Things to Consider When Choosing Courses for the Next Semester

Due to the many variables each student faces, there may be times when you are unsure which courses to take. In such cases, I would like to share with you some guidelines for making the best choices.

The first thing colleges prioritize is how rigorous the courses were that the student took during high school. 

Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully select the courses you take. When selecting AP courses, here are the key factors to consider:

Points to Consider When Choosing AP Courses

According to the College Board, there are two core AP English courses:

- AP English Language and Composition (Core)

- AP English Literature and Composition (Core)

If you're aiming for the top 20 colleges, it's recommended to take one or both of these courses, as they are both core courses.

- AP Calculus AB (Core)

- AP Calculus BC (Core)

These two math courses are offered, and I would recommend skipping AP Calculus AB and going straight to AP Calculus BC for the most effective course plan.

- AP Computer Science A (Elective)

- AP Computer Science Principles (Elective)

- AP Precalculus (This is a relatively new course, so it’s hard to judge how important it is for colleges, but it’s close to being considered a core course.)

- AP Statistics (Elective, though it’s becoming more emphasized lately, it’s still considered an elective.)

Skipping AP Calculus AB and directly taking BC is an effective course strategy. 

Multivariable Calculus/Linear Algebra

Many high schools also offer Multivariable Calculus or Linear Algebra beyond AP Calculus BC. 

If you find yourself choosing between AP Statistics and Multivariable Calculus or Linear Algebra after completing AP Calculus BC in 11th grade, go for Multivariable or Linear Algebra. 

Even if you are considering a major in Statistics, I advise opting for a more challenging course like Multivariable or Linear Algebra rather than AP Statistics. Taking more difficult courses is the way to enhance your competitiveness. 

Similarly, if you're aiming for a Computer Science major, it’s better to take Multivariable or Linear Algebra instead of AP Computer Science courses. Having strong math knowledge is essential for students who wish to pursue Computer Science.

- AP Biology (Core)

- AP Chemistry (Core)

- AP Environmental Science (Elective)

- AP Physics 1 (Core)

- AP Physics 2 (Core)

- AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism (Core)

- AP Physics C: Mechanics (Core)

- AP Psychology (Elective)

If you are a student who enjoys all the sciences, it’s best to take AP Physics C. 

When selecting courses, focus on core subjects. 

Even if you want to major in Environmental Science, I recommend choosing core subjects over the elective AP Environmental Science. 

You can showcase your interest in environmental topics through extracurricular activities, but when it comes to course selection, prioritize core subjects. 

This same logic applies to Psychology. Even if you want to major in psychology, it’s better to choose a core subject over the elective AP Psychology.

Choosing Between Math and Science

If a student interested in Statistics is conflicted between two subjects:

- AP Statistics vs. AP Physics → I recommend AP Physics!

- AP Statistics vs. AP Biology → I recommend AP Biology!

Even if you are aiming for a major in Statistics, it’s better to take a core course. 

If a student aiming for a Computer Science major is conflicted between two subjects:

- AP Computer Science A vs. another Core Course → I recommend the Core Course!

Even if you want to major in Computer Science, it’s better to take a core course rather than elective Computer Science-related courses. 

If a student interested in Psychology is conflicted between two subjects:

- AP Psychology vs. Multivariable Calculus/Linear Algebra → I recommend Multivariable or Linear Algebra!

Even if you want to major in Psychology, it’s better to take a more challenging subject like Multivariable Calculus or Linear Algebra rather than the elective AP Psychology.

Deciding Between Elective Courses

If you must choose between elective courses, select ones that are related to your intended major.

- AP Computer Science

- AP Psychology

- AP Environmental Science

- AP Statistics

If none of these electives are related to your major, I recommend taking AP Statistics!

When Choosing Between Core and Elective Courses → Prioritize Core Courses

When Choosing Between Electives → Choose Courses Related to Your Major

When Choosing Between Unrelated Electives → Choose the Most Challenging Elective

- AP Comparative Government and Politics (Elective)

- AP European History (On the borderline between Core and Elective)

- AP Human Geography (Elective)

- AP Macroeconomics (Elective)

- AP Microeconomics (Elective)

- AP Psychology (Elective)

- AP United States Government and Politics (Elective)

- AP United States History (Core)

- AP World History (Core)

You should prioritize taking AP United States History and AP World History, which are core subjects.

In a future post, I will go into more detail, but I would like to answer a few frequently asked questions here. 

A common question is whether you should continue with a foreign language all the way to the AP level. The answer is yes, it’s a good idea. 

There’s no specific data on which languages colleges prefer, so it’s best to continue studying the language you enjoy.

If you’re majoring in an art-related field, you may want to take AP courses related to your major. However, when faced with a choice between an academic core course and an art-related course, I recommend opting for the core subject! 

Even for art majors, taking more challenging courses can be advantageous. 

Colleges want to see that applicants have kept up with rigorous coursework. If a student can demonstrate that they can handle the high level of courses at college, they are more likely to be accepted. However, if a student takes an easier course load, colleges may question their readiness. 

Today, I’ve shared guidelines for selecting courses. 

Focus on taking core courses to ensure a successful strategy.

Thank you!