Hello there! I am new to CC and I want some advice regarding the schedule I’m planning for my senior year. I’m a junior and I enjoy most of the classes I’m enrolled in, even classes where I struggle to keep up. My dad unexpectedly died at the beginning of the year so my junior year stress has been multiplied tenfold. I’m 100% sure my grief will not magically go away once senior year rolls in, especially because one of the first days of the year will be his death anniversary. I really need to consider my health and hobbies. Here’s what I have planned to take next year:
Creative Writing / Public Speaking and Speech Writing
Public Affairs H / Economics H
Spanish 5H
Advanced Geology H
Physical Education (once again, required and tied to science course)
AP Calculus AB
AP Music Theory
Chamber Choir
Not much here is different than what I originally planned. I wanted to AP Literature but I seem to forget that I’m a terrible reader and writing-analyzer and I suck at nonfiction writing. I took AP Lang to challenge myself but English 3H ended up being the more difficult course according to some friends. I love social studies, Spanish, earth science, music theory, and choir, so the other classes are no-brainers.
I was interested in Forensics due to my interest in Homeland Security, but I think my heart belongs to music. I love the idea of Homeland Security, but it’s too early for me to decide whether I want to commit my life to it. So taking forensics is not a priority. My schedule seems too rigorous with Forensics and at the same time too empty without Calculus. I know calculus is recommended, so I’m probably keeping my schedule like that.
I’m curious to know what anyone thinks. I don’t have many demands for colleges that I’ll apply to except that it can’t be massive and they need to value music and art. My current GPA is 93.58, my PSAT was 1290, and I could qualify for some lovely scholarships based on my mom’s income and/or my race. I guess???
Really, thanks for your time and consideration. I’m glad to join this website even if most of your schedules and standards make me sad! ^-^
Planned extracurriculars for senior year:
-5th Year in Rock Ensemble
-4th year and president of the Cooking Club
-4th year attending and 3rd year as an officer of Y2Y
-Jazz Ensemble
-Private music lessons
-Art Club
Sort of a correction: My GPA for junior year is 94.36. I’m assuming the “93.58” I found online accounts for all of my high school career, but based on my values it would be a 93.88. Eh, that’s not important!
It’s a great schedule for someone with your interests. It sounds like you’re a musician so AP music theory is a great choice but be aware it’ll likely be your hardest class!
As for colleges that have a great music program and meet need and/or have music scholarships, run the NPC on St Olaf (nationally ranked for music, math, science; meets need, has scholarships, and you can participate in the top music ensembles even if you’re not a music major), Lawrence, Augustana, Luther, UPuget Sound.
Prepare for the sat diligently and try to bring your score to 1350+, plan to take subject tests in May or June.
I have experience with Geology from another class, and that’s the course I’m more interested in. Forensics is probably more relevant to most work in emergency management, but I really like studying our planet.
St. Olaf sounds really nice, but I’m afraid it’s still too far from my home. I’ll still look into the college, though, as it never hurts to see what I’d like in a school. I appreciate the recommendation.
And lastly, thanks for the heads up on AP Music Theory. My best friend is a prolific pianist and violinist and even she is hesitant to take APMT. Then again, she’s also going to take the most advanced orchestra, math, science, English, and government classes, too. I’d definitely like to have a lighter class load with AP Calculus’ and APMT’s difficulty in mind. Whether I take APMT or regular MT, I’m grateful to have another music elective in my schedule! SAT prep and registration is just another thing I am going to discuss with my guidance counselor very soon.
@bopper: I know the general recommendation for this student would be to take physics but in that case, where the student is into music and geology, the advanced class would make the most sense wrt the choice of major. In addition, with a PSAT in the 1200’s it’s likely op will have matches that won’t expect physics from all applicants. So that schedule makes the most sense even if it’s unconventional.
@pikoro: keep in mind that national colleges want to have students from the whole country and therefore often offer preferential packaging to kids who come from more than 400miles away (=more scholarships just for where you come from).
Your schedule is rigorous but doable, well balanced, and matches your interests. It’s a very good schedule. Focus on test prep to get the best score you can, run the NPC on the colleges listed and bring the results to your parents. The number one limitation is generally financial.
That information on scholarship is really helpful! I’m not completely opposed to being more than 400 miles away from home, so if I’m accepted by a dream school with financial aid, I’ll sacrifice that convenience. Everything has its pros and cons. I know if I expand my horizons, I could end up finding more schools that fit my interests.
I’m glad my schedule is in good shape–I want to keep challenging myself, but I have to know my limits! Now that I have my near future planned, I can put all of my attention on test prep and keeping my grades up.