My planned junior year schedule was AP Eng Lang, Trig/PreCalc, AP Physics 1, Civics/State History (online), Econ/AP Macro, Spanish 3, Computer Programming, and SAT Prep/TA. I can only take two classes out of three options: AP Physics 1, Econ/AP Econ, and Computer Programming.
I am planning to go with my best interest and take AP Eng Lang, Trig/PreCalc, Physics, Civics/State History, Econ/AP Macro, Spanish 3, Computer Programming, and Piano 1 (I play pretty well, but will be at my level instead of introductory). I can also go the slightly harder route with AP Eng Lang, Trig/PreCalc, AP Bio, Civics/State History, Econ/AP Macro, Spanish 3, Computer Programming, and Piano 1 (class tailored to my level, not introductory). I will definitely apply to Ivies.
What do you think of this? What would you do? What would college admission officers think? Do I go with what colleges want and pure logic, or follow my gut with what I want, which colleges might appreciate? What if I want to make it competitive but my school schedule prevents me from it, for others have more competitive schedules but I just wanna take what I wanna take?
LONG PART WHERE I SHARE PROS AND CONS (feel free to skip if you’ll give shorter answers)
AP Physics 1 is only offered in one specific period, and I am considering dropping to Physics, so I can take Computer Programming, which I am interested in and may consider a career in. The low pass rate, incompatibility with SAT IIs and lack of teacher assistance (must self-study) are cons. The teacher also told me it’s hard, even for students who have taken physics. I am against taking this senior if I were taking as a junior, for it can be taken without prior physics, and it’s half a college semester, so I figured why just not take it in college. I am really eager to learn about physics.
Physics (non-AP) is said to be fun, and is taught by the one physics teacher at my school. However, it won’t seem like I am challenging myself enough by taking it up a notch with AP as I did with Honors Chem this year. I am really eager to learn about physics.
AP Biology is another option. This is compatible with SAT II, but I can also take Math 2 (which I’ll be ready for, and I’m generally better and prefer math, but I won’t mind, because I like and am good at bio and chem. I just would prefer to take physics. Most juniors will be taking AP Bio including students who too are vying for Ivies. I also hear there is an insane amount of content. My counselor said I shouldn’t take AP Bio, just to be like everyone else, but I do plan on it senior year, knowing I took bio, chem, and physics, and am going AP. I am kinda considering becoming a physician or pharmacist in the medical field (AP Chem unavailable, will not take Anatomy and Physiology).
This is kinda random, but I am starting a DECA chapter at my school next year for I am interested in business.
Thank you for reading, and any advice or comments are appreciated!
