Navigating a Heavy Junior Year Course Load: AP Classes and More
Planning your junior year and considering a rigorous course load, such as APUSH, AP Calculus BC, English 11H, AP Physics 1, AP Psychology, and AP Computer Science 1? Let’s break down the considerations and explore some alternatives.
Is a Heavy Course Load Manageable?
The idea of taking five AP classes certainly sounds demanding. While your interests and aspirations are commendable, it’s important to recognize that this might be more than your junior year can comfortably handle. Unless your school counselor and teachers strongly recommend it, it’s advisable to consider a lighter load.
STEM Schools and Course Selection
If you’re in a STEM-focused school that mandates a certain number of AP courses, you should critically evaluate which of these you can handle. Balancing AP classes with other subjects, such as regular US History, Physics, and English, could be a more sustainable approach.
Strategy 1: Level Down Some Classes
Consider switching to a mixture of AP and regular classes. For instance, you might take AP US History, Physics, and English as regular classes, while still pursuing AP Calculus BC and Computer Science in your senior year.
Strategy 2: Delay Some Classes for Later
Opt to take the less advanced classes (such as US History, Physics, and English) in your junior year, reserving the AP Calculus BC and AP Computer Science 1 for your senior year.
Examining the Academic Load
Understanding the academic load in terms of semester hours is crucial. Each AP class is typically four hours, and a college-level English course might be three hours, totaling 16 hours. Even with three hours per week for English, you end up with 19 hours, which is just short of the 17-hour mark required for dean's approval.
It’s worth noting that the number of semester hours is roughly equal to the number of clock hours per week, plus two additional hours of out-of-class study for every hour spent in class. Therefore, your total school time for 16 hours would be 48 hours. This substantial time commitment might not align with your future goals.
Why Consider a Lighter Load?
Prestige Bound? Many students feel pressured by the "Ivy Imperative," the belief that attending a prestigious college guarantees future happiness. However, this mindset can be misleading. High school is a critical time for personal growth and development, allowing you to explore different interests, engage in extracurricular activities, and build relationships.
Why Take AP Classes? While taking AP classes undoubtedly contributes to a weighted GPA, colleges often don’t prioritize this when evaluating applicants. Additionally, the transfer credit limit is generally 12 hours, and even with these AP credits, some students find that they are not adequately prepared for the next academic level.
Emphasizing Personal Growth The real value in high school comes from personal development. If you focus too heavily on AP classes and lack time for other activities, you might miss out on developing skills and interests that are essential for a well-rounded life.
Conclusion
Carefully weigh the benefits and challenges of a heavy course load. Balancing academic rigor with personal development can lead to a more fulfilling high school experience. Ultimately, the best course of action depends on your specific circumstances and goals. Consider speaking with your counselor and teachers to gain insights and support.