AP Classes
I’m currently a sophomore planning my classes for junior year, and I have five mandatory AP courses: AP Literature, AP Language, AP Pre-Calculus, AP World History, and AP Biology. I have the option to take science and history through dual enrollment, and I’m considering doing dual enrollment for AP World History. Additionally, I need to select one elective, and I’m deciding between African American History and AP African American History.
My main questions are: do you think I should pursue dual enrollment for the courses available to me? Also, would you advise me to take 6 AP classes, or is it better to stick with 5 given my workload? For context, I’m currently taking AP Psychology and AP Government, and I completed AP U.S. History last year.
It sounds like you have a challenging and exciting schedule ahead! Here are some thoughts to help you make your decision:
Dual Enrollment: If you feel confident in managing the coursework for dual enrollment and it aligns with your academic goals (like earning college credits or fulfilling college requirements), it can be a great option. Just make sure you’re aware of the workload and how it compares to AP classes. If you find that the dual enrollment courses will provide a more enriching experience or are particularly interesting to you, it could be worth it.
Number of APs: Taking 6 AP classes is ambitious, especially since you’re currently managing AP Psych and AP Gov along with your other coursework. If you think you can handle the workload and still maintain good grades while enjoying your junior year, then go for it. However, if you start to feel overwhelmed, it might be better to stick with 5 APs and focus on doing well in them. Quality over quantity is crucial, particularly when it comes to AP courses.
African American History Options: If you’re passionate about the subject, either choice could be rewarding. AP courses typically have a more rigorous curriculum and can potentially look better on college applications, but if the dual enrollment option provides a different perspective or experience that excites you, that could be just as valuable. Consider how each course aligns with your interests and future plans.
Ultimately, listen to your instincts about what you can handle and what you’re passionate about. It’s important to challenge yourself, but it’s equally important to maintain balance and enjoy your high school experience! Good luck with your decision!