I have taken all PIB classes in my freshman (9th grade) year, but I am not doing well in the tests/quizzes for Biology (got lower than 40% in some quizzes and tests) and Govt. etc. Will there be any issue in applying to good colleges if I drop down in second semester of my freshman year on courses that I am struggling with now? I really don’t want to scale down, but I am having tough time on tests/quizzes. Thanks in advance!
Yes that OK. Does your school offer honors or accelerated classes?
It’s better to have an A in a lower level class than a D or F.
It’s better to have a B or higher in a more rigorous class than an A in a less rigorous class…but no one’s impressed with a C or lower in a rigorous class.
Thanks for the reply! Yes, the school offers IB and AP courses. I have taken all Pre-IB courses (got a B- in Math (an accelerated course) and B on Biology for the semester. Will that (getting B-) be a problem for applying to good schools later? Should I go down to lower level Math?
No you’re okay 
If at the end of the year you’re still hovering around B- consider taking a non accelerated class.
Thank you for the reply. Since I got a B- in Math, the counselor has put me in daily Study Hall period (instead having an empty period) where there will be a teacher and other student tutors to assist in clarifying doubts or helping on Home work. Is having Study Hall period going to look bad in college application as I understand it is for struggling kids? I am aiming for Duke, Hopkins, or NC Chappel Hills. Any guidance on do’s and don’ts is appreciated!
Students have study halls for all sorts of reasons. I won’t negatively impact your college application since no college will know what it means at your high school.