So, next year (my sophomore year), I’m taking 5 AP classes and 2 Honors classes. Here’s my list of classes I’m taking next year:
AP Physics - this is a new class at my school, so I’m especially worried about whether or not my teacher will be able to prep us effectively for the AP exam
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP World History - rumored to be difficult
AP Environmental Science - this is rumored to be the easiest AP class at my school, but I still have my doubts… however, this is the science that most interests me.
Honors Chemistry - this class is supposed to be really, really hard, and most kids don’t get an A in it
Honors English
Spanish 2 - literally my only non-AP/Honors class, and it’s still supposed to be pretty hard. Sigh.
Oh yeah, I should also mention that my school is on a block schedule, so we have only 4 classes half of the year, and then our other 4 classes the next half. Also, it’s really hard to change my classes now, so I’ll most likely have to live iwth this schedule.
Overall, I was wondering if you have any tips on how to manage my classes next year (time management, study tips, recommended prep books, etc. It shouldn’t be as hard as it could have been, since I’ll only have 4 classes at a time, but I’m still really worried. Thanks for your help!
I wouldn’t take that many. Colleges don’t care beyond a certain point. And no way will you be able to do meaningful ECs with this schedule. Read “How to be a High School Superstar” by Cal Newport.
Well, my school is on the block system, so I’m taking Calc AB first semester, and BC second semester. It becomes really difficult if you don’t do that, because then it’ll be hard to recall concepts from AB, so doubling up is the typical thing to do.
^Yes, which is the disadvantage to the block system. However, my AP World class is integrated with Honors English, so it will be similar to a year-long class, and I am guaranteed my APES class second semester, so it isn’t that bad. Also, AP Calc should flow throughout the 2 semesters.
Does your school do the one semester thing with the other AP sciences?? How do they expect kids to retain all of AP Bio/Chem for AP exams because that sounds absolutely ridiculous. I would be very careful w/ AP Physics 1, the exam is hard enough. Best to review the class every couple of days after you finish if it’s first semester. Foreign languages have this problem too b/c you might go a year or more w/out being in the class. It might be best to remove one of your science courses. Three classes in one subject seems like overkill, even if it’s your passion.
Thanks for all the advice, Hamlon. Yes, all our classes are based on the block schedule, including AP ones. We can take 8 classes, which is an advantage over taking just 6, plus we don’t have to concentrate on or study for too many classes at once, but retaining information is quite difficult.
I’m not too familiar with block schedule, but if you’re planning on taking 5 APs and 2 honors for your sophomore year then you probably shouldn’t take both AP Calc AB and BC. You’ll only be able to take one of the AP exams at the end of the year anyway. If you take BC you’ll cover the topics in AB. You can take AB for now and if you do well move on to BC.
Since you most likely can’t change your schedule anymore, my advice would be to just stay on top of things. Don’t wait until the last minute to do everything. Pretty standard advice, but it really helps! Also, if you’re taking an AP class first semester, you’ll need to review a lot for the exam, especially for World and Physics. The AP Physics 1 (which I assume you’re taking) exam is pretty difficult, considering less than 5% of people received a 5 this year and 60% of people failed.
I’ve heard that Barron’s is the best for AP Calc, but considering it’s a really popular AP class, there are a lot of books for it. Do your research before you buy! Some of them are better for different reasons. For example, Barron’s tends to have harder practice tests than the actual AP exam. Since AP Physics 1 is a fairly new exam, there aren’t a lot of options. AP Physics 1/2 Essentials is supposed to be great for understanding concepts.
Unless you are aware of how the school structures the curriculum, you should refrain from comments like this. Many schools teach just the AB concepts in AB and just the BC concepts in BC. With a block schedule, my guess is that the school inquisition does just that.
I appreciate the advice, @LosingCrayon . I’ll definitely try to stay on top of things and not procrastinate (hopefully ). I would prefer harder tests, which Barron’s is great for, but I’ve also heard that they don’t explain concepts as well. In the end, I think I’ll probably end up getting Barron’s for AP Calc.
@HeardWell it’s actually a disadvantage at my school if AP Calc AB and BC aren’t taken the same year. AB is only offered 1st term, and BC 2nd term, so if they’re taken separately, there would be a one-year gap in between. I appreciate your response and advice, though. I’ll see if I can drop a class, but I most likely won’t be able to.
My tip: don’t do that to yourself. other block scheduling, 2 AP 's per block is what’s reasonable for juniors and seniors.
Drop ap physics and honors chemistry, keep fuel for next year.
Replace them with one creative class and another class you’d consider relatively easy.
Likely your grades (and all important GPA) will suffer and you won’t get 4/5 on all the AP exams which counters both benefits of taking APs (showing your strength while taking challenging courses and getting college credit.
Drop a core course each semester (too many sciences) and choose something you enjoy , an elective. How does your GC allow you to take this type of schedule as a sophomore? I’ve seen juniors with major stress and anxiety because of Physics and Chem.
@MPC6789 The student won’t be taking Calc AB and BC at the same time. With a block schedule, they take AB the first semester and BC the 2nd semester. They do what is normally a year long class in a semester with a block schedule.
@MPC6789 , @skieurope already mentioned that b/c OP has a block schedule, BC will likely only teach its unique material. Essentially OP would be taking a normal full-year BC class.
Because of your block-schedule, see if you can drop AP Physics and APES. Would it be too late to e-mail/call a guidance counselor? I wouldn’t drop honors Chem b/c it’s a prerequisite for a few AP classes and it’s a class typically assigned to Sophomores. Save AP Physics for Junior year and APES Senior.
What if sciences are what the kid really enjoys? I have seen juniors and seniors with major stress with less rigorous schedules. But also seen kids do well with tougher schedules. Depends on the kid, doesn’t it?
^ no, it doesn’t. AP lab sciences shouldn’t be taken concurrently. Taking physics, chemistry and apes, alongside a heavier schedule than IQ recommended even to juniors, is a recipe for disaster.
A day only has 24hours and 7will be spent in school; 8-9 must be spent sleeping for older teens; 2-3 unavoidedly will be spent eating, showering, going from place to place, yelling at siblings, doing whatever; 3 must be spent on EC’s/ activities for a student aiming high (read call Newport’s book). 3-4 hours are left for homework. That schedule implies at least five or six hours of homework, leading such decisions as cutting on sleep, eating quickly / poorly, not doing EC’s at sufficient level, getting stressed out /burnt out. It’s not right for anyone.
). I would prefer harder tests, which Barron’s is great for, but I’ve also heard that they don’t explain concepts as well. In the end, I think I’ll probably end up getting Barron’s for AP Calc.