Only a few months ago, my mind was set on which courses I would register for for my final year of high school. There was nothing my dad could say that would change my mind.
In our district, seniors have the option of taking 5, 6, or 7 periods each day of school (with certain conditions like taking 3 AP classes). I, like many of my GPA-greedy acquaintances, figure we might as well fit in as much learning as possible, and register for 7 periods. My schedule, as I had dreamed it for many months:
English 4 AP
Biology 2 AP (2 periods)
Calculus AB AP
Physics B AP
European History AP
Orchestra
(Zero hour (early arrival) inclusive)
But, there’s a bugging part of me that wants to take Calculus BC. Though I’m bad at it, I like math. The AP test itself is only a few questions different from Calculus BC’s kinder sister, AB, and there’s virtually no homework in BC just problem sessions, quizzes, and tests. But, I stick to my resolve and register for AB.
Approaching the 2/3 mark of the second semester, my physics teacher pulls me aside and asks if I have any interest in trying out for my school’s Academic Decathlon team. Before then, I had never considered it, because I never thought they would want me. But, benefits of even trying out are great, so I decide that European History can wait.
Even though I’m taking 0 hour and AcDec is during 7th period, I decide it would be nice to have an off-period in the middle of the day.
I’m really okay with this. Even if I don’t make the AcDec team, I’ll just take 6 periods during 2nd semester. A break, I figure, sounds nice. Either way I win.
So, I stick to that plan.
But! About a week ago at physics camp, I’m told that someone interested in a computer science major should be taking Physics C. So, I sit there, and in my head rationalize both physics options, and decide that C really is a better choice, for many reasons.
And, with that rationale, what the hell, I might as well take Calculus BC.
That is how I’ve set myself up for failure.
None.