Hello. I am an 8th grader and I was wondering if taking AP classes in my first two years of High School will be difficult. Of course it will be difficult but I am asking if it will be TOO difficult.
Right now, in math, I am taking Algebra 1 Honors with an A+ (97). I am probably going to take Geometry this summer. Therefore, I will probably take Alg 2 freshman year and Pre Calc Sophomore year. And I read online that when I take Pre Calc I can also take AP Statistics which I will do. So will AP statistics and pre calc sophomore year be too much of a course load?
I am not sure about history but I have an A in US History Honors. Does anyone know what class I will end up in freshman and sophomore year if I am at US History Honors? (also learning about US government in that class)
For science, unfortunately I am in CP Life Science but I might be moved up to Biology Honors since I have outstanding grades in science this year. If I do take Biology Honors freshman year, what science will I take sophomore year?
It totally depends on how your HS does their course progression. See if you can talk to a guidance counselor at your HS or get a hold of their course catalogue.
My D’s high school didn’t allow APs freshman year and just 1 sophomore year. Other schools have no such restrictions. Science progressions vary widely too.
Yes, does your school guide you through this? At ours, teachers give recommendations as to the appropriate class level, then the guidance counselor looks over the whole plan and could advise about the overall load.
My son took APUSH as a sophomore which I was a little worried about, but he did great, I think because of his interest and natural talent with the subject. Others find it very hard.
My kids’ district allows freshman to take only AP World History. As I recall, it was a startling experience for many of the kids who took it - their first experience not getting an amazing grade in a class (my D did not take it as she wasn’t honors level at that point in her school career).
My D took Human Geo elective as a 10th grader, which was a nice, easier introduction to the AP format. She then took APUSH in 11th and found it significantly more difficult, but did quite well in the end (4 on the exam). She is currently a senior taking US Gov and Pol, and felt very prepared for the format and rigor from the get-go.
Completely depends on the student. My D ended with a 100 in AP CSP as a Freshman and currently has a 100 and 97 in AP Calc/World History as a Sophomore.
There were a few other F’s in her CSP class, and APWH is the standard advanced track for Sophs, so there are 70+ students in it.
My older D, on the other hand, didn’t take any until Junior year and probably would have been challenged.
AP Stats is one of the easier APs, but I’d be sure you have all of the core courses, language, etc., covered before taking it - it’s not highly impactful to college applications (though understanding the topic is a very valuable life skill that more people should have).
What’s your school’s normal history progression? That will answer where you “end up” better than anyone here can.