core classes? Do you have a mix of regular and honors/AP classes? What does your choice or electives say about you?)