I am currently a junior taking a very heavy course load while attempting to maintain a cumulative 4.0 unweighted GPA (my current schedule is AP Lang, AP computer science, AP Psychology, AP US history, University of Washington Pre Calculus and Chemistry). I am finding it extremely difficult to juggle these classes in addition to the extensive extracurricular activities I’m involved in. To top it off, I was just awarded a grant from ANN Taylor (the clothing company) to start a nonprofit in my community, this commitment will take up a significant portion of my time, time that I don’t have to spare. I usually go to sleep around 2am after finishing hw/studying. I have spoken with my counselor and given my circumstance she has suggested I transfer out of AP computer science and become a peer tutor for the beginning Spanish class(I’m fluent). The workload for the class (AP comp sci) is extremely heavy, we are assigned notes, reading, upwards of 15 coding problems per day and are also given quizzes at the beginning of each class period. A lot of my time has been delegated to this class as I have had no prior coding experience, and I’m really struggling with the pace. Because most of the students in the class are proficient in Java it is almost like I am trying to learn a new language at a beginners level in a class full of native speakers. I could probably pull of an A but that would mean I would have to sacrifice precious time that could go to my nonprofit or other very difficult classes, and I hate half-assing things. I am hesitant to drop the class however, even though it would make my life less stressful (and I could sleep), because I am worried about it negatively impacting my chances of getting admitted to top tier colleges. I have worked incredibly hard to achieve what I have, and I would hate to have something like a W (for Withdrawn) on my transcript ruin my chances.
Withdraw from it. Save yourself the stress. Honestly, it’s not worth it to be so overwhelmed with something like that. I had a similar problem this year and it was such a relief to drop the class. You have a rigorous schedule, a very respectable GPA, and an amazing opportunity with the grant you have received! I can hardly imagine any school looking down upon being a peer tutor and sharing your Spanish abilities with other students.