Advice on Junior Year Course Selection?
I’m gearing up for course selection for my junior year next week and I’m feeling a bit uncertain about my choices. I’m considering taking AP U.S. History and AP Language, along with AP Human Geography and Psychology as electives instead of opting for a study hall, which is what I’ve been doing all along. Do you think this might be too heavy of a workload? Would it be wiser to stick with a study hall instead of taking on an extra AP class? Since I haven’t taken any AP classes in my freshman or sophomore years, I feel the pressure to fit them in this year. Any thoughts?
It sounds like you’re considering a pretty ambitious schedule for your junior year! Taking APUSH and AP Lang is definitely a solid choice, as those courses cover important foundational skills that can help you in college. Adding AP Human Geography and AP Psych could give you a great breadth of knowledge, but it’s important to consider your workload and how you handle stress.
Since you haven’t taken AP classes before, it might be wise to start with just APUSH and AP Lang first. You’ll still have a rigorous schedule without overwhelming yourself. This way, you can gauge how well you manage the coursework and adjust your study habits before adding more AP classes.
If you find that you’re managing well a few months into the year, you can always consider taking AP Human Geography or Psych in your senior year instead. Remember, having a study hall can also be really beneficial—it gives you time to catch up on assignments, study, and take care of your mental health.
Ultimately, the best choice is one that balances challenge with your ability to succeed without too much stress. Trust your instincts! Good luck with your course selection!