So I noticed that many people on CC are planning to take 2-3 APs their freshman/sophomore year. This concerns me, since I’ll only be taking 1 AP class (plus H pre-calc, which is weighted) , and since I’m not really a high-achieving student compared to the people at my school (I go to a competitive public high school), I feel like I’m not really taking enough courses that will prepare me for college. Here’s my schedule:
H English
World History (regular)
H Precalc
AP Chem (if space is available) or AP Bio (might take regular physics instead)
Spanish 2
French 1 (might replace it w/ photo or some other art class if schedule allows)
XC?
Track
Would this be rigorous enough for someone who is aiming for UCLA, UCB, UCI, etc?
I will also consider joining a couple clubs.
I’m also looking for some tips on improving my work habits/getting stuff done faster, because while I can focus in class, doing my homework takes forever and I always end up procrastinating, not to mention the fact that I can’t sit still at a desk for too long (at home, not at school) and when I come home from school, I get so tired that I take a 3-4 hr nap, which makes me start my hw even later, so I always go to bed at 2 or so. I’ve heard that this will be an issue next year, so I’m trying to fix it. Any tips & advices will be appreciated 
If that schedule is the most rigorous course load you can do well in, stick with it. However, if you think you can take more advanced classes and do just as well or a few points less, I would do that, depending how your school determines class rank and GPA. If your school ranks Honors/AP classes above regular classes, you could take honors and have a grade bump, even if you perform slightly worse (not 10-20 points) in the class. Maybe you could go up a level in history? Also, are you confident in taking AP Chem or AP Bio, do you have experience with these subjects? How many class periods does your school have?
As for improving work habits:
- This is a pretty lame tip, but you just have to sit down and get the work done. There aren't very many tips or tricks to get you to finish the work faster or suddenly feel inspired to get the assignment done.
- Use a planner book or app. I personally use an app, myhomework, where I can enter my assignments, and cross them off once I finish it. It comes with a calendar view, which is helpful for seeing when your busy periods of time are.
- Use your study halls efficiently. Yes, it's tempting to slack off and do mindless activities, but by getting work done during school, you will be able to go to have more free time at home and go to bed earlier.
- The minute you get home, sit down and knock out an assignment or two. Since you have the habit of napping at home (I did too :) ) it is best to finish stuff while you're still in the school mindset.
- Do not put lengthy assignments (projects, essays, multi-day homework, etc.) off until the last day. You will be soooo much more relaxed if you are not rushing to finish an assignment that is due at 9:00 at 2 in the morning.
I hope I helped! If you have any questions, let me know!
Most schools don’t even allow freshmen to take an AP class and, if they do, they most likely allow only one easy AP (like AP Human Geo). Some don’t let sophomores take any, either. AP isn’t a great part of your college application, anyway. Really, AP isn’t something to fret about.
I don’t see why you’re taking two foreign language classes; it won’t really impress colleges and it only takes space that could be filled up with an elective. If science is not your forte I highly discourage you from taking an AP science.
Doctors recommend 15-20 minutes for napping. Twenty minutes allow for you to not go into a deep sleep but still wake up refreshed. If you take prolonged naps, you just end up feeling more tired. Also, if you’re tired and keep wanting to sleep after school, it might mean that you aren’t getting enough water. I try to stay hydrated at all times during school and I have seen a significant difference from when I’m not hydrated and when I am. As for procrastination, try making your study area a bit more personal so that you’re motivated to study. I’m literally the worst procrastinator I know and I find that I get things done by having some study snacks and listening to music.
Be aware that the students on College Confidential are not representative of the HS population. You need to look at your schedule within the context of what your school offers/allows.
I agree with @skieurope . It’s about doing the best with where you live and what your school offers.