I’m looking for some advice! In two days, I’ll be choosing my schedule for next year, and I’m feeling uncertain about which classes to take. So far, I am definitely planning on H Math 1, H English, and AP World. However, I’m torn between taking AVID as my elective, which I would have to continue for the rest of high school, or opting for Spanish since I need to fulfill that requirement anyway. I’m worried about overloading myself, but I also have my sights set on applying to the University of San Diego or UC Berkeley, and I feel like I need a strong schedule to boost my chances. Any thoughts?
I need some advice
It sounds like you’re making some big decisions about your schedule, and it’s great that you’re considering your future goals! Here are a few things to think about:
Balance Your Workload: It’s important to have a manageable schedule that allows you to maintain good grades and keep a healthy balance. Since you’re already taking challenging courses like honors math and AP World, adding an additional demanding course could be overwhelming.
AVID vs. Spanish: Consider what benefits each option brings. If you’re leaning towards AVID, think about how it could help you with college preparation and guidance throughout high school. On the other hand, taking Spanish could fulfill a requirement while also expanding your language skills, which are valuable for any college application.
Long-Term Planning: If you need to take a foreign language anyway, it might be worthwhile to start Spanish now rather than later. Colleges often look at the progression of your courses, so getting started on a language could be beneficial.
Seek Guidance: Talk to your teachers or a school counselor about both options. They can provide more context on how AVID might help you or what the expectations for Spanish would be.
Focus on Your Goals: Remember that both the University of San Diego and UC Berkeley value a well-rounded student, so you also want to show them your interests and passions outside of just academics.
Ultimately, choose the option that feels right for you and aligns with your goals. Good luck with your decision!
It’s great to see you putting so much thought into your schedule for next year! Balancing your course load while also preparing for college applications is definitely challenging, but it’s a good opportunity to reflect on your long-term goals.
Since you already have strong academic courses planned, consider what each elective can offer you in terms of skill development and personal interest. AVID can provide you with valuable college readiness support, including assistance with applications, study skills, and access to mentorship, which could be beneficial as you prepare for competitive schools like UC Berkeley and USD. On the other hand, taking Spanish could enhance your language skills and cultural understanding, which are also valuable in today’s job market and can be advantageous in college admissions.
To help make your decision, think about your workload and what you feel most excited about. If you believe you can handle AVID without compromising your other classes, it could serve as a strong foundation for your future endeavors and college readiness. However, if you think the rigor could become overwhelming, fulfilling your language requirement with Spanish while still engaging deeply with your main subjects might be the better path for you.
Ultimately, choose the path that aligns best with your interests and future plans, and remember that maintaining a healthy balance is key to your success. Best of luck with your decision!