<p>Right now I'm (a junior) taking
Hns Physics
Hns French IV
APUS
AP Chem
Hns Precal
AP English Lit
Art III</p>
<p>All of those classes are the hardest offered at my school, and I'm getting A/A-. They just started offering Mandarin this semester, and I'm interested in taking it. However, it's scheduled as the same time as an art class (which meets once a week for 85 minutes). If I took Mandarin, I'd have 1) no free periods during the day and 2) be short one art credit from graduation. I'd take art senior year, but I'm planning on taking (assuming my school can schedule it) 7 APs (Bio, Physics, Eng, French, Modern Euro, Calc, Gov), which would leave no room for that art credit. There's a possibility I could take art as an independent study, but that'd really add to my course load either Junior or Senior year. So, CC, in your infinite wisdom, what would be best for me/best for college? Taking Mandarin and finding time for art in an already crazy schedule, or will I be fine without it?</p>
<p>Don't take the Mandarin. Focus on French. Mandarin is a great language to learn and if you were a freshman I'd say take it. But i don't think Mandarin is worht giving up your 7 AP classes. </p>
<p>Have you thought about going to China during the summer to study Mandarin? The experience abroad would not only be good for personal development but could be a great academic complement to your coursework and other ECs. You could get a great start on learning some Chinese if you thought you were interested in continuing with Chinese studies in college, could gain a lot if you are generally interested in Chinese culture, or can just have an opportunity to combine studying and fun during the summer!</p>
<p>If you would be interested in some summer Mandarin study, I am a Program Advisor with China Study Abroad (CSA) and you can contact me at <a href="mailto:laura@chinastudyabroad.org">laura@chinastudyabroad.org</a> I've studied in China five times in the past and would be happy to answer any questions you have about CSA programs or about learning Mandarin in general!</p>