<p>I am a junior, and first semester I had two extra classes, both honors. I also had 3 AP classes, 1 Honor, and 1 regular (only because it is not offered in honor credit). Second semester I dropped an extra class, because I was not learning anything and I did not feel like I was doing anything productive in there. So now I just have 1 extra class, being Academic Decathlon. First semester, I earned all A's, and 1 B, which was in AP U.S. History. Now, I really want to drop Academic Decathlon because I want to have a hobby that isn't school related, more specifically, kickboxing. I feel that I need to have some sort of physical stress reliever, and I just need to do something that isn't school related because I spend the majority of my times studying, and I don't have any time to do anything else. I am not on any sports team, or extra curricular activities and I feel that I need to have at least one hobby. I joined Academic Decathlon the second semester of my sophomore year, and so I already have an extra credit. Will dropping it affect my chances of getting into a university? I'm thinking of going to either the University of Pennsylvania, ASU, or UCLA. I'm stressed because I heard that junior year is extremely focused on, so I'll remain in the class if I have to but I really don't want to. Now, another thing to note, is that from freshmen and sophomore year, it looks like I always do better first semester, and go down second semester. My first semester of Junior year has been my best so far, but I feel that by dropping two honors classes (that I don't need) will look like I got lazy my second semester, AGAIN, BUT, I am planning to do everything I can to get straight A's this semester. So how much of an impact will dropping Academic Decathlon have on me?? If it matters I am planning on taking another foreign language next year for honors credit. (I already have my standard two years of foreign language done, and I want to learn another one, so will be taking another extra class senior year.) I am ranked #18 out of like 360 students. So will I be okay dropping it? Or should I stick to it?</p>
<p>I can’t really tell because your description of what you are taking is a bit scattered. Have you consulted your GC and see if he will still consider it a rigorous schedule? Will the dropped classes show as such on your transcripts? You did start it so it seems like you should finish it out. </p>
<p>Taking a 3rd year of a foreign language will put you in a much stronger position. Colleges are more interested in you attaining more competency in one language than weak levels in two. For instance UCLA requires 2 years but recommends 3 and the stronger candidates will have 3 or 4 years.</p>