<p>Hello! My school just released the applications for AP classes today and I am trying to determine which 2 AP classes I will take (2 is the max).</p>
<p>This year, I took AP English. Next year, I will be taking AP Calc AB and I have to choose between World History and Environmental Science. </p>
<p>I am interested in a career in journalism and that will be my major. So should so take World History? Or Environmental Science?</p>
<p>Which one would a college rather see? Thank you!</p>
<p>APWH. More writing than ES, more prep for the journalism career. Probably a cakewalk, as well.</p>
<p>Since your intended major is neither science nor history, I don’t think it matters which one you choose, in terms of college admissions. And either one would also help you in your intended career as a journalist–a knowledge of the history of various conflicts around the world is very valuable, as is a deeper understanding of the science of what’s happening in nature around you. I’d pick whichever one interests you the most, because you are likely to do better in the class if you like it. Also, many journalists these days end up specializing in specific topics–so if you are leaning towards being a science journalist, pick ES. If you are interested in politics and international relations, pick WH. </p>
<p>@amiable @Buggie111 The Environmental Science teacher is writing my letter of rec. do you think it will be disrespectful to not sign up for his class?</p>
<p>And yes, I am more into politics and international relations.</p>
<p>If you asked the teacher to write the recommendation, I’m assuming you had him/her for another class? I wouldn’t sweat not signing up for ES. Just explain to the teacher that you are interested in focusing in international relations as a journalist and you think the WH class would help you prepare for that. That’s the kind of thing the teacher could include in the rec as well. </p>
<p>PS. I have been a journalist for more than 20 years, so I’m giving you advice from the trenches. Honestly, either class is fine. Go with your interest because that makes you a stronger journalist. </p>
<p>If it aint broke, don’t fix it. If you’ve already got a good letter, don’t risk going into his class and possibly messing up. Plus, I doubt taking WH will annoy him.</p>
<p>As a journalist, it would be good to have a basic knowledge of various subjects including history, political science, economics, business, sociology, psychology, arts, literature, biology, chemistry, physics, statistics, computer science, etc… Many people notice newspaper and magazine articles written by journalists who apparently have little idea of what they are writing about, resulting in articles that look silly to those knowledgeable about the subject (missing important and relevant information, or incorrect description of basic facts, or led into a partisan slant by an interviewee with partisan motivations).</p>
<p>@amiable Thank you! I had him for 3 other courses, so that’s should be fine 
I’m sure he would understand.</p>
<p>@ucbalumnus So you are saying I can’t go wrong with either course?</p>
<p>Either is probably ok (although the context of what other history, social studies, and science courses you have taken matters). However, in college, you do want to get a well rounded education with familiarity in the various subjects listed previously so that you do not become the journalist who has no clue what s/he is writing about.</p>
<p>Both of the classes you are considering are one-semester courses in college stretched out to a year of HS. I don’t think one will impress colleges more than the other one. </p>
<p>One thought might be if Environmental Science satisfies a science distribution requirement for college, it might be really useful to have that box checked off, especially if you aren’t a science person and would rather choose from a smorgasboard of courses at your college. </p>
<p>For example at Binghamton, EnvSci can satisfy the GenEd requirement for a lab science. Check out
<a href=“http://www2.binghamton.edu/harpur/advising/transfer/apcurrent.html”>http://www2.binghamton.edu/harpur/advising/transfer/apcurrent.html</a></p>
<p>Why take AP Calc?
Seems the other 2 are better suited for you. Or, take AP Stats instead of Calc. Stats are very useful for journalists.</p>
<p>@TomsRiverParent AP Statistics is not available. There is only Calc AB and BC. Regular statistics is available, but the person teaching it is typically a a Trig teacher and doesn’t know the content that well.</p>