lovechilipeppers

Hi, I am a sophomore, and I’m aiming for Ivy League schools just like many of you out there. My course selection for next year is due pretty soon, and I have a few questions regarding my courses next year. I would really appreciate it if anybody can help me out.

1)AP Lit vs. AP Lang
Given the choices of AP Lit and AP Lang, which one should I take first in my junior year? I’m planning to take SAT II Lit by the end of my junior year, and I’m wondering which course will better prepare me for the test. I want to maintain a good grade, but I’ve heard that it’s better to take harder courses in my junior year. What’s the difference between difficulties of the two? Which one do you guys recommend I should take first?
　
2) 2 years of journalism class in which Editor-in-chief does not exist vs. 2 AP courses
I think the sub-title is pretty self-explanatory. In our school’s journalism class, Editor-in-chief does not exist, but an editorial board consisting of a few members does exist. (One can be in the board if he/she takes the course in 11th grade AND 12th grade). If I choose not to take journalism class, I’ll have 5 APs per year (which is kind of scary, but I think I can manage them by getting myself to be determined enough).

The following is my schedule for the two years:

11TH GRADE
AP Lit/Lang
AP Calc BC
AP Bio
AP Econ
AP Psych/Journalism
Orchestra
Chinese

12TH GRADE
AP Lit/Lang
AP Stats
AP Physics
AP Comp Sci
AP ?/IB Further Math/Journalism
Orchestra
Chinese

Just to help with your judgment, I took AP Chinese in 9th grade and received a 5, and I’m currently taking AP US History. I’m planning to take AP Music Theory in 11th grade as well. Wharton is my dream school.

I know very, very well that number of AP courses I take is not the only factor in college admissions. However, it’s getting more competitive than ever, especially for international applicants. It would be much appreciated if anyone can render me some help. Thanks.

atvqueen

Math is going to be more useful than Journalism for your senior year. Take journalism your junior year instead of psych because colleges consider AP Psych to be a fluff class. AP Lit vs AP language doesn't matter really. Take what you will do better on. You can't use it to test out of anything either way.

Do you have ECs? thats the most important. Those APs will not count for anything if all you have is them.

cooledge

IF you plan to take SAT II Lit, definitely definitely definitely take AP Lit. I got a little bit screwed on my SAT II Lit because I didn't know jack about poetry.
And I'm pretty sure you can get something for AP Lit/Lang.

spiralcloud

Math might be more "useful", but if Journalism is your thing...then that's more important
After all, writing can never be considered more or less "useful" than math...its simply up to the person that makes the decision
Basically, if you think journalism is good for you, then go for it. You're already taking 4 AP classes anyways...so its not like you're making life any easier for yourself

RZA

If I read the site correctly, the English AP tests are basically useless.