Senior Course Load Dilemma: Philosophy or AP Art History?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

Hello everyone,

I am entering my Senior year next year and I’m having trouble picking between two classes. Before that however, the courses I’ve decided on include: AP Biology, AP Calculus BC, AP Literature, Economics/Government, Link Crew, and a dual enrollment course on monday mornings. Now, the classes I’m having trouble between are Philosophy and AP Art History.

AP Art History is a good pick for me since I want to apply to top tier universities like Berkeley and Stanford (California resident). If successful in the class, I would not only have a better GPA, but better chances at getting in to those schools. This is especially critical since I took no APs freshman year (school didn’t allow), one as a Sophomore in which I passed the exam (school allowed only 1 sophomore year), and two my Junior year that I have a decent chance of passing. The teacher for AP Art History is very good (90-100% pass rate!), and can really prepare me for college course loads. However, as the addition of this class might be overwhelming (I’m in numerous extracurriculars+my other classes aren’t easy either), that is a chance I’'m willing to take.

Philosophy is a good pick for me due to the emotional attachment I have to it. I started a club last semester with a teacher surrounding philosophy aiming to go to a big competition. I’ve enjoyed the club and our activities since but we didn’t compete in the competition due to none of us being in that teachers philosophy course. Gutting philosophy not only dismantles my club’s big goal next year, but seriously undermines my integrity. I love philosophy, so it would be a plus if I took it next year. I also want to enter the political realm as my career, and I feel philosophy prepares me for it more than Art History would. What do you guys think, risk it with another AP course to improve my chances academically, or go with a course I’ve been building up for a while and would enjoy more.

2

I would say definitely go for Philosophy as you have a real interest in it. Colleges can tell when you’re only taking courses to pad your GPA. Also, you would be taking 4 AP courses plus a dual enrollment courses plus extracurriculars, which wouldn’t leave a lot of time for other activities, such as, I don’t know, sleep.

3

I’d say go with philosophy and use one of the essays to explain why you live the subject, the club, the class, the competition.
You already have a lot of AP 's and this would distinguish you more than another AP.
Have you computed your ucgpa yet?

4

My GPA so far is 4.2 unweighted and 3.9 weighted.

5

It seems like you are really passionate about philosophy and will enjoy the class. Like MYOS1634 said, instead of adding another AP class to your many AP classes that you already took, why not take a class that you would really like? It’s okay if your GPA bumps down a bit if the class you are taking is one you actually want to do. In my opinion, take philosophy.

6

bump