Hi, I really would like some advice for my senior class schedule (as noted in the title). I know APs aren’t everything, but I also know that selective colleges take rigor into heavy account during the admissions process. I’ve takes to my teacher and counselor, but I want additional input please.
What my schedule is currently having me take:
AP LIT
AP CALC BC
AP PHYSICS 2
AP STATS
Gov/Econ
French 4
World Religions (required)
I was wondering whether or not I should risk taking AP Gov/Econ. Normally I would, but I’m worried because I plan on retaking my SAT in the fall (I got a 2140 first time; aiming for 2300), doing as much volunteering as possible, and continuing driving lessons in combination with college apps.
I’m planning on majoring in the STEM fields, so I originally figured AP STATS would be better headed toward my major (although hardly, since I’m looking at biomed/bioengineering). However, I know that it’s considered a soft AP and I’m also more genuinely interested in AP GOV/ECON.
So there’s 3 scenarios as it is:
1.Risk taking both AP STATS and AP Gov/Econ and risk a B in one of my classes
2.Take AP Gov/Econ and regular AP Stats
3.Take AP Stats and regular gov/Econ
AP classes I’ve taken before:
Sophomore year: AP BIO + AP World
Junior year: AP LANG, AP Physics 1, AP CALC AB, AP US
I’m confident I can do well on all of the AP Exams (I’ve gotten all 5s except for a 4 for physics 1), but I’m worried about the homework load. How I do in class is greatly dependent on what teachers I’ll have (AP gov/Econ teacher is new this year).
My little schedule dilemma probably won’t be that big of a deciding factor in college admissions, but I also want to just to the best I can and go with the best possible options (I don’t want any regrets).
AP Stats is considered a “light AP”,- it’s not considered a “real” AP. Most of you workload strain will come from AP Lit and Calc BC, and even then i imagine i won’t be too difficult since you’ve had AP Lang and Calc AB (the latter of which is considered half the pace of BC). AP Physics 1 and 2 are Algebra/Trig based so it’ll be moderate in terms of workload.
In my school we have Honors Economic Seminar (which covers Macroeconomics) and I’m taking it next year, especially since I took a joint history and economics course (which covered the basics of microeconomics) last year. Does AP Econ cover both? I don’t know what AP Gov encompasses.
I think option one would be best, but considering the whole college application process first and part of second semester next year (partly why I didn’t take more accelerated classes) I would go with option 3 since you seem strong in math.
I would not choose option #3. AP Statistics is not a difficult AP class- it is actually one of the easiest. However, if you feel as if you are going to be over your head with the other AP classes that you’re taking, then I would choose this option. It really depends on what you think you can handle. For option #2, do you mean AP Gov/Econ and regular Statistics (not AP)? I definitely think that you should take AP Gov/Econ, if that’s what you’re really interested in. I would not choose AP Stats over AP Gov/Econ. Personally, I would choose option #1. Like I’ve said before, AP Statistics is not really a true AP class. Everyone in my school who has taken AP Statistics says that AP is a lot better than regular Statistics (because it’s not that much more difficult). Another thing to consider is the colleges that you are interested in. If they are extremely competitive, then taking both AP Gov/Econ and AP Statistics would be really beneficial. Personally, I would choose option #1 out of the 3. AP Statistics is not like a “typical” AP, and you said AP Gov/Econ is what you’re more into. Taking AP Gov/Econ can make you look more competitive when applying to colleges, especially if it relates to your intended major. If you think that you can’t handle both AP Statistics and AP Gov/Econ, then I would take one of the two (I’d pick AP Gov/Econ). Good luck!
Alright. I think I’ll definitely be taking AP Gov/Econ and I’ll discuss further with my counselor if I should take AP stats. Thank you both.
// also, for the #2, that’s an error on my part; it should say regular STATS