<p>I would like some perspective. My senior son has just decided he does not want to take (as originally planned) Honors Bio Chem 2nd semester. He feels as though he has been pushing himself and challenging himself in all Honor and AP classes throughout high school and he does not like the Bio Chem teacher and really wants to "chill" a bit now that he will be in last semester of senior year. So many of his decisions for classes and class levels have been with college in mind and I think he really wants to say "no" to me on this,lighten up and have me lighten up and not give him a hard time about this decision. </p>
<p>He saw his GC today and she said since she already sent in to schools his schedule for 2nd term, which included Honors Bio Chem that if he dropped it they would see at the end of the year on his report card and that wouldn't look good. She suggested he do what she thought was a win/win. The school is starting a pilot program next semester - some kind of peer leadership. She is suggesting he does this which would be a group of seniors who are volunteering to meet with freshman to assist them with academic/study difficulties. She told my S he would need to write to the colleges he has applied to and explain he has dropped H Bio Chem and instead is taking part in this pilot program.... She thinks it will be looked at very favorably by colleges. </p>
<p>I am concerned colleges will think he is slacking and taking the easy way out by dropping the class and this could be a bad thing. He disagrees with me and thinks I need to lighten up. I actually suggested to my S that maybe he should see if GC has something like a written description of this Leadership Pilot program that he could send along with a personal note from him. He thinks that is not at all necessary and him writing to them will be perfectly fine. </p>
<p>So, tell me your perspective. How do you feel about your S or D taking it easier with course load 2nd semester? If he still maintains his grades in all his classes but drops the Bio Chem is that still looked at poorly?</p>
<p>Boxcar, it's not clear to me from your post...does your son really want to do the pilot program? If so, my "vote" is with your son. I know all the conventional arguments about most rigorous course schedule, but I was also struck by your observation that so many of his decisions re: classes were made with college in mind. I think parents and kids both can easily lose sight of the here and now because of the grab for the brass ring called "the future"; this program seems like a superb opportunity to do something for the here and now, as well as a chance to give back to his school.</p>
<p>Hey, we are in the same place (sort of ) as D hates taking a computer on-line Calculus BC class from Epgy. Doesn't feel she's learning diddly. Hates the teaching modality. She is seriously thinking about taking an IS Mathematics and doing a mathematical project through the GT program instead. Good plan ? I have no idea but I think I have to let her make the call. (She already has a 5 in Calc AB , and a 36 Math ACT and she's not a candidate to be a math major, as far as I know anyway.)</p>
<p>Sooooo....yeah. I think we have to shut up and let them do it. Although I am searching for other alternatives for her to consider.</p>
<p>boxcar, what mezzomom says is too true, it is easy to get caught up in doing the "right" thing for the adcom...in reality the "right thing" )assuming one is taking a tough course load and challenging themselves) is to follow what your heart says. You son should do what he feels is right for him, assuming he is not slacking. One course will not make or break his apps.</p>