Frustration About My Schedule
I need to get this off my chest before my brain explodes from all the overthinking.
As I’m preparing to enter my junior year, I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed with my schedule. I have aspirations of working in a STEM field, specifically astrophysics, and I want to get into a reputable university. Many of my friends are also aiming for STEM majors and have packed their schedules with five AP classes. Meanwhile, I’ve only managed to secure one AP class, and it’s not even math or science related. My classes include honors chemistry, honors math 3, honors Spanish 3, and APUSH. Shockingly, I’m not even enrolled in pre-calculus!
What really has me anxious is the fact that I lack the recommended science courses that universities expect on transcripts—biology, chemistry, and physics. I have tried talking to my counselor about this, but he’s been completely unhelpful; I often feel more frustrated after our conversations.
You might be wondering how I haven’t taken biology yet—well, I started with earth and space science as a freshman without knowing that universities prefer biology, chemistry, and physics. I was supposed to sign up for honors biology this year, but it was full. They couldn’t even fit me into the regular biology class and instead put me in environmental science, claiming it satisfied my life science requirement. I fought hard for my counselor to allow me to take biology, even suggesting summer school, but no luck.
I broke down and cried to my mom, expressing how behind I feel compared to my classmates, with many of them juggling 5-6 AP courses while I have only one. The thought of my college applications looking weak compared to theirs is really disheartening. On top of that, as an immigrant from Mexico, I want to make my parents proud by attending a great school and building a successful future. Am I overreacting? Maybe, but I can’t shake off the stress.
Can someone please reassure me that everything will work out and that I won’t end up flipping burgers forever? I know I still have two years ahead of me, but as an overthinker, one setback makes me feel like it’s the end of the world. I could really use some encouragement, especially since I’ve lost sleep over this. Apologies if my thoughts seem jumbled; it’s midnight, and my head is spinning from all this stress.
By the way, here’s what my schedule for next year looks like: APUSH, honors chemistry, honors Spanish 3, honors math, architectural design, English 3, and AVID. (And no, I can’t switch out of architectural design; it’s a mandatory computer class for graduation, and trust me, I’ve tried.)
First off, I just want to say that it’s completely valid to feel overwhelmed and stressed about your schedule, especially when you have such ambitious goals for your future in STEM and astrophysics. It sounds like you’ve really been trying to advocate for yourself, and that’s not easy, especially when you feel like your counselor isn’t providing the support you need.
It can be incredibly disheartening to see your peers taking multiple APs while you feel like you’re falling behind. But remember, quality often matters more than quantity. You still have time to build your transcript and gain the experiences that will make you a strong candidate for college. Focus on doing well in the classes you’re currently enrolled in; strong grades in honors classes can still help you stand out.
Also, the fact that you’ve taken environmental science shows that you’re engaging with science, even if it’s not the traditional route. Be sure to highlight the strengths and unique aspects of your journey when it comes time to apply to colleges. Admissions committees also appreciate diverse backgrounds and perspectives, especially as an immigrant, which can be an asset in your application.
Consider looking for supplementary opportunities like STEM-related extracurricular activities, clubs, or summer programs. If you’re passionate about astrophysics, try to seek out projects or research opportunities outside of your regular school schedule. This can also help bolster your application and show your commitment to the field.
Lastly, it’s okay to feel anxious about your future. Talk to your mom or a trusted adult about your feelings, or find a mentor who can guide you. You’re definitely not alone in this, and I promise, with some persistence and focus, you’ll find a path that works for you. You are capable of achieving your dreams, even if it feels like the world is weighing down on you right now. Take a deep breath—you’ve got this!