I am in the process of scheduling classes for next year. How is taking a free period both semesters on a block schedule looked at by top colleges? For example, having 6 total classes in senior year instead of 8.
Will they think that I am lazy? (i kinda am but also ran out of classes that interest me) Also I plan on having 3 AP classes.
Yeah 2 free periods looks lazy. 1 study hall is probably fine sine youll have 7 academic classes
Why not just take an easy class ? I don’t know what’s offered at your school, but at mine seniors might take intro art, anatomy, intro film, etc instead of a study
I’m not sure if it’ll work, but another idea is, you could leave early and do an internship, if you have the transportation and if the school allows it
Drop the “top college” fixation and take some time off. In 20 years it will have made no difference.
“How is taking a free period both semesters on a block schedule looked at by top colleges?” Who do you think they’ll take? 2 applicants with similar GPA and scores, ECs, etc, but one took 2 academic classes while the other chose a free period. Hmmm…
Both of my daughters had free periods senior year. One is at an Ivy League, one is admitted to a top university. You do not have to work yourself to the bone to get into a top university. There is too much emphasis on how something will “look” to an admissions officer instead of creating a compelling message of who you are.
@mikemac So you are saying they will only consider it when comparing students from the same school and have similar profiles?
@XCjunior2016 I thought that taking an easy class would be worse since I have mostly AP and honors previously. But I am open to that idea.
@snarlatron Maybe not in 20 years, but most likely after graduation, no?
@bksoccer7 Son was accepted into Princeton with 2 off periods this year. Just do something interesting with your time off… 
If you use that free period to get some experiences that are interesting/useful/educational/helpful, then sure, no problem (be sure to explain it in your application). Otherwise … well the question might be why did you take time off and it might look like you can’t keep up (in which case you won’t be able to keep up at a top college either).
Why not take 3 classes in fall semester (when you have to do all your college apps) and 4 classes in spring semester (when grades don’t matter any more)?
Do what you think will be best for you, not based on how it looks to colleges. If you can’t find a class to take, then think what you can do with that time. To be honest, a fall study hall is gold - that’s scheduled time for your college essay writing (or do homework or study for an exam or practice a presentation).
fwiw, when my daughter had an unscheduled period her senior year, she became a teacher aide.
I agree with those who suggested taking a class just for the interest of it. My D has always loved art, and used her free period this year to take drawing and painting at school. She is also doing 4 APs and math. She is a creative person, and I am so glad she is doing the class, because it is the only class of the day that isn’t stressful, where she enjoys what she learns and does, and because there is zero pressure to do well. So she enjoys it all the more and is excelling. Whatever you do, do not just squander a free period. If you don’t take a class, do what others suggested.
My D takes one free period, which because of a block schedule, happens every other day. She is a professional ballet dancer who trains or rehearses 15-20 hours per week. This enables her to perform at a high level in and out of the classroom while still getting something resembling reasonable sleep. If you need the time to maintain your physical and mental health, I say go for it. Two free periods might be a bit much, though.
My kid’s school requires a free periods and some kids with lots of volunteer or other commitments take 2 frees.
2 free periods is pushing it, unless you do something with your second free period (internship, for instance).
The idea would be one free period in the Fall (when you have the equivalent of an extra class in essays) and one “fun” class in the Spring (art, current events, home economics…) It actually looks like you learn for learning’s sake ad enjoy discovering new things.
Also, are you taking 3 Aps (total) or 3 APs each block?
@MYOS1634 Thanks for the advice. I think I will follow what you said but still have to decide which semester to take time off because I have soccer season in the fall which will require me to come back to school for practice and games. I am taking 3-4 total classes but one of them is year long. And the classes I have left might be Honors Spanish 4 and another honors elective.
Can you list your classes, with
Even if you stay at school for your free period before you start soccer practice, you should take the free period in the Fall, when you have more work to do, essays to write, and grades really matter.
There are no electives that sound interesting to you? Really? Not photography or cooking or Anatomy or drama or History of Rock and Roll or any of your school’s electives? It doesn’t have to be an academic elective but use this time to explore something new
@MYOS1634 fyi I am a sophomore. I’ll list tbd junior year and senior year for better perspective
Junior Year
AP US History 2 semesters
AP Earth/Environmental 2 semesters
AP Calc AB 1 semester
AP Calc BC 1 semester
AP English 1 semester
AP Psychology 1 semester (only “elective”)
Senior Year
For sure:
AP Stats 2 semesters
AP Microeconomics 1 semesters (elective)
AP English 1 semester
Possibilities: All Electives (in order of likelihood)
Honors Spanish 4
AP Macroeconomics
Honors Accounting
Honors Anatomy
any other class
The ones identified as elective from junior year and senior year are all 1 semester and are the only ones that I am able to change and adjust. All other classes are confirmed and part of our schools cycle.
You would need to take Honors Spanish 4 either junior or senior year, and a science senior year.
After that, you’d be good, unless you’re aiming for CA schools and don’t have your art requirement yet.