Last year, I took APWH and got a 4 on the exam. I passed with an A in the class, and I didn’t have any trouble except for the face that I only started focusing on the exam a couple of days before. I think I’ve learned my lesson in how valuable it is to retain my AP knowledge from my lessons instead of last-minute studying, and I am a bit worried about the schedule I’m taking next year.
AP Capstone Seminar
AP English Language
APUSH
AP Physics 1
Pre-AP Spanish IV
Functions Analytical Geometry (weighted as an AP class, known to be significantly hard)
AP Psychology
I’m looking at all the AP scores for these classes and they’re not very bad. I’m very confident about AP Lang., Psychology (since I am self-studying most of the curriculum over the summer), AP Seminar, and APUSH (also studying).
However, will the workload be too intense for someone who only took 1 AP the year before? Please note that I’m not taking all of these APs ONLY for colleges; AP World really helped me to broaden my perspective on global matters and I felt it gave me much more insight than regular World History (which I did not recall ANY information from; yet APWH’s curriculum has made much impact on my school papers, debates, etc.). I feel that this extra knowledge AND the GPA bonus would help me tremendously.
Should I drop AP Physics 1 to regular physics, or just continue with this schedule? I heard AP Physics 1 is algebra-based, and I do recalling getting a very high grade in algebra 1 and 2. However, I also heard that it is quite difficult and there’s a lot of flat-out memorization involved- which I am not very good at.
Are you interested in physics or psychology? If not, I suggest you drop down to physics honors, and not take psychology. Only take classes that you have an interest in. Psychology is generally seen as a “fluff” class that people take just to have another AP on their resume. It’s not easy by any means, so if you aren’t interested you should find another elective to take. You said you aren’t good at flat out memorization, that’s what psych is. So is APUSH, but since you did well in AP World, I’d suspect you’d be able to do well in APUSH.
Also, Physics is hard. If you aren’t interested in it, drop down to the honors level. Given the rest of your schedule, no one will look down on you for doing so. What would you possibly like to major in? This should be a determining factor in what you take during high school.
To answer your title question, yes your schedule is very rigorous. 5 AP classes (plus two rigorous academic classes) is a lot though, so if you can, I would suggest dropping something and taking a fun elective (art, photography, wood working, band, etc.)
I’m actually considering a psychology degree, and I’ve heard Physics may be helpful since they’re both analytical science degrees? And thank you for replying! @Shanban1607
You seem to understand that it’s important to not just take APs for college, so there’s a start. I agree with you though that jumping from one to four may be a bit costly, especially when you’re still learning to improve your study skills. Given that fact alone, I would have trouble advising you to take more than two next year. Maybe three. From what you’ve written, I think you can get rid of AP Language and AP Physics.
I agree with the above posters. I suggest you drop to honors physics. Can you take an easier math class? AP Seminar is very writing and research intensive and it requires a lot of time set aside. I recommend you drop this class if you aren’t interested in it. I’m guessing you’re a junior or senior, and both years are probably the most important in your high school career. Make sure you have time to study for your SAT/ACT and/or work on college research/applications.