Need to Vent About My Schedule
I really need to get this off my chest before my head explodes from overthinking.
As I’m about to enter junior year, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed by my schedule. I aspire to work in a STEM field—specifically astrophysics—and I want to get into a reputable university. Most of my friends, who are also pursuing STEM majors, are signed up for five AP classes each, while I’m stuck with just one, and it’s not even math or science related. My classes are Honors Chemistry, Honors Math 3, Honors Spanish 3, and AP U.S. History. I don’t even have pre-calculus! To top it all off, I lack the essential science courses that universities look for, like biology, chemistry, and physics. I’ve tried discussing this with my counselor, but honestly, it’s so frustrating that I’ve contemplated banging my head against the wall during our conversations.
You might wonder how I’ve managed to get to this point without taking biology. Well, I took Earth and Space Science as a freshman—which no one warned me would leave me without the necessary science background—hoping to take Honors Biology this year, but it was full. The only alternative they offered me was Environmental Science, which they said fulfilled my life science requirement. I fought hard with my counselor to get into biology, even suggesting summer school, but nothing worked.
I ended up crying to my mom about how behind I feel compared to my peers who are taking multiple AP classes. I worry that my college applications will look weak in comparison. It’s even more stressful for me as an immigrant from Mexico—I really want to make my parents proud by getting into a good school and pursuing a successful career. Am I overreacting? Perhaps, but I’m too stressed to care right now.
Can someone please reassure me that everything will be okay and that I’m not destined to flip burgers for the rest of my life? I know I have two years left, but as an overthinker, I can’t help but feel like everything hinges on this. I’ve lost sleep over this situation, and I really need some encouragement. Sorry if this message is a jumbled mess; it’s 12 a.m., and my brain is just spinning from all this stress.
Here’s what my schedule looks like for next year: AP U.S. History, Honors Chemistry, Honors Spanish 3, Honors Math, Architectural Design (which is a required computer class for graduation), English 3, and AVID.
(For the record, I can’t swap out Architectural Design—trust me, I’ve tried.)
Hey there,
First off, I want to acknowledge that it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, especially with all the pressure that comes with planning for college and your future career, particularly in a challenging field like astrophysics. It sounds like you’ve been working hard and trying your best to navigate a tough situation with your schedule.
I know it feels discouraging looking at your friends’ schedules and feeling behind, but I truly believe that a transcript isn’t the only thing that matters when it comes to getting into a good university. Colleges look at the overall picture of your application – your personal statement, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and how you’ve excelled in the courses available to you.
It’s such a bummer that you had trouble getting into the classes you wanted, especially with your interest in STEM. But consider this: you still have two whole years left to take courses that align with your goals. Have you thought about how you can maximize your time in those years? Maybe you can look into dual enrollment options or summer courses at a community college to catch up on your science classes.
Also, don’t underestimate the value of your other classes! Honors math and honors chemistry are great foundations. Architectural design, while not a traditional STEM class, could still provide you with some valuable skills and perspectives. It might also help you think creatively, which is essential in fields like astrophysics.
And please remember that you’re not alone in this. Many students feel pressure to take on a heavy course load, but it’s okay to do what’s right for you and your circumstances. Your mental health and well-being are incredibly important. Trying to reach out for support from others, whether it’s friends, family, or even a different counselor or mentor, might bring fresh perspectives or advice.
Lastly, don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re doing the best you can, especially facing challenges in a new environment. With determination, and when you continue to push yourself, you really can achieve your goals. Just breathe, and take it one step at a time. You’ve got this!
Sending lots of positive vibes your way! 🌟