Junior Year Schedule

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

So I’m deciding on my junior year schedule right now, and I was wondering how I could make it more competitive.
I’m taking
AP calc AB
religion (required class)
AP lang
US history
AP econ (micro first semester, macro second semester)
band
Spanish III

I am debating between AP chem and AP econ because they’re in the same period, but I don’t really like chemistry. Is it worth it? I can also switch out band with AP Psych if that helps. I’m also fluent in Japanese, so should I take the AP Japanese test? Everyone I talked to in the same position as me says it’s an easy 5.

Overall, in order to apply to top schools, what should I change about my schedule?

2

Yes, if you’re fluent in Japanese (heritage language?) , taking the test and being able to show Spanish AND Japanese proficiency would be a plus for you.
Have you taken chemistry honors already? You need that class before AP Chem (AP Chem is the second level in a chemistry sequence). You could also take honors Physics or AP physics 1.
You need to take a science nevertheless.
Could you take a science instead of AP ECON (and take that next year) and APUSH?

3

APUSH teacher can NOT teach… He sleeps in class and most students just end up self-studying for the AP test. I already took AP Physics 1 last year and was looking to take Physics 2, but the schedule conflicts with Spanish which I really enjoy (and relates to my future career goals). So my two options are AP bio and AP chem. The teacher is amazing and although our school doesn’t offer honors, the general chemistry is very rigorous to the point where we practiced some AP questions in preparation for our finals. So, should I got with AP Chem and I’ll take AP econ next year?

4

Also forgot to mention, I go to a small school so I have tons of schedule conflicts. APUSH will overlap with Spanish, so it’s not an option. Maybe I can self-study a course online?

5

OK then, since you sound well prepared for AP Chem take it but plan on taking physics next year, perhaps through dual enrollment.
I’d bite the bullet on APUSH though - if you’re going to self study the AP anyway you should get the credit on your transcript and recognition by colleges. But argh, just saw the conflict with Spanish, so… Can you take APUSH online due to the schedule conflict?

6

FYI, I’m an international student that goes to an American school with no previous knowledge of US history, so it’s going to be REALLY hard to study for it online, so I’d really not like to. Not Physics 2 senior year but dual enrollment? I’ll talk to my counselor about that. I’m not a future STEM prospect since I really enjoy math but dislike (perhaps even hate haha) science, so what’s the point of 5 years of science since I took bio freshman year and AP Physics 1 and Chem sophomore year and now AP chem junior year?

7

Then there is no reason to take physics 2.

Are you saying that the only section of Spanish 3 conflicts with the only section of APUSH? If so, then that’s poor scheduling planning on the school’s part, since both are traditionally junior courses. If there are multiple sections, but the other sections conflict with another class, than that is due to a choice you are making, not a conflict. Anyway, if you can’t resolve the conflict, I’d opt for Spanish 3 over APUSH.

When the time comes to apply to colleges, make sure your GC includes that fact in the Secondary School Report. Colleges are well aware that schedule conflicts exist.

FYI, outside of this forum, and perhaps your living room, never say that out loud or in writing. That reason will be accepted as a valid excuse from nobody.

8
  1. Yes.
  2. There are only a few people who take Spanish III (3 juniors) because, as I mentioned as an international student, many opt to take the country's language. And so, APUSH is offered only in third period, and so is Spanish III.
  3. Thank you for your advice.
  4. I'll take that into mind. Thank you.
9

Sorry, I saw the international student at an American school, but incorrectly interpreted it as a school in the US, not an American school abroad. In which case, my advice changes slightly.

Spanish 3 vs. APUSH is your choice. Six of one, half dozen of the other. Since you are an international student fluent in Japanese living in a foreign country, you’ve already met any colleges suggested preparation for foreign language. Choosing one versus the other will have no impact on college admissions, but since Spanish relates to your future plans, then I agree with your choice of continuing Spanish vs. APUSH. Good luck.

10

I’m sorry if it was confusing; I attend a small American school abroad. Thank you for taking your time, I really appreciate it. Good luck to you too!

11

OK, that changes things.
You don’t need to take AP physics 2 but can of you wish, and indeed taking APUSH under these circumstances doesn’t sound like the best use of class period if Spaniah matters for future choices.
As skieurope said, make sure your gc mantions the multiple schedule conflicts in the school profile.

12

Thank you for the help! I really appreciate it.
Also on top of taking the AP Japanese test, would self-studying for an easy class like AP Psychology be good or will that just waste my time and distract me from my more important APs like Chem and Calc?

13

“Good” is relative.

Self studying will have no impact on college admissions. If you have a burning desire to learn about psychology and/or want potential college credit, go for it. But it most cases, it will only distract you from your actual coursework, IMO.

14

I understand, thank you for your help.