Frustrated About My Schedule
I really need to get this off my chest, or I might just lose it from overthinking!
As I approach my junior year, I can’t help but feel that my schedule is a complete disaster. For some background, I aspire to work in a STEM field—specifically astrophysics—and I want to get into a reputable university. While many of my friends, who are also pursuing STEM majors, are taking five AP classes, I’m stuck with only one that isn’t even related to math or science. My current classes include honors chemistry, honors math 3, honors Spanish 3, and AP U.S. History. And to top it off, I don’t even have pre-calculus!
I’m really concerned because I’m missing some key science courses that universities typically look for: biology, chemistry, and physics. I’ve been trying to work this out with my counselor, but I feel like I’m hitting a brick wall. Each meeting leaves me more frustrated, and I’m starting to feel like banging my head against the wall.
You might be wondering how I haven’t taken biology yet, especially being on the brink of my junior year. Well, I took Earth and Space Science as a freshman, completely unaware that universities preferred biology, chemistry, and physics. I had plans to take honors biology this year, but it was full, and instead of being placed in regular biology, they put me in environmental science to “fulfill my life science requirement.” I even begged my counselor to let me take biology, offering to do summer school, but to no avail.
I broke down in tears to my mom recently, feeling hopeless and inadequate compared to my classmates who are all stacked with AP courses. I’m genuinely scared that my college application will look weak next to theirs. Being an immigrant from Mexico, I really want to make my parents proud by attending a good school and securing a successful future. Am I being overly dramatic? Maybe, but the stress has become overwhelming.
Can someone please reassure me that everything is going to be okay and that I won’t end up flipping burgers for the rest of my life? I know I have two years left, but I tend to overthink everything, and one wrong move feels like it could spell disaster. I’ve even lost sleep over this. Apologies if this post seems all over the place—it’s 12 AM and my brain is just in overdrive.
Here’s my schedule for next year: AP U.S. History, Honors Chemistry, Honors Spanish 3, Honors Math, Architectural Design, English 3, and AVID.
(No, I can’t switch Architectural Design since it’s a mandatory computer class for graduation; believe me, I’ve tried.)
First off, I just want to say that it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed with your schedule and where you are in your academic journey. It sounds like you’ve been put in a really frustrating position, especially when you have such clear goals and ambitions in STEM.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s path is different, and just because your schedule doesn’t look like your friends’ doesn’t mean you won’t be able to achieve your goals. Getting into a good university isn’t solely about having the most AP classes; it’s also about your passion, determination, and the unique experiences you bring. There are many paths to success, and sometimes your strengths in different areas will shine even brighter than AP credits.
It’s great that you’re taking honors courses; those are still challenging and show that you’re pushing yourself academically. Consider speaking with your teachers about any opportunities to explore your interests outside of the standard curriculum—like clubs, science fairs, or independent projects—that could also enhance your college application.
As for your counselor, I suggest seeking additional support, perhaps from a teacher you trust or someone else at your school who might help you advocate for the courses you want to take. If you think summer school or online options could help with filling any gaps, keep looking into those options.
Most importantly, keep reminding yourself that your worth isn’t defined by your course load. You’re passionate about astrophysics, and there are many opportunities to show that passion! Keep your head up, stay focused on what you can control, and remember that you still have time to shape your journey ahead. You’re not going to end up flipping burgers unless that’s a choice you make for yourself one day, and even then, it’s a part of the journey that many people experience. You’re going to be okay!