To me, 7 AP classes is way too much.

If you can take 4 and not drown during the year, then you’ll be fine. Be sure to get the highest grades you can and truly enjoy the classes because if you don’t, then you’ll come to hate it and your grades will drop. I took AP English Lang & Comp. my junior year and while it was a rigourous course, I loved it because I had a great teacher and loved the discussions. Didn’t come out with too good of a grade, but the experience is worth it.

As for AP U.S. History: READ YOUR TEXTBOOK and you’ll be just fine.

Honors Chem: Always do your homework and do not be afraid of asking the teacher for help if you need it.

AP Bio: I knew many of my friends who took Bio and Chem at the same time…and I barely ever saw them. They all had the same look of a sleep deprived over-achiever.

I know that you want to get the best out of your acedemic experience, but you need to be careful because it’ll be very easy for you to burn out. If during the year you find that you’re only getting 3 hours of sleep and are barely keeping up with all the homework, then don’t be afraid of dropping a class (be it AP Bio or Stat). You’re going to learn a lot about yourself and your stress limits this upcoming year.

The answer, then, lies in balance. I think if you’re concerned enough about this issue to ask our opinion about it, that in your heart you know it probably IS too much at one time. While it is true that you are in high school to learn, learning is not limited to curriculum. There are other aspects of life that need to be explored and experienced. If you spend every waking moment studying and doing homework, you will miss out on some other experiences that could have a hand in helping you become a well-rounded individual. My advice would be to drop one AP course, and instead fill the time (that you wouldn’t spent studying) volunteering somewhere. You can make a difference in so many lives by helping at a neighborhood senior center, daycare, soup kitchen or animal shelter. Even better, ask a buddy to come along with you! If you don’t know how to get started, ask your counselor where they think your talents would help most.

You sound like a wonderful, intellingent person, who has much to learn, AND much to give.

Good luck, love!