Hey guys! So course recommendations are taking place at my school and I just want some input on how rigorous this schedule is going to be. I’m a little bit scared of how I’m going to handle everything. Here’s the schedule:
-AP Bio (you need at least a 97 in honors bio to be able to take this at a sophomore, so I do know what I’m in for)
-AP World History
-Honors English II (thinking about taking AP Lang because I came from a private middle school w/ a very strong English program and everything is a repeat of what I have already done; but I also feel as though an easy class may be a benefit)
-Honors Precalculus
-Honors Chemistry
-French III (no honors available)
-Essentials of Healthcare/Intro to Biotech (second year in healthcare pathway)
What do you guys think? Will it be tough for me to handle? I know the two AP’s are by no means light AP’s, but I am definitely motivated to take them. I just want some advice on the workload, how to handle it, organizational skills, anything really.
I was considering taking chemistry over the summer, but I don’t know if I would forget everything come junior year when I want to take AP Chem. At the same time, I feel like taking two sciences at once could get hectic, so I’m a little conflicted. Also, do you guys think I should just stick with honors instead of AP Lang? I’m currently leaning towards honors.
And just for your information, I am currently taking AP Human Geography and have a 97 in the course as of now. The rest of my courses are honors classes and I don’t have anything below a 95 (well, I had a 91 in band but I dropped it for healthcare lol). Math comes pretty easily to me, as does French, so I’m not too worried about those. I’m not necessarily worried about my grade in any of the classes - I’m more concerned with managing the workload appropriately and not panicking every night. Any help would be appreciated – thanks!
@lolkar AP Bio is only offered to a select group of sophomores so I really don’t want to pass up AP Bio. And chemistry is required. So either I have to double up or take one (chemistry, obviously) over the summer.
One of the most common things I read on this forum about schedules is to not double-up on science. I’d take chem over the summer. Is there a way to take it the summer before your junior year, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting everything?
Is AP Lang typically taken as a junior? If so, I’d just wait. Two AP’s sophomore year is a lot as it is, and you don’t want to run out of English classes senior year.
Workload of AP Bio is insane My friends spend 4-5 hours at night making flashcards and studying for the test. And this is just a normal test, not even the midterm or AP exam.
AP World has a lot too. I didn’t take AP World, but I took AP US (Which is considered harder), and let me tell you, it’s hell, especially if you don’t have any interest in history. So you’re looking at 2-3 hours a night reading through the chapters and making outlines for tests/essays.
Honors Chemistry/Precalc are doable. I took both last year and got a B in precalc and an A in Chem. I just wouldn’t recommend taking 2 science courses in the same year (my friend learned this the hard way. AP Chem and AP Physics are not good combinations).
I agree with Honors English II. Don’t take AP Lang. 3 AP courses your sophomore year is too much, and it’s not worth possibly putting your GPA in jeopardy.
Take Chem over the summer. Use the free period for a “fun” class about something you enjoy, at elective level preferably. AP bio is brutal for a sophomore, especially when combined with APWH.
I actually don’t think APWH is that bad. Sure we have homework, but it’s doable. My honors chemistry class is a joke and I have no problem doing it with AP Physics I, although I do understand AP Bio is harder. My point is, I’d ask some upperclassmen at your school who have already taken those classes about the workload since it varies so much from school to school.
If you’re allowed to take chem over the summer, do it! My school didn’t allow it (probably could’ve; parents are both chemists lol) because of the “lab component.”
Doubling on science isn’t uncommon at my school at least; I’m probably doubling AP chem and AP bio next year junior year. It’s going to be a challenge for you so hopefully you did well in freshman bio…courseload level just depends on if your GC will check the “most rigorous” option. If everyone at your school takes 0-1 APs soph year, then you are doing very good! If everyone takes 2 or more, than your courseload wouldn’t look as great…it’s all relative though!
Also, AP Lang is a very hard class so I wouldn’t recommend it; it’s not offered at my school but AP Lit is a 100% senior class and only a fraction of students take it…
Thanks for all of your help guys! I’ll see what I can do as far as looking into taking chem over the summer – Hopefully I can have a talk with my guidance counselor and see what my options are. The only problem is, there’s most likely a grade requirement to take AP Chem as there was with AP Bio, but worst come worst I could always waive into AP Chem.
I talked to someone who’s taking AP Bio and Honors Chem simultaneously and she told me that while it’s tough, it’s manageable. By word of mouth, though, I’ve heard it’s a lot of work, but generally manageable. Not necessarily common, but accomplishable if you’re dedicated. And looks like I’ll stick with English II Honors - seems like I could use the (relatively) free period.
And as far as I’m concerned, 1-2 APs sophomore year is the “norm” at my school - Normally its APWH (if you took AP Human as a freshman) and AP Psych, but I’d rather save AP Psych for senior year. Assuming AP Bio is held to a higher standard than AP Psych, I think I’m doing okay.
One more thing – Any advice on managing workload, combined with extracurriculars and you know… sleep??
My schedule looked similar to yours except for APGOPO instead of Bio. World is hard, especially at my school, but I didn’t study everyday for it. I usually study for quizzes and tests the day before for most classes ( a couple more days for world, 1hr per night). I still manage to do many ECs while having time for Netflix. I heard AP Bio is really hard but if you are interested in that subject you should be fine. Every class is different at each school so you should consult some upperclassmen at you school for better advice.
