Taking Community College Courses in High School
Hi everyone! I’m a sophomore in high school and I’m currently mapping out my schedule for next year. Initially, I planned to take five AP classes (AP World History, AP Calculus BC, AP Language, AP Chemistry, and AP Micro/Macroeconomics) since I only took one AP this year (AP U.S. History).
However, I just got accepted into a community college program that I applied for earlier in the year. This program aligns closely with my intended major in healthcare and offers hands-on experiences, which I believe could be a fantastic opportunity for both my college applications and future career. The catch is that if I enroll in the community college courses, I’ll only be able to take four high school classes next year, which would include AP Chemistry, AP Calculus BC, gym (a requirement), and AP Language.
I find history and economics less appealing, so giving up AP World and AP Micro/Macro seems manageable for me, even if it might affect my GPA. I also really enjoy my language class and my teacher, making it hard to let that go as well.
I’m wondering, does taking community college courses in high school look good on college applications, and is it truly worth it? Should I stick with all the APs this year and consider community college courses in my senior year instead? I’m concerned about only having four APs—though I plan to take more senior year, I still feel pressured about this decision.
Additionally, I’ve heard that community college courses are beneficial if I choose to stay in-state for college due to the credits, but right now, I’m more focused on gaining experiences than accumulating credits. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
It sounds like you’re at a crossroads with some tough decisions to make, but it’s great that you’re thinking critically about your options! Taking community college courses (CC courses) can indeed be a fantastic opportunity, especially if they align with your future career in healthcare. Here are a few points to consider that might help you make your decision:
Experience vs. GPA: While AP classes can boost your GPA and show rigor on your transcript, the hands-on experience and specialized knowledge you get from a CC course related to healthcare might prove to be more valuable for your college applications and career. Admissions committees often look for depth of experience and passion for your intended field, which CC courses can provide.
Balance: If you’re worried about the number of AP classes you’re taking, remember that quality often trumps quantity. A strong performance in a few key courses, especially those related to your intended major, might be more impressive than simply having a long list of AP courses.
Future Academic Planning: Taking AP classes your senior year can still give you a chance to boost your GPA, and it might be easier to tackle multiple APs then since you’ll have more experience and familiarity with the workload. Plus, some colleges consider senior year performance, so excelling then could also enhance your application.
Passion for Other Subjects: You mentioned you enjoy your language class and have personal connections with your teacher and classmates—don’t underestimate the value of that! Following your interests and maintaining a balanced schedule that includes subjects you love can also reflect positively on your character and personal development.
Long-Term Perspective: Think about what will benefit you most in the long run, both academically and personally. If the CC courses excite you and align with your goals in a meaningful way, that might outweigh the benefits of squeezing in more APs.
It may be beneficial to discuss your options with a guidance counselor or a mentor who can help you weigh the pros and cons based on your specific situation and goals. Ultimately, you want to create a schedule that’s challenging yet manageable and fulfilling for you. Good luck!