BY MARTINA SMITH
This school year is gradually approaching its end. Evidence of this is all around; the seniors are ordering their caps and gowns, final yearbook sales are going on, and all underclassmen will soon be called in individually to pick their classes for next year. But what classes are you going to choose? Should you take as many AP’s as you can, or should you aim for a lighter workload? Though each person’s work ethic, interests, and ability are all different, here’s some universal advice all underclassmen should keep in mind when selecting next year’s school schedule.
Take a math course every year. Even if you have completed all four of your required math credits, try not to skip a year. Extra credits can’t hurt you and colleges generally frown upon you not being in a math course every year of your high school career. If you are looking for a more interesting or somewhat simpler math course after finishing your required ones, try Analysis of Function, Probability and Statistics, Math for College Readiness, or College Algebra at Broward College.
Which English course you should take varies heavily on skill level. If you are able to handle the workload, I highly recommend Advanced Placement English Language. The class is engaging and interesting and will really help you improve as a reader and writer. It’s also important to understand the difference between AP English Language and AP English Literature. AP Lang focuses more on writing while AP Lit focuses more on analyzing what you read.
AP sciences are some of the most involved APs. Only take them if you are interested in the material and/or are committed to working hard. Otherwise, Marine Science is a personal favorite science course for many students.
Social studies classes are not too difficult to take as an AP if you feel comfortable in the subject, though this can depend on the teacher. The only exception to this seems to be AP Macroeconomics. Even the most seasoned of advanced placement students seem to struggle with AP Macro at times. Opt in your senior year to take AP Government and honors Economics instead.
Take electives that interest you. It’s better to have a somewhat challenging class that you like then an easy class that you can’t stand being in. Also, try to pick an elective and stick with it. Completing all levels of an elective (such as Acting 1-4 or Debate 1-4) not only shows colleges that you have commitment, but also allows you opportunities for leadership and additional honors classes.
Incoming sophomores: take advantage of your two allotted AP classes. The next two years (junior and especially senior) will be overwhelming outside the classroom, so you’ll want to get as much work out of the way as you can now.
Incoming juniors: Dual-enroll if you meet the pre-requisites! Not only can you take a huge variety of classes at Broward College, but most are easier than on campus APs and allow you to get out of school early.
Incoming seniors: Understand that senior year, especially first semester, will be incredibly busy and stressful outside of the classroom. You’ll have college applications, scholarship applications, graduation requirements to meet, proms to plan, and more. Make sure you plan your schedule accordingly. If you have to load your schedule with college classes try to do two dual enrollments and two APs instead of 4 APs. Not only will the workload be lighter, but also you’ll get more college credit.
