I’m currently a freshman attempting to finalize my sophomore year schedule, although I’m unsure whether it’s rigorous enough. Below, I will creat two schedules with semi different courses. Please rate as honest as possible.
Sophomore Year Schedule Ideas:
1
-Chemistry (no honors is provided)
-Honors English 2
-Advanced Algebra 2/Pre-Calculus
-Spanish 2 (no honors is provided)
-AP World History
-AP Biology (currently in honors biochemistry as a freshman)
Or
2
-Chemistry (no honors is provided)
-Honors English 2
-Advanced Algebra 2/Pre-Calculus
-Spanish 2 (no honors is provided)
-AP World History
-Weight Lifting 1/Yearbook 1
Well, the only difference between the schedules is AP Biology, although I’m still struggling to decide. Would the first schedule be too overwhelming or just right? Is the second schedule too easy or just right? Help?
I think that both schedules are rigorous sophomore course loads (of course #1 is tougher than #2). If you can handle the highest level of academics in your school, then I recommend the first schedule. However, the second schedule is not too easy, but it is still rigorous. I recommend switching yearbook 1 to health in order to finish some of your graduation requirements. In case your school only has health during the summer, you can take an online course.
AP Bio and AP WH are not going to be easy. Last year, 6.5% of students that took the AP Bio exam in May got a 5, while 6.4% of students that took the AP WH exam got a 5. Therefore, I recommend prepping during the summer. When I was a frosh, I had a tough time picking between your exact #1 and #2 schedules. At my school, it is mandatory to take Bio (w/ or w/out H) and Chem (w/ or w/out H) in order to take AP Bio. Therefore, I had to take 2 semesters of Chem in only 2-4 weeks during the summer. I decided not to take AP Bio, because I thought that it was more important to have a strong base in Chem (some concepts in Chemistry are shared w/ Biology and Physics).
However, it is good to challenge yourself sometimes and make the most out of situations. Good luck!
I think I may choose the second schedule. As it is, I don’t necessarily like biology, although I did receive an A the first semester of honors biochemistry. I’m more interested in chemistry and moving into AP chemistry junior year. So, schedule #2 it is! Thanks for the insight.