APs, SATs, interests, AHHH

mrtadashi1
Fri, 27 May 2016 00:48:43 +0000

Hi all,

So this year as a freshmen, I am off to a bad start. My grades aren’t very good (two A-, two B+, one B). I did not take any AP class or exam, making it harder for myself to achieve the 6-8 AP Classes I desire (This was strongly recommended by many students who all are attending Ivy League’s this year). Next year as a sophomore, I will be taking AP Calc, AP Micro. However, for Junior year, I want to take AP Bio, AP Latin, and AP Comp. sci. But, there are very unique courses that are very interesting to me which aren’t AP level or even required. These courses are heavily relied on mathematics and sciences, which is something I want to major in going into the college.

I am not sure whether I should take those interesting courses or focus on tough APs like latin and comp sci as well as the SAT/ACT my junior year. I believe in the latter but would the interesting courses add some attention to college admissions?

Also, for Subject SAT tests, I am taking Math over the summer this year, and Latin next year. I plan on taking Bio in my Junior year.

I really really want to study biomedical enginnering, or a field in which engineering and medicine are combined. I’m passionate about prosthetics and forms of technology to cure medical problems. I am really shooting for the top notch schools for this field such as John Hopkins, MIT, UPenn, and Duke.

Currently, I take PreCalc Honors, Honors Physics, Honors English, Honors History, Level 2 Latin.
Next year, I am taking BC Calc Honors, Honors English, Honors Chem, Advanced Jazz Theory and Improv, Latin Level 3
I will also be taking a self study for micro economics
Junior year, hopefully, I will take: Honors Bio, Multivariable Calc, Honors English, Advanced Computer programming, Latin Level 4 AP
Senior year, hopefully: Honors US History, Advanced Calc and Stats, Honors English

So, my ultimate question is, should I be taking 5 AP’s, and 3 SAT Subject Tests? If so, is this strong enough for my applications to the colleges listed. Other students say I need 6 or 8, that too with passing grades. I don’t want to ruin my GPA though by taking so many APs. I would love for someone to give me harsh feedback and how I can change my course planning to reach success.