Outside academic classes vs. lots of AP classes within school?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

I go to a specialized high school that doesn’t allow any room for academic electives, with 3 periods of art every day. However, as much as I like art, I am more interested in pursuing something science related in college/my career and would like to go to a selective liberal arts college.

The outside classes I’m taking are on evolutionary biology, forensics, astrophysics and bioinformatics- All at local programs for high schoolers and only about 5 weeks long (twice a week). Should I continue taking classes outside of school or focus on what I’m taking in school?

The AP class options I have are: AP Physics 1, AP Environmental Science, APUSH, AP English, AP Calculus AB, and AP Statistics. which should I take? (Junior year)

2

Also, I realize the classes seem very random, they are just topics I was curious about.

3

Are the outside classes actual high school or college classes? Does your high school give you credit for them? While they sound fun if they aren’t for credit I think they would be viewed more of an extra curricular vs academic course in terms of college admission. Besides your art classes how many periods do you have and do you need any classes like gym/health etc.

4

@momtogirls2 Thanks for the input. I don’t get credit for the classes, they’re part of a program at the american natural history museum. I definitely agree in that they are an extracurricular. While I’m making effort to further my science education outside of school, I am nervous that the classes seem like a joke and I’m wondering where to go from them.
I have 10 periods a day currently including the art, lunch and gym everyday-5 academic classes.

5

If possible, you can look into community college classes as those will give you credit. Your AP options for next year don’t seem to be too limited either.

6

As a rule of thumb, colleges like to see you making the most of what is available at your school. You can supplement, of course, and that’s fine.

From what you described, your own school’s AP courses sound like they should meet your needs. Other classes could supplement those, but not replace them.

7

Yeah I definitely will be taking AP classes, but I don’t know whether to take 2, 3 or 4. Also, could these outside classes be helpful in getting into summer programs/research internships (I’m very interested in research, I just feel less than qualified/equipped)

8

Try to make sure you have taken Bio, Chem, and Physics. try to get through Pre-calc or calc.

9

Thanks for the input. I have taken Bio and Chem and I’ve decided to take AP Physics and calculus next year.