Its time to pick my classes for 10th grade and I have to pick between two classes. I originally was going to take Principles of Health science but heard it was a blowoff class. Also it’s “on level” which means it counts 1 point less for my GPA. My other option is physics honors. This class is usually taken by juniors but sophomores can take it too. I’m worried because my math skills are fine but not great (low A’s). Also I will be taking honors chemistry and my parents and friends think it’s a horrible idea to take both at the same time. I don’t want to be bored in a blow off class though. What do yall think? Also I want to attend a highly competitive university and major in biology/premed if that makes a difference.
Yes. Honors Classes usually provide summer work so that you won’t struggle early on. Rent a textbook and self study some topics so that you’ll have a better understanding come September.
I can’t answer how much work each subject will be for you/what you are doing for ECs after school. I would, however, recommend taking physics at some point in your career.
I am a current junior who chose to take honors chem and AP chem my sophomore and junior years (honors chem is a prerec at my school for AP chem), so i can speak to the difficulty of honors chem. For me, it was one of the harder classes I took, but it was doable and did not have that much work to go along with it (some nights were heavier than others).
As a junior, a lot of my friend have taken honors physics. At my school, the highest level of math for juniors is precalc. Most juniors says that physics is much harder without the knowledge of calc…the seniors in the class generally do infinitely better on tests. If you are only taking algebra, trig, or even precalc as a sophomore, it might be worth it to wait a year to take physics to ensure that you maximize your grade.
When making the final decision, take into account external factors, too. Junior year you will be taking ACT/SAT/SAT2 probably, so if you think you have more time to study as a sophomore, it might be worth taking physics. Also, take into account ECs. If you want to be super involved in sports or another club, taking on two sciences as a sophomore might not be the way to go.
Overall, remember that colleges want to see you challenge yourself, but not over do it. Having a “blow off” class with things like honors chem will not look bad (it won’t add anything, but it won’t look bad). Getting low grades in physics because math is confusing might. Getting a high grade in physics as a sophomore would probably look good.
Ok thanks!
Should you take physics at some point in your HS career? Yes. Should you take it as a sophomore at the same time as you are taking Honors Chem? Maybe/maybe not. Are you not taking another core subject in order to fit in two sciences, whether it’s physics or health sciences? Current students can tell you about the workload in each, but be aware that two lab science classes means two classes with labs and lab reports, which could consume a fair amount of time.
Are you sure Health isn’t a graduation requirement at your school?
@NavalTradition I have already completed the basic health class (nutrition, drugs, stds, etc) this is more related to the medical field which interests me but I’ve heard it’s actually boring, easy and the teacher doesn’t really care.
@NavalTradition thanks for the response I think I’m just going to take the health class and learn the most I can, then take AP Physics | 11th grade.
Btw my schedule is
English || Honors
AP World History
Algebra || Honors
Computer Programming Honors
Chemistry Honors
AP Spanish |V
Health/physics
Good question. Check if your high school has state (Texas does) mandated “endorsements”. And which one have you designated? The endorsements help plan your schedule. Principles of Health Science is included as part of the Public Service\Health Science endorsement and is a pre req for the next class, Health Science. AP Physics at my kids school has a pre req of Algebra 2 and is normally taken Junior year. As far as GPA, a 100 in an on level course is the same as a 90 in an honors course correct?
More importantly if you think you want to go into medicine I would think P of HS would be more interesting to you. I would make sure you have at least one class that actually interests you if at all possible.
Be very careful of relying heavily on this. Since high schools weight differently, if the weight at all, colleges will either apply their own weighting system, or just look at unweighted grades. It’s better to mentally prepare yourself to strive for the 100 in the honors course.