<p>Is there a significant difference between Junior and Senior years in terms of course rigor? For example, if I were to take Physics in my senior year instead of my Junior year and instead had an easier class in place of it like AP environmental science will colleges consider this? They will think that I just wanted to take "easier" classes so that I could maintain a good GPA junior year right? Are there certain AP/honors classes that they will weigh down? Will they weigh your overall GPA down if you've got a 3 on the AP exam compared to the A's you've got in your AP class? I'm planning to apply to UCB or any of the top tier schools in CA. Should I go ahead and sign up for as many APs and honors as I can or should I cut down a bit and focus a bit more on ecs and SATs??</p>
<p>Most people like to take it easy senior year and take a light courseload to concentrate on college apps. Also, when they get senioritis, it won't be that huge of a blow because their course is light.</p>
<p>However, I don't believe in that. I'm actually going to push for 6 APs senior year. I'd be keep my ECs the same while just improving my courseload. At most I'd be president or an office holder of a few clubs.</p>
<p>Colleges want you to challenge yourself with the more rigorous courseload! I believe classes like AP photo,psychology etc. aren't weighed too heavily.I'm not sure how each school looks at AP scores vs. class grades. Good luck</p>
<p>AP environmental science would not be considered an easy class. However, depending on the major you plan to study, it may be to your advantage to do physics first. Colleges are looking for physics for math, physical sciences, computer science, and engineering majors. Finally, avoid using the "most people like to take it easy senior year" philosophy. It may give you more time for college apps, but it'll get you into fewer good schools.</p>
<p>So does it really matter if I take AP Physics Junior year or Senior year? It is a really hard class to get an A in but I think it will look better than AP Enivornmental Science. Will colleges take note of the rigor of the Physics class or count them both as virtually the same in terms of hardness? </p>
<p>Which should I pick:
Choice 1
Junior: AP Physics
Senior: AP Enivronmental Science</p>
<p>or </p>
<p>Choice 2
Junior: AP Environmetal Science
Senior: AP Physics</p>
<p>If I take choice 1 I will have a really hard and stress full Junior year because it is a TON of work to get an A in. I might even get a C. Most likely a B...</p>
<p>If I take choice 2 I will have a easier junior year and will probably get an easier A. However, AP Physics will still be on my overall application right? Will colleges count it as part of the admissions process or do they ignore senior classes somewhat? Will it be weighed less than if I took it junior year and will they think that I just wanted to take easy classes during my hardest year in HS and not take risks/challenge myself even further?</p>