Too Artsy for Science?

After three years of rigorous classes, the time has come to select courses for senior year. I’m currently in five AP classes and fourth-year Spanish, and feel that I can handle six AP classes next year. The problem is, I’ve heard advice from friends and family members saying that this course load looks too “fluffy” (as in, just in it for the GPA boost), two art classes looks bad, and that there is a lack of science courses, especially since I plan on majoring in biology. The lineup:

AP Literature
AP Econ/Gov
AP Prob/Stats
AP Physics 1
AP Studio Art
AP Art History

Art history is the particular problem spot. The other five classes I’m quite secure in. I want to take art history as I am genuinely interested in history, and am considering minoring in it, and this is the only history option left at this point. I am already in the science courses I wanted (Bio, Psychology) so my only other solid option instead of Art History is AP Computer Science. I know comp sci is basically another math class, and I don’t really want to be in three math-like classes (prob/stats, and physics is basically math) as math is far from my favorite subject, even though I’m doing fine in Calculus BC. Anyways,

Will this schedule look too “fluffy” and unfocused in the eyes of an admissions officer? I’m honestly interested in these classes and want to attend a top LAC, but would be willing to take a more STEM-ish class if that’s what will benefit me more in the future. Thanks!

Physics is a science class and no this isn’t too fluffy. You’re interested in art and art history. I assume you have ECs in this area too? Don’t take comp sci just to have another AP. It’s not necessary.

Just check with your guidance counselor to make sure that he or she will be checking the ‘most rigorous’ box when evaluating your transcript for the schools to which you are applying. As long as that box is checked, it means your schedule is sufficiently rigorous for any school to which you would be applying.

It is fine. You have the calc already and you have a science class. In addition, most schools don’t really pay attention to your intended major when reviewing an application as I’ve been told half of the applicants usually apply undecided and half of the students coming in with a major end up switching while they are in school. Agree with checking with your guidance counselor and get his/her opinion on the rigor of your schedule relative to what the school offers.

Don’t see why the schedule as a whole would be “fluffy” in the context of already having had calculus BC in the math area. Biology majors tend not to require CS anyway (although it may be useful to take some CS courses in college if you have an interest in computational biology).

You have taken all three of biology, chemistry, and physics already?

You are fine. Take what you want to take, this will not hurt you in admissions.

I think it’s a great schedule. You already have three math-heavy courses. The combination of Studio Art and Art History is telling.

This makes sense, from the standpoint of someone with above-average visuospatial ability. Being able to “see” structures in your mind is a great help, especially if you plan to study anything like chemistry, biochemistry (think molecules), engineering (structures), architecture (obvious)… and the list goes on.

I don’t think this MIT admissions blogger would find your schedule “fluffy” at all: http://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/the_school_of_architecture_pla.

Don’t step away from your genuine interests to try to fit someone else’s idea of what admissions officers want to see. Don’t try to look like everyone else. Your schedule will not be a handicap. It makes sense.

I was on my phone earlier and couldn’t elaborate. But I have one kid who loves the visual arts, and is a STEM major (currently bouncing back and forth between a CS and a Physics major). She took a lot of art related classes in high school, and got in everyplace she applied, including some very highly ranked schools. This schedule looks fine. Colleges want students who have genuine interests, not automatons who just take all core academic subjects. You will be fine, ignore your friends and family members. They honestly don’t know what they are talking about.

Thank you, @intparent I feel more confident in my schedule now and will go ahead and take the arts classes because they suit my personality better and I will genuinely enjoy them. Congratulations on your daughter, too!

@ucbalumnus‌ Yes, I’ve taken chem, bio, and am signed up for physics already. Thanks for the input, I’m not going to take CS

and

@Periwinkle‌ Thank you for the input, I feel better about my choice to pursue the art classes. Also, thanks for the blog post, it was a great read!