AP Bio or POE?

Pre-College Topics High School Life
1

So, I’m a sophomore at a school that offers 5 (yes 5) AP courses.

This year I’m taking the second PLTW engineering class: Principles of Engineering. I took the class because my friends were taking it, I don’t plan on becoming an engineer. I personally don’t see the value in taking it, besides the fact that it’s one of the more rigorous courses offered at my HS.

However, I am very fond of science, and am taking both Anatomy/Physiology and Chemistry this year. I am virtually the only sophomore in my school to do this. I just figured out that I could possibly take a 3rd science class, AP Biology, if and only if I ditched POE.

I know I’m rambling, but would it look bad that I took a full year of engineering freshman year but then just stopped sophomore year? Are 3 science courses too much for one year, especially since I’m not taking history? Would AP Bio look more rigorous than my current class, POE? Feel free to share your insights on each class, and really just guide me in the right direction. Any comments will be greatly appreciated.

2
  1. There's nothing wrong with experimenting as a freshmen. Some colleges may even see it as a bonus that you looked into one career route before deciding against it.
  2. There is nothing wrong with a school that offers a smaller amount of AP courses.
  3. If you plan on doing any EC's, I would advise against 3 sciences at the same time, especially because Bio alone can be a lot of work. Is there any reason you can't hold off on AP Bio for next year (or just go Chem --> HPA ---> Bio for Sophomore, Junior, and Senior year)?
  4. I think you may have discovered this site a little too early for your own good. You're getting worried over nothing. ;)
3

Thanks @Dax123. And lol, I do tend to get ahead of myself sometimes when it comes to planning. I’ll be sure to follow your advice!

4

AP Bio is good for you, engineer, or not. It also makes good general education credit even if you aren’t going into biology.

Only if you were going into engineering would I recommend sticking with the POE as a staple course. You want as much experience as you can going into college as it’ll boost your early internship opportunities.

5

Very good point @tangentline

6

I agree with the posters on top–don’t worry too much! You’re only a sophomore. The best thing to do is pick classes that genuinely interest you! I tried POE Intro to Engineering my freshman year, didn’t like it (mostly b/c the teacher didn’t do anything and kids could spend most of everyday playing minecraft/world of warcraft or whatever on the computers) and didn’t have a chance to try it again sophomore year due to taking a double-period class and Spanish. (Plus I wasn’t really interested in engineering anyways after that). As Dax123 pointed out–experimenting can’t hurt you and it’s totally reasonable to not take another engineering course if you don’t like it.

Also, what is the rigor of the rest of your classes? 3 sciences classes can be difficult to manage and you still have 2 more years ahead of you…plus starting AP Bio late (like a week or more after the class has already started) could put you at a disadvantage with having to catch up and learn what the rest of the class has already been taught. I don’t know if this is an option for you, but if you really hate POE then maybe try to drop it 2nd semester and switch to a 1 semester course you’re interested in (or complete any school requirements like drivers ed if you haven’t already). I’d leave AP Bio until junior/senior year.