<p>My D is asking for help in selecting courses for her junior year. She is signed up for English AP, Chemistry AP, Calculus AP, Spanish III H, and Graphic Design. She needs one more class and still needs one Social Science credit for graduation, which she would like to complete next year so she does not have to worry about it during her senior year. Her choices are Psych AP, Art History (Honors or AP), Microeconomics, and Sociology. She has not enjoyed her World History or US History courses at all, so general history courses are not being considered. All course selections must be approved by the faculty at the school. Her Social Sciences faculty member is approving her for Psych AP or Microeconomics AP. My D's first choice was Art History the faculty members says this course is much more work than the others and will overload her schedule. My D's interests are in chemistry (currently says she wants to major in environmental chemistry or environmental engineering in college) and photography. Any thoughts on what might be a better or more interesting course for someone who does not have a great deal of interest in either? Thanks in advance for your input!</p>
<p>This seems like a very heavy schedule already. I have heard that Art History is a lot of work, so would not recommend it as an addition.</p>
<p>Thanks for your comments Marite. I have enjoyed reading your posts over the past year and value your opinion. Yes, I think it's heavy as well. I was under the impression that Chemistry counted as two courses since it meets for two periods a day. Unfortunately, that was an incorrect assumption and her course selection form was sent back yesterday indicating that she needs an additional course. I tried to talk her into taking something easier but she the courses she would like are only open to seniors (e.g., Marine Biology, Environmental Science) or are of no interest to her. She is also adamant about completing her Social Science requirements - without this restriction, it would be easier to find an appropriate course! I encouraged her to take Advanced Photography but she is taking an advanced Photography course this summer and feels she won't learn much more from her current teacher - (...and this doesn't meet the social science requirement - she is driving me crazy!). D is also an athlete (well, participates on an athletic team anyway) and practices over two hours per day year round. I don't want her schedule to be overloaded but I'm not sure on how to advise her. I guess I will place a call to the school's guidance counselor today as well.</p>
<p>A vote for AP Psych, as long as the teacher is enthusiastic. My son's favorite course over the four years of HS. It is not nearly as hard as AP Chem, AP Bio, or Calc B/C, not as much of a workload, AP exam is reputed to be reasonable as well.</p>
<p>DD is really enjoying Econ, but her teacher is a bit of a character, and she likes history/social science, etc. It is a little more real world than history, if that appeals to her. "How hard" depends on the school - will she take the AP exam or is it a "regular" class? Econ is a graduation requirement in our state, so there are varying levels of intensity.</p>
<p>Thanks yulsie and cangel! The Microeconomics course is an AP course and she would be required to take the AP exam. I have a call into the guidance counselor to get her opinion. My D is a shy, artsy, independent soul and I am having trouble envisioning her enjoying economics. She's a good student and will work hard in whatever classes she chooses but it would be nice if she also enjoyed them. She's also very stubborn and not very accepting of my advice! Nonetheless, I continue to provide it liberally...</p>
<p>If she's artsy, then the AP art history class really does make sense. It may be time consuming but if it is something she enjoys and finds interesting she won't mind the work too much. (But I would question whether art history would be viewed as a social science by most colleges --- I think they would see it as an ART class, not a social science class).</p>
<p>Thank you to everyone who replied. D met with her guidance counselor yesterday and, based on the counselor's recommendations, she has decided to add Microeconomics AP to her schedule. Evidently the recommendation was based on her math grades, the fact that it is only one period per day (Psych AP is a double period every other day), and her overall interests. D seems happy with the decision - she's saving Art History for next year. I'll let you know next fall how it all works out! I now have to figure out travel plans for her summer programs. I'll soon be asking for help with this. Wish I knew enough to help others with their questions! Thanks again - I appreciate the input.</p>