Hello, I seem to be having some trouble understanding what colleges look for exactly in a schedule. My freshman year, I took Physics, thus, I have not taken Biology yet, and it is a required course. So, now heading into my junior year, it is time for me to make important decisions. I plan on taking AP Physics senior year and AP Environmental Science next year. However, in my senior year, I will have an open class. Would it look “weak” to take Honors Biology as a senior, lowering my chances of being accepted into top colleges? Should I take Honors Biology or run the risk of taking AP Biology and receive less than an A? Keep in mind that I am a straight A student, and hope to keep it as such. I’m just not really sure what to do, and I’m very worried. AP Bio really intimidates me, since I’ve had no experience. Another option is that I take AP Bio next year, rather than APES. What should I do?
When I went on a field trip to UGA, the head of admissions said that there were students that had straight As and 4.0s that were denied compared to students with lower GPAs that took the school’s more challenging courses. She said that they’re always looking for those that really pushed themselves in the highest level classes offered. What’s your school’s policy for dropping out of AP classes? (My school gives you the first 10 days to drop out). Give the class a week and if it’s too much, then switch to Honors.
Does your school even allow you to take AP Bio without a previous bio course? Not that it is impossible to do so, but it will require a lot of work to catch up, particularly if other people in the class have had bio experience.
As to whether AP Bio vs. Honor Bio is “better,” that really depends on your entire schedule and what you want to study in college. There is no expectation that you need to take every AP class available, and if your GC will rate your schedule as “most demanding” with Honors Bio, then AP Bio really is not needed.
OTOH, unless you have a strong desire to learn about Environmental Science, I would forgo that class for something else. Many (to use your words) top colleges do not grant credit for APES.
Don’t you need Honors Bio for APES?