trying to cram more credits in, but with a lot of difficulty!!!Answered
hi guys and gals,
i'm a freshman who is planning on going to UDUB, because it's in my home state, and i've heard about how great their engineering program is. i have only 17 (out of 24) credits i need to complete for high school graduation (17 instead of 18 because i did env sci in 8th grade). i know i'm a credit ahead of my scheduled curriculum, but in my senior year i want to be able to have like five free periods so i can take a part-time job to get money for college (and stay in school to do sports for free.)
my problem is that, i'm taking orchestra. there's nothing wrong with the program, but it's just that since i want to be able to get more credits, orchestra is practically a core class because i'll have to do it for my entire high school career, which means i don't have much room for AP physics which i want to take next year, and also spanish 1 (in my sophomore year) and 2 (in my junior year). oh yeah, forgot to mention, should i accelerate my math? i'm just on algebra 1, while still following curriculum, i feel like i want to be more ahead.
anyways, if you're thinking "i ain't reading allat", this is to sum it up:
1) i'm a freshman
2) i'm taking orchestra, which takes up an elective for 4 years (not what i want, but have to keep)
3) i want to do AP physics sophomore year (takes up an elective)
4) i want to do spanish 1 sophomore year and spanish 2 junior year (takes up an elective)
5) i want to accelerate my math-- currently algebra 1 but i feel like i want to be even more ahead
6) i don't want to graduate a year early-- i want free periods for a part-time job
if you think that i am pushing myself too hard, don't worry. i really need the pressure.
thanks in advance
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13 answers
Most of these are questions for your counselors tbh. First, your plan for a senior half-day is based on your school and their requirements for half-day students. Similarly, your ability to take AP Physics sophomore year is dependent on the prereqs of the class, and if your school even ALLOWS underclassmen to take AP Physics, which most don't (I tried asking as a sophomore, it wasn't allowed in my school unless you were a senior as you were required to take regular physics first). Since UW is your dream school and your want to get more credits, maybe look into the school and see if they have the option for dual enrollment, as it will also allow you to get a feel for the school early and what student life is like, while allowing you to get your desired credits.
In summary:
TALK TO YOUR COUNSELOR! They'll be able to help you plan better than anyone online because they know your school, the requirements, and can help you decide based on your planned schedule.
accelerating your math is a good decision, lots of top colleges want to see advanced calculus. try doing dual enrollment to earn more credits. you can do online courses / in person at a community college and earn class credits over the summer / after school.
Hi.
I am a freshman just like you. I recommend talking to your counselor asking if you can drop out of Orchestra to participate in classes that will further your education. I would also like to stress that even if you feel like it is not to much pressure, it probably is.
I have been taking online classes outside of school. I take the maximum amount of classes in school, then take my online classes in my free time. I would definitely recommend looking into it.
I would load up on gym classes, they boost your GPA as long as you try and dress.AP classes will help but only take them if you are good at that subject or enjoy the class or you will hate the class, I took an AP English course and hated it and went back to regular English but I am in APUSH which I love. Take standard or AP math classes not shop math or intermediate. I'm in show choir and colleges love music so stick with it! I take co-op which is similar to what you say in 6 and I highly recommend it!
Talk to your school counselor to see if you can take any summer courses to get ahead (if that is something you would want to do). Definitely talk to your school counselor either way though to see what your schedule might look like. As for if you should accelerate in math, I am taking an honors integrated math 2 class this year, and if you’re looking for a challenge, it is a good option that also helps prepare you for calculus.
Hey, man. I am a senior in WA. UW is awesome for engineering and biotechnology. I would HIGHLY recommend it. But - DO NOT do AP physics for sophomore!! AP Physics is arguably the hardest AP class. I have had friends who have taken this class as Juniors and Seniors and have sincerely regretted it. It requires Calc level math. Please, do not underestimate the difference between Algebra 1 and Calc. It goes:
Algebra 1 -> Geometry -> Algebra 2 -> Pre-Calc -> Calc --> Physics --> AP Physics
You are a Freshman. Take your time, figure things out. I would recommend skipping Geometry to get to Algebra 2. Then, skip Pre-Calc to get to Calc. Then, if you feel confident enough, do AP Physics. I would highly recommend talking to your counselor. Good luck on getting into UW! It's something you really have to work towards!
Wishing the best,
-Twist
I have the same problem, im a 9th grader (and i live in egypt which makes it hard enough)
and i want to take as much credits as possible, so my personal opinion talk to a mentor, any person that has skipped a year or so
YES ACCELERATE IN MATH. And yes, take both spanish classes because most colleges look for that. Youre doing great because you have 17 credits already?!?!?!?! idek how thats possible but youre way ahead of most freshmen i know (im a sophomore) if anything, take ap physics next year and spanish jr and sr year
Maybe think about taking some online classes since I’m in Florida I was allowed to take FLVS during middle school. I took psychology in sixth grade, and Spanish 2 and algebra 1 in seventh. Idk about other states but maybe check out your options. I think that would be really helpful for what you’re trying to go for.
Hey, sounds like you have a problem. To answer, just do a math acceleration program in the summer, i know a lot of people dont like summer school, but you seem like someone who would consider it. as for the AP's just make sure you actually like the subject, because if it's a subject you hate, you'll start to hate yourself for taking AP. Dont over wrok yourself either. Remember, an A in an Honors class is better than a C in an AP!
Hi! I’m a freshman too. I’m struggling with a similar problem- if I take Spanish, orchestra, and student government every year that leaves less room for AP classes. Have you tried any early college credit program? I know a lot of times you can get both high school and college credits doing that. I have not done it yet but plan on it next year. I am currently in advanced math (2 years ahead) but I was kind of put in it since 6th grade so I’m not really sure how you get ahead now. I have a friend who’s taking a math class over the summer to get another year ahead, so maybe try that?Hope that helps! Good luck!
Hi, I am a sophomore with heavy medical aspirations, but I would like to give my own advice from experience.
1. Take AP and CCP (or dual enrollment) classes, but do not take more than 1 or 2 AP and as many CCP classes as possible. I wish I was told that as a Freshman.
2. Talk to your counselor often! Always talk to them about life plans. They could help put you in classes they think could help with your goals for life.
3. TAKE ADVANCED MATH! ESPECIALLY SINCE YOU THINKING ABOUT ENGINEERING!
4. I recommend heavy math and some IT classes. IT can be used everywhere and is generally easy.
5. I understand needing the pressure, but if you are in extracurriculars understand that they get hard in high school and may take up more time.
I hope this helps!
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I fully agree that accelerating your math is a great idea. However, ndre wants to skip multiple courses and years worth of math to take arguably the hardest AP class available in our area.