Hi, I’m going to be a rising senior looking at top tier colleges. I was wondering if you guys can help me out with my senior year schedule. My school has a 7 day cycle where we meet with 5 out of the 7 periods each day:
P1 = Multivariable Calculus (Taken as an independent study)
P2 = AP Literature
P3 = AP Stats
P4 = AP Physics C
P5 = AP Physics C (My school uses a second period for AP Sciences so we have class everyday, its a free period for 3 days and I have class for 2 days on this period)
P6 = Free/Study
P7 = Semester 1 is going to be a gym class (required), I have no idea about Semester 2
Is my schedule rigorous enough? I also have the option of taking gym over the summer but I rather not. However, if I do take gym over the summer, it can free me up for another AP class such as AP Bio or AP Psychology.
Its a possibility, however I am not that interested in studying a Social Studies im college. Would colleges look down upon me taking a free period rather than a social studies ap class if I am looking into engineering or computer science?
You want to get into college first and then focus on your major. If you want to be a competitive applicant then I would suggest taking @MissSuzyQ’s advice. If you don’t will it be an automatic reject? No. However, it will improve your chances I believe.
Ok, thanks for your advice. What AP do colleges look at as more challenging, AP Psych or AP Bio? Would AP Bio and AP Physics C be too time consuming as they are the hardest classes in my school? I put a huge time commitment into sports, a few clubs, and working at a retail store.
Keep in mind college apps can be like an extra class or two’s worth of work on top of regular homework, so even though AP Bio may be more rigorous, AP Psych might be a better choice as it’s: 1) a social science, which you seem to be otherwise missing; 2) according to what you’ve heard/seen, an easier class at your school so you don’t kill yourself with stress; and 3) still an AP class which is generally more rigorous than a study hall.
However, if you’re interested in biology over psychology, go for AP Bio. Your schedule looks plenty rigorous as is, so don’t worry about that. As for Period 7 second semester, you could just make that a random one-semester elective that sounds interesting.
For the most competitive colleges, you need English, Math, Science, and Social Science for 4 years, plus Foreign Language up to level 4 or AP (at HYPSM, AP is the “default” that freshmen are expected to have, although you have placement tests).
Since you’ve completed Spanish 4H, you’re good.
Even if you don’t apply to Harvey Mudd, all accredited engineering programs will require 1 unit in Composition, 2 units in humanities, and 3 units in social sciences, as a minimum, for you to graduate with your engineering degree. Most colleges will also require a diversity-focused class. Your ability to read and write at a professional level, and communicate effectively with a wide range of people, will indeed be essential to your professional success.
Note that AP bio is not a social science - the “core” social sciences would be AP US, AP Euro, AP World; other choices would be AP Gov/Comparative Gov, AP Econ (micro/macro); AP Psych and AP Human Geo are among the easiest APs, but still better than a free period.
P1 = Multivariable Calculus (Taken as an independent study) => keep
P2 = AP Literature => not necessary unless you really love to read; if you do, it’ll help you show versatility in abilities since not many STEM kids take AP Lit. You could however take Honors English 12 and be fine.
P3 = AP Stats => un-necessary. Take AP Bio instead.
P4 = AP Physics C => Keep
P5 = AP Physics C (My school uses a second period for AP Sciences so we have class everyday, its a free period for 3 days and I have class for 2 days on this period)
P6 = Free/Study => Replace with AP Psych
P7 = Semester 1 is going to be a gym class (required), I have no idea about Semester 2 => nothing Semester 2. It’ll be Second Semester senior year, you’ll be glad to be let out early or have one less class.
In short, I’d replace AP Lit with Honors English, AP Stats with AP Bio, and P6 with AP Psych.
- the “core” social sciences would be AP US, AP Euro, AP World; other choices would be AP Gov/Comparative Gov, AP Econ (micro/macro); AP Psych and AP Human Geo are among the easiest APs, but still better than a free period.