Senior year schedule? Suggestions/Advice? To AP Bio or to not AP Bio ?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

So I’m about to start senior year, but I’ve been deciding between classes. I’m looking to apply to the UC’s (UCLA, UCSD, UCI, UCD) and I’ve only taken 2 years of science. I am currently deciding between taking AP Biology and AP Art History on top of 4 other AP classes and maybe Journalism. I don’t plan on majoring in the sciences at the current moment; I am actually more interested in the social sciences (econ, sociology) or even humanities.

I don’t mind taking AP Biology and handling the workload, but I’ve always sort of enjoyed history more. I’m just worried that having only 2 years of science will put me at a disadvantage in college admissions (especially for UCLA - don’t consider major when applying to College of Letters and Science, so I’m basically competing against applicants with more competitive courses). Also, AP Biology at my school is primarily self-studying because, from what I’ve heard, the teacher isn’t very great and comprehensive when teaching the course.

I’m currently enrolled in these courses for the upcoming senior year:

AP Calc BC
AP Lit
AP Psychology
AP Econ/Civics
AP Biology OR AP Art History
**tentative: Yearbook

Any suggestions?

2

Take AP Bio. It’s more rigorous than Art History and since you need an additional year of science, it’s the best choice.

3

The Admissions folks will think that AP Bio is “more rigorous” than AP Art History. Plus you probably need a 3rd science class to be competitive anyway (even though it may only be “recommended”).

4

Would it make much difference though?

5

I would say go for the bio. Colleges want to see at least 3 years of lab science.