AP Calc AB
AP Chem
AP Bio
APUSH
Composition and Science Fiction
Japanese IV
Yes, I have met all prerequisites, but I am just so nervous about the potential workload. I have been considering dropping APUSH, but I have reservations about doing so as almost all serious students in my grade take it. The only other alternative would be regular US History, but I would hate being surrounded by unmotivated people that don’t want to learn. I also would not like to have not taking APUSH affect me negatively because admissions staff in my area know that a large majority of high-achieving students take APUSH. However, I am taking Calc and AP Sciences as a sophomore, which could show my dedication to STEM rather than history. I am taking AP Bio to prepare for USABO and AP Chem to take advantage of a great opportunity to dual enroll in organic chemistry at a nearby university in junior year.
If you were in my shoes, how would you change my prospective schedule?
If you have not started the school year yet, then you are not really “dropping” the class. You are merely changing your schedule. At many high schools, students don’t take US History until their junior year. Is that an option for you? Perhaps you can wait on US History and add a much needed study hall into your sophomore year schedule. Your classmates are probably not all taking two AP sciences plus AP Calc, and you have different priorities due to your hopes for USABO. You won’t do yourself any favors pushing yourself so hard that you get lower grades. I would even reconsider AP Chem and AP Bio as a sophomore, but I assume you think you can handle it. Maybe you already know that you should not take APUSH at the same time and are merely looking to have this confirmed? If so, consider it confirmed!
I agree with the above. AP Calc and AP Chem are going to be enough on your plate and you’re only a sophomore. The classes you listed above I didn’t take until my junior year of highschool, so I think changing your schedule to not have APUSH may work out better in terms of workload and not being as stressed, since you are a sophomore and have time in your highschool life to take many more APs. Also you mentioned you have interests in STEM as well as a dual program so dropping APUSH won’t look bad since you plan on doing STEM and your schedule is filled with STEM courses.
It wouldn’t hurt, and you’ve a lot coming at you with three heavy courses: Calc, Chem, and Bio. Drop APUSH because:
There’s a lot of work with calc, bio, and chem
If history isn’t your thing, don’t do it
Can you take APUSH in junior year? (That’s the standard for my school district)
@Sam-I-Am and @itsintheprocess hit the nail on the head with their responses, and that’s all I really have to say. Just think over your options, and make a choice. I’m sure you’ll do just fine and be sure to make time for yourself so that you don’t stress yourself out.
It matters what colleges you’re thinking of. And what’s planned for junior year. Tripling up on AP calc, chem, and bio seems questionable. Top colleges want to see successful rounding. All along. And when available, usual cores. (Why not a straight English class?)
“I am taking Calc and AP Sciences as a sophomore, which could show my dedication to STEM rather than history.”
Not quite. It can look off balance. Can look like you choose very much per your own specific wants, not some broader academic vitality.
My advice? You need to learn more about what your target colleges will truly value, know the right direction. That’s in and out of class.