Hey guys. Next year is my senior year of high school, and I’m planning on taking 5 AP’s. I signed up for AP Calc BC, AP Chem, AP Lit, AP Environmental Science, and AP Spanish. I also have to take the SAT for the first time in October, along with college applications.
I’m not too worried, but the thing that might be really challenging is AP Chem. I have heard that it is a lot of work, and I’m afraid that it might lower my GPA. However, I want to major in either science or math, and people have told me that AP Chem is a really good preparation for college. Is it worth it to take this many AP’s during senior year?
Any advice is appreciated.
Have you considered taking a history class in place of APES? APES is a great class, but it would look more balanced if you had a social science class (if thats what you’re looking for). AP Chem is a tough class I’ve heard, but a lot of it is how much work you truly put in. If you devote yourself to the class, then you should be fine. Prep-books are always good to pick up for any AP class. I would be a bit more worried with the fact that you’re taking the SAT for the first time in Oct. Have you taken the ACT? People often underestimate the college application process. Just make sure you’re confident with the workload and time commitment. Calc BC will also be time consuming. However, it is all doable if you put in the effort!
Considering your planned major in college, I would definitely keep AP Chem and drop the AP Lit if you are worried about the work load. It is potentially a lot more time-consuming than AP Chem, and it will likely not contribute anything toward your major in college or save you from any core classes (AP Lang will but not AP Lit). Whether you enjoy AP Chem and do well in it may also answer the question for you whether to major in science or math – chemistry is a foundation of all science. If you have such an aversion to it and difficulty with it, and you meanwhile ace the AP Calc BC, you will know what to study in college. Imagine if you don’t take AP Chem and you start off college with a major in science – the first course they will have you take is Chemistry! It could be much harder and with a lot tougher competition for grades in college than before you get there.