<p>Semester 1:
Linear Algebra (Johns Hopkins CTY)
AP English Literature*
AP Physics B
AP US Government*
AP Spanish Literature
AP Statistics
Introduction to World Art (Community College, Online, 3 hrs lecture/wk)*</p>
<p>I’m worried about Semester 1 and not Semester 2 because Semester 1 is when college essays must be written, and it is also the time when my robotics building season is most intense because our first competition is in December.</p>
<p>I’m also considering a once a week visit to the research lab at a university I am interning at right now for the summer. It is about an hour drive away, and I expect to stay for 8-10 hours at a time for each visit, or starting a new research internship at another local university 20 minutes away from me, 10 hrs/wk.</p>
<p>In addition, I am retaking the SAT I in October (got a 2210 the first time, aiming for 2350+), and I am taking the SAT II Math 2, Biology M, Biology E in November, and if my SAT score in October lives up to my expectations, then SAT II Physics in December (otherwise, I will retake the SAT I in December). I will have to study for all of these tests.</p>
<ul>
<li>indicates that it cannot be dropped because of graduation requirements</li>
</ul>
<p>I’m also not dropping the Linear Algebra because I need to take MVC second semester because I don’t want to forget Calculus in between high school and college, especially since I am planning to be an Engineering major.</p>
<p>Thoughts, parents of CC? Should I drop a class or am I alright?</p>
<p>It probably wouldn’t be wise to drop AP Physics B since I’m planning on being an Engineering major so if I were to drop a class, it would be a decision between either AP Statistics or AP Spanish Literature. I have taken Spanish I-III and AP Spanish Language, so that is technically four years, but then again I don’t want to make it seem like I’m quitting. AP Statistics is also appealing, too, considering the nature of the work done in math, science, and engineering. v_v ahh what to do, what to do…</p>
<p>I think you should drop 1. It’s reasonable to drop AP Spanish Literature because you already have 4 yeasr Spanish unless you really want to take it and do well in it. AP Statistics is not really necessary for engineering. Engineering needs more rigorous courses in probability.</p>
<p>Sigh idk what to do. I feel like the rigor of my schedule will take somewhat of a hit if I drop a class, especially since I’m applying to Ivies and I have a competitor in my class who is neck-and-neck with me.</p>
<p>I am top 1%, rank 1; I would only drop 0.01 in GPA if I dropped a class and assuming I got all As. My competitor is only a few ranks below me, but that is only because she has elective classes dragging her down (band and student government); if looking at purely academic classes, our transcript is basically of the same rigor.</p>
<p>Drop at least AP Statistics. You won’t need it in the long run. Also, get a lot of your prep stuff for colleges started early. And as much as I love the art class, there is no guarantee that the credit will be accepted everywhere you apply. Of course, if this class is helping you pursue a passion, keep it.</p>
<p>Have you taken the AP Spanish language test and done well? If so, AP Spanish literature may not add much value in terms of placement into higher level Spanish courses or fulfilling foreign language graduation requirements.</p>
<p>AP statistics is not likely to be of any value to an engineering major; if statistics is required, it is likely that a calculus-based course (possibly specific to the major) is required.</p>
<p>AP physics B credit will not be useful for an engineering major, but it can be considered to be a good high school level physics course if you have not already had high school physics or if your previous high school physics course was weak.</p>
<p>Drop ap Spanish. You already have the rigor of 4 years of Spanish and if you passed the ap exam, you will receive credit for it (most colleges only give you credit for one year of a foreign language ap exam). Also, if you plan to pursue Spanish in college, you will take the placement exam anyways, so there is not much of a benefit once you are in college. </p>
<p>I think that it is imperative that you drop a class. It is better to have less stress from school during the application process because if you are applying to schools ED, your mid-year report can hurt you more than it can help.</p>
I would drop either linear algebra or statistics. No need for two concurrent math classes when you are already ahead of the curve.</p>
<p>I want to add that I don’t buy the argument about forgetting calculus. I took AP Calc my sophomore year in high school and didn’t take Multivariable Calc until my second semester in college and did just fine. It’s really difficult to forget calculus if you understood it conceptually (and if you survived the class by pure rote memorization, you should be retaking it in college anyway).</p>
<p>Why don’t you just go to class for a week or two to see which of Stat or Span you want to ditch? </p>
<p>(You didn’t ask, but just saying…three subject tests is most you’ll ever need for admission (plus Phys subject test could be challenging if you’re just now in AP Phys), and a third SAT is unlikely to yield significant gain–some have even seen decrease–unless you have time to study wisely for it. So I’d strongly consider putting all your test energy into Oct and Nov and forgetting about Dec. Admissions doesn’t give points for spending your Saturdays taking excess tests!)</p>
<p>Stats or Spanish are your only alternatives. I think language fluency is important and can have all sorts of benefits in the long run, while you can get a much better Stats course in college. </p>
<p>I agree on the subject tests. There’s no real reason to take Bio both M and E (though my younger son did and got exactly the same score both times). He was curious and ended up having to take the subject tests twice because he bombed one of the tests the first time he took them and he was applying to two colleges that required three tests.</p>
<p>I’d say dump AP Stat–what mathmom said. At your math level, you can acquire the same capability in AP Stat by reading through the Barron’s AP Prep Guide by yourself. Since you have indicated that your second semester is a bit easier, I believe that you could prepare for the AP Stat exam, if you wanted to take it, with 6 weeks of study prior to the exam, and score a 5. When you get to college, you can take the Stat class that requires multi-variable calculus as a pre-req. Most science/engineering curricula want the calc-based statistics in any event (if they require statistics), which AP Stat is not.</p>
<p>I agree with everyone else: drop Stats. Those in the know always say that it isn’t a valuable class, in terms of content. Spanish Lit is much more interesting and, if it matters to you, is taken by fewer people and shows more intellectual breadth and depth. I think that the fact that you plan to apply RD everywhere makes it imperative that you maintain your grades first semester.</p>
<p>I also agree with everyone that you don’t need to take as many tests as you have planned. You would be better off spending the time on your ECs, doing well in your classes, and generally having a life. And you can start your application essays now. If you choose topics carefully, you can have two solid essays, one of which will be your personal statement, and the other of which will be your “additional” essay, and which can easily be edited to serve as a “why school X” essay. It usually really isn’t necessary to write every application from scratch. (Well, except for the U of C )</p>
<p>Discuss this with your parents and HS guidance counselor. </p>
<p>You do not need to take EVERY available option to have a rigorous HS career. Be sure to have time to enjoy your last year of childhood. Do things you can’t do in college. Live some for the present and not only for the future. Do not worry that a few points or credits less than another student will make or break your chances for a college. You are who you are and should not stress about being the ultimate college candidate. Relax a bit.</p>
<p>It sounds like you have enough Spanish to meet college language reqs so that is the one class I would drop. Depending on your future major you may need to take another statistics class based on higher math than the AP one. If your interests include statistics you will take it again in college. You can take the exam without taking the course for any AP subject, just do your own preparation.</p>
<p>It also sounds like your proposed schedule is stressing you a lot. Drop a course, ease your load and enjoy yourself more. Your load minus one of these courses is plenty.</p>
idk what to do. I feel like the rigor of my schedule will take somewhat of a hit if I drop a class, especially since I’m applying to Ivies and I have a competitor in my class who is neck-and-neck with me.</p>
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