Schedule & summer dilemma

Applying to College
1

<p>Hey guys,</p>

<p>I’m transferring to a new school next year and I have a few questions concerning my junior year schedule, as well as summer plans.</p>

<p>My main dilemma pertains to my math class next year. I have three options:</p>

<p>1.) To take precalculus during the summer and take AP calculus AB next year</p>

<p>pros: take an extra AP; have an awesome teacher; possibly work with a pharmaceutical company; stay in my hometown, where I can still practice drums and hang out with friends.</p>

<p>cons: the words "summer school" speak for themselves. And I would have to change my AP U.S. teacher, who supposedly rules at life.</p>

<p>I would take advanced honors mathematics (multivariable calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, etc) if I take this route</p>

<p>2.) To take Honors precalculus next year and travel to Europe and Jordan, where I can possibly work at my grandfather’s hospital.</p>

<p>pros: weighted course; don't have to stress about taking another AP exam on top of AP bio, AP chem, and AP U.S.</p>

<p>cons: I would have to change my honors english teacher, who I hear is amazing.</p>

<p>I would take AP Calculus BC in senior year if I take this route</p>

<p>3.) To take advanced precalculus next year and leave my schedule be</p>

<p>pros: All the recommended teachers stay the same and I can travel to Europe and Jordan.</p>

<p>cons: Not a weighted course.</p>

<p>Do you guys think taking those 4 AP classes would be a suicide mission? Or should I just stick to 3? I am planning on applying to top tier colleges (e.g. Harvard, Stanford, etc) and I'm trying to figure out what would "look best" on my transcript. If it helps to know about my extracurriculars in order to put everything in context, just tell me to do so and I’ll post whatever I have.</p>

<p>I know this is a bit of a complicated situation, but if I can get any advice at all, it would help me greatly. Thanks a bunch!</p>

2

<p>I think keeping incredible teachers may be worth the loss of one weighted course.</p>

3

<p>First off, I don't think 4 AP classes is an enormous burden- six at a time is very much common at my school, and I did manage to survive my six and Honors Physics. However, that may be because it's common where I am, and possibly less so where you are- people tend to handle stress less well when they don't have others to share their complaints with. :-) Secondly, are you going to study something math-related in college? If not, I doubt you need to try to accelerate your math classes, and you'll have calculus done one way or another before you graduate high school. Actually, sorry, what's your math class senior year if you take the C route? Didn't notice that, lol.</p>

4

<p>I'm planning on majoring in bioengineering. If I take route #3, I'd take AP calculus AB. There is a very slight possibility that I can take AP calculus BC, but it's doubtful. Basically, I'm just wondering whether to book a flight to Europe or to pay for the summer school precalculus class.</p>

<p>I would like to take the 4 AP classes, but that would require going to summer school, which I find an unappealing choice compared to traveling and taking French classes in Paris. But in reality, I think everybody would have the same opinion :-P</p>

5

<p>I say do whatever it takes to have opportunities to travel.</p>

<p>Having awesome teachers is another important thing.</p>

<p>The rest... eh. The rest will sort itself out. :)</p>

6

<p>Thanks for the advice! I realize that the majority of people on CC take way more than 3 AP courses during their junior year, and that is what's making me so indecisive. According to some rising seniors at the school, AP bio, AP chem, and AP US on top of 3 honors courses is a very heavy load. Yet when I see people taking 6 AP courses and self studying for 3 exams, I feel like I have no chance.</p>

<p>Any further suggestions are greatly appreciated.</p>

7

<p>Colleges don't just look at the number of APs you took though; they look at it in context of your school. Others taking 6 APs and self studying for 3 may be the norm at their school, while you taking 3 is already alot.</p>

<p>If I were you, I'd take advanced pre-calculus and get all the good teachers. In my opinion, that's worth much more than taking 1 more weighted class.</p>

8

<p>Not most. I think it depends on the high school. My D class had a quick hand survey of how many people took 3 APs or more by Junior year and only 1/3 people raise their hand.</p>