Typical Junior Year Schedule Question

Applying to College
1

Hey there,
My school is kind of odd in the sense that they actually prohibit you from taking any APs prior to junior year (except Ceramics and Computer “science”, which are both considered jokes at my school)- So I haven’t actually taken any APs yet (currently going into junior year). My question is whether or not I should take more APs/classes, as I have one free period. The 2 of the AP classes I’m taking are considered the hardest at my school however, additionally most kids don’t take more than 1 AP at my school, only 1 or 2 are taking 4 APs. No one that I know of is taking 5 APs. We have 10 total APs at my school I believe.

Schedule:
PreCalc
AP Comp
APUSH
AP Chem
Spanish 7-8 (1 level below AP)
Performance Workshop (Highest level music class my school offers, unfortunately)
Free 7th

Potential weighted GPA Max of 4.5

My options to replace my free 7th are pretty much just AP Stat. Not really that interested in it and I don’t know that much about it but I generally do well in math. I’ve received a 4.0 every year since 7th grade I think, so I’m a hard worker but once again I’ve never taken any APs before, and I do have a few ECs so I’m concerned about work load as well. I could also potentially drop the music class and take AP Stat but I’d be pretty bummed out to be honest, and I think colleges would like to see a diversified schedule that would demonstrate my music skills… right?
Please let me know if you think this looks too easy. I want PolySci or Business to be my major and to get in somewhere with a sub 30% or preferably sub 20% acceptance rate . I plan on taking 3 or 4 AP classes my junior year (4 because more interesting ones become available. Can’t take them now, my school sucks).

If anyone knows anything about AP Stat please share! (I passed adv. Alg with a 96% so I don’t know if it will be hard or not for me).

Thank you so much for reading

2

Colleges don’t care all that much about AP Stats, stick to your schedule and focus on your ECs, your GC is going to say that you took the most rigorous schedule when compared with your peers, so you’re fine. Stats is not ceramics but it’s not calculus. Take AP Calc and AP Spanish as A senior and you’re fine, you have five of the most rigorous AP classes as considered by admissions officers (AP in another language, AP Lit would be others).

3

Never heard of AP Ceramics before (lol). Also, AP CS can be pretty helpful, especially if you plan on majoring in something computer-related.

4

No it’s not. This is very very common.

it exists, although the official name is AP Studio Art 3-D Design.

It’s very easy, IMO. However, I see no need for you to take 4 STEM classes just to say you have another AP. Your schedule looks fine without it. Take AP Stats as a seniors (but not in place of calc) if you’re interested, and if it fits into your schedule.

5

I agree with @skieurope. “Not very interested in it” is the clincher for me. Take the free period and use it to stay on top of your classwork, and put the time into an EC that actually interests you.



A strong HS record is about piling up APs and maxing out your GPA - it’s about developing yourself as a person and doing things that truly interest you.