What should I do with my classes?

Question

I'm a senior in high school, and I'm taking two AP classes: AP English Literature and AP Spanish. I am terrible at math and science, but I'm better with English and languages. However, the AP classes are hard for me and I don't think I can get anything higher than a 'C'. I study and try in those classes, but they are still difficult for me. The problem is that I want to pursue a career in writing and languages. I want to become a writer and either a translator or an English teacher. My writing is actually pretty good, compared to my other subject areas. At my school, there is only either regular English or AP English Literature. If I took regular English and a lower Spanish class, I would probably get an 'A' or a 'B', but I want to continue on with writing and languages. Should I stay in the AP classes or switch to a lower class?

Answer 1

Getting a great grade in a regular class is better than a failing or barely passing grade in an advanced class. It's not bad to switch into a regular class. If AP is too difficult, you really should switch. If you stress out too much about work and difficulty level, etc, then you won't be able to learn anything effectively. The stress from the difficulty level is counterproductive.

You can still pursue your language career if you take a regular class. Don't sweat it too much.

Answer 2

colleges would like to see the AP classes.  If you think you can get at least a C in them, it'd be well worth it.  They like to see you challenge yourself.  They value a lower grade in a harder class more than an A in an easy class.  However, if you think you'll really struggle to pass, you might consider the regular classes.  I'm taking 5 AP classes this year, and 7 next year, so I definitely empathize with the difficult coursework.  Personally, I think it's worth trying.