Thoughts on Senior Year Schedule

Applying to College
1

Hello, I’m currently a junior in high school and beginning to look into my schedule for next year.
Here’s a brief over view of my yearly course schedule so far:

Freshmen Year:

  • [ ] US History I (H)
  • [ ] Biology (H)
  • [ ] Algebra I (H)
  • [ ] Spanish 2 (H)
  • [ ] Concert Band (H)
  • [ ] Physical Education (Required) (1/2 year)
  • [ ] Computer Essentials (Required) (1/2 year)

Sophomore Year:

  • [ ] US History II (H)
  • [ ] Chemistry (H)
  • [ ] Algebra II (H)
  • [ ] Geometry (H)
  • [ ] Symphonic Band (H)
  • [ ] Jazz Improvisation (H) (1/2 year)
  • [ ] Health (Required) (1/2 year)

Junior Year:

  • [ ] AP Chemistry
  • [ ] AP World
  • [ ] AP Language and Composition
  • [ ] Pre-Calculus (H)
  • [ ] Physics (H)
  • [ ] Spanish 3 (H)
  • [ ] Physical Education (Required) (1/2 year)

Here’s what I’m looking at for next year.
Senior Year:

  • [ ] AP Psychology
  • [ ] BC Calculus
  • [ ] AP Literature
  • [ ] Wind Ensemble (H)
  • [ ] Introduction to Engineering (H) (1/2 year)
  • [ ] Science Innovations (H) (1/2 year)
  • [ ] Economics (H) (Required) (1/2 year)
  • [ ] Physical Education (Required) (1/2 year)

ExtraCurriculars:

In School

  • [ ] Varsity Rugby (Freshmen)
  • [ ] JV Lacrosse (Sophomore)
  • [ ] Student Council (Freshmen)
  • [ ] Steering Committee (Freshmen-Present)
  • [ ] Robotics (Sophomore)
  • [ ] Science Olympiad (Sophomore-Present)
  • [ ] Pep Band (Freshmen)
  • [ ] Jazz Band (Freshmen-Present)
  • [ ] Full Orchestra (Freshmen-Present)
  • [ ] Tri-M (Music Honors Society)
  • [ ] National English Honors Society
  • [ ] Science National Honors Society

Outside School

  • [ ] Russian School of Math
  • [ ] Rock Climbing
  • [ ] Clarinet Lessons
  • [ ] Formed own jazz combo

My problem with it is that I’m an advanced student and am looking to apply and hopefully get into top tier colleges (Ivies, Tufts, BC). I feel like I don’t have enough APs under my belt. I last minute decided not to take APUSH my sophomore year because I realized I have no desire to do so and have no such interest in it whatsoever. I maxed out the possible APs I could take this year and since I want to pursue band again (I’m very active in music), I have no space to take another AP Science (Physics). As additional information, I go to an excellent high school, so the classes here are more rigorous than in other areas. Can I get some insight/outlook/reflection on my schedule and how I’m looking as an applicant? Thank you.

2

The person to ask is your guidance counselor, not any one of us. Rigor is relative to what is offered in your HS. The top tier colleges will want to see the guidance counselor check the box on the recommendation saying you have taken the most rigorous course-load available at your HS (which doesn’t mean taking every AP class – there is often some latitude in this). If the guidance counselor says that your prior and current HS schedules are sufficient to get that most rigorous box checked then you are fine.

In addition, I would strongly consider taking Spanish 4. A number of top schools like to see 4 years of a foreign language. At the very least you should look up the common data set for schools you are considering applying to (google: common data set ) and look at section C to check the required/recommended HS coursework. I checked Tufts and it requires 3 years but recommends 4 years of foreign language. For top colleges it is best to meet or exceed these requirements/recommendations. In terms of rigor I imagine Spanish 4 would be considered at least as rigorous than AP Psych or the science/engineering electives.

3

I would also recommend Spanish IV in place of the science electives, and AP physics instead of AP Psych.

4

I am taking Spanish 4 next year, I accidentally forgot to add it to the post. The thing is, I’m more interesting in Psych than physics. Physics is alright, and I do very much enjoy math which is why I would consider taking it. Psych also fulfills the social studies category.

5

AP Physics also takes up 3 blocks (A year and a half worth of classes), whereas Psych is only a full year.

6

I am taking Spanish 4 next year, I accidentally forgot to add it to the post. My bad! Also, I’ve been looking at schedules from other students across forums who are taking 5 APs for both junior and senior year which is intimidating as it makes my load look quite inferior.