<p>Hello, this will be my schedule for next year (junior year).</p>
<ul>
<li>AP Language</li>
<li>AP Micro + Macroeconomics</li>
<li>AP US History</li>
<li>AP Capstone</li>
<li>Advanced Pre-Calculus</li>
<li>Honors Chemistry</li>
<li>Honors Physics</li>
<li>Study Hall</li>
</ul>
<p>However, I also have the option of taking AP Bio (the MOST rigorous course at my school). AP Bio takes up 2 blocks however because of the added "AP Biology Lab" Class. Also, current people in AP Bio at my school are miserable and are barely passing (mostly C's, some B's). </p>
<p>Considering that I want to get into one of the top colleges (UPenn, Columbia, NYU) etc., which option should I take?</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Drop AP US History and Drop Study Hall / Take AP Biology and AP Biology Lab</p></li>
<li><p>Take just AP US History and have a Study Hall to increase work efficiency and lessen workload</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Will someone please help me?</p>
<p>All the top colleges/universities EXPECT students to take the MOST RIGOROUS courses available at their schools… it’s like an unwritten requirement that becomes a necessity if you are competing with thousands of other equally or more competent students… Not to mention that you will be most likely compared to other students in you school as well who apply to the same places you apply to. so just to be on the safe side its best that you take it.
HOWEVER, if you are applying for a business or something then not having bio may not be a disadvantage.
Lastly, grades are not everything and if you have a few really good and stand out-ish ECs then you can make up but there’s really no guarantees…</p>
<p>Would it be wise to drop my Study Hall for AP Bio + AP Biology Lab (different blocks)?</p>
<p>Go see your guidance counselor and present your planned schedule, then ask her/him whether that would qualify for “most rigorous schedule” for your school. If s/he says yes, then don’t take AP Bio.
Your schedule is very rigorous as it is and I can’t imagine your counselor wouldn’t say it is “most rigorous”.
Furthermore, you could certainly take AP Bio next year if you really needed to.</p>
<p>Finally, you have your dream schools = good for you. Now, look for your safeties. You need to find two schools you’re 100% sure you can get into, that you like, and that you can afford (run the net price calculators on a few websites including your dream schools, then go see your parents with the results.) You should have 2 safeties, one of which typically is your state’s flagship.</p>
<p>Yes, for sure I have my two safeties! UT-Austin (in-state) and Indiana University! Not bad, eh?</p>
<p>Have you ever heard of this brand-new AP Capstone program? Will it give me an EDGE over other students,</p>