Hello all, 8th grader here, we’re picking our classes for our Freshman year of HS next week, so I’m wondering what APs I should take for 9th grade. During middle school I’ve cruised to a comfortable 4.0, my sci teacher says I can handle AP Bio, though I’m not sure if I should take it, I know I can do Pre-AP ELA and Honors Algebra II, and I’m thinking about whether or not I should take AP World History Freshman year or wait until Sophmore (MS teacher said I can handle it). AP Psych is also available to Freshman so I’m wondering if I should take that as well. We get 6 classes total, 3 electives (2 if I take AP World), and I am thinking about taking Foreign language Freshman year as well. I wanna feel around what the classes are like while also making sure that I have enough APs to be on pace for a decent college. What do you recommend I do?
So really one elective, since you’ll need English, math, science, history/social studies, and foreign language.
Whether you can handle multiple APs is something none of us know. Not do we know your school’s science progression, since AP bio as a 9th grader with no prior bio and chem course is an anomaly.
AP Bio as a freshman is not advisable. Most don’t take it until 11th or 12th grade after taking Bio and Chem. I would advise taking a foreign language for all four years of high school and doing dual enrollment if available so that you can get your foreign language college credits out of the way.
High school teacher here. I would suggest that you ask students 1-2 years ahead of you for their experiences. In some Texas public districts, freshmen can take AP Bio, AP Human Geo, and APCSP together. It’s a lot of work but with good time-management many students handle them well. If you are among the top 5% academically and haven’t had to grind yourself yet, I’d say it’s doable.
AP World History is a good first AP course. My children’s high school recommends that or AP Human Geography for 9th grade students interested in an AP Course.
Take a chemistry course before AP Bio.
I’ve heard mixed things about APWH, some of the HS students have told me it’s on the same level as AP Chem while others have told me that it’s pretty easy, it makes me feel unsure about taking it. One of my friends had a sibling who was salutatorian and their only B was APWH, which worries me. APHG isn’t offered by the HS I’m going to. I feel like my History knowledge is pretty strong, should I be good taking APWH? What’s the workload like as far as you know?
The workload in any course depends on the teacher
It is not on the same level as AP Chemistry IMO
My sons thought the workload was heavier than that of AP Comp Sci A but lighter than any of the other APs they’ve taken.
Son 1: took course 1st semester of 10th grade. Grade in course A, score 4. His review consisted of 2 or 3 hour-long mandatory sessions.
Son 2: took course 2nd semester of 9th grade. Grade in course A, score 5. Although his class covered the material in less time than his brother’s not having a four month gap between the course and exam helped.
If you are strong in history you should do fine. Take advantage of any study sessions your school offers. You teacher may also recommend online resources.
Based on what you said, you will be taking preAP ELA, Algebra II honors, foreign language 1 (or 2), Biology or Chemistry Honors (whatever follows logically from your current science courses in MS) and potentially AP World History, pls 1 elective.
Correct. 9th grade science at my HS is Bio. Foreign language 1 as well.
Definitely foreign language. You need it. At my kids school, they go straight to AP bio, but it is a tough class, tons of work. That plus AP world, honors math, honors english. A fun elective, gym health