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Is taking 4 sciences in one semester reasonable?

I want to take grade 11 physics, biology, chemistry, and grade 12 chemistry all in grade 11. I would have two each semester, would this be too hard to organize? #science #school #courses #highschool #course-selection

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Beryl’s Answer

I admire your ambition and love of science, but to be honest, you have to look at not just the science courses, but how they fit in any other classes you are planning to take during the semester. You have to decide how much time and energy you want to devote to the science courses as opposed to the other courses. But please remember to take time out for yourself. We all need some work/life, school/life balance. Time to spend strengthening the bond with family and connecting with friends is important.

Thank you comment icon Thank you! Diljot
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Desiree’s Answer

First, one would normally presume grade 11 chemistry is required for understanding grade 12 chemistry, and hence must be completed first (not simultaneously). Second, your question is presented as if each science course is only 1 semester long - is that the case? Or would say, grade 11 Bio require classes both semesters of Grade 11? (In my high school, the science classes ran both semesters, which would make your proposal infeasible at my old school.)

If we presume each class is 1 semester in duration and that each class is offered both semesters, then one could hypothetically take the course load you propose. That is, take grade 11 chem the first semester (& say, Bio) with grade 12 chem the second semester (with, say, Physics). I took 2 science classes with labs each semester in my high school, so it's possible. But it is a lot of work, so you should prepare yourself.

Also, it doesn't serve your college application (or frankly, your learning) to take lots of fancy classes and get mediocre grades. If spacing out these classes will allow you to focus and study more and get higher marks, I strongly encourage that. Grades/GPA are one of the first factors colleges and universities look at. Having a tough course load with C's is not as meaningful as spreading out the courses and achieving As and Bs.... Don't set yourself for failure or a depressed GPA.

I agree with the other answers that mention ensuring you have time for sports, extracurricular activities, family and other commitments and responsibilities. You need to be realistic about how much homework and study these classes will require, and factor that into how you can balance that in your "real life", not just in terms of scheduling on a calendar.

Desiree recommends the following next steps:

confirm whether all the classes you seek are 1 or 2 semester classes
confirm when each class you seek is offered (some may only be offered in Fall, others only in Spring)
confirm whether all the classes you seek require additional lab time, and determine if that can be scheduled into your crowed course load
focus on getting the best grades possible in each class, rather than loading up on lots of classes.
meet with a guidance counselor or trusted teacher to help you map out a realistic schedule that achieves your goals
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Raj’s Answer

It is great that you have strong interest in STEM curriculum. My advise will be to purse career in STEM, follow the motto  "Slow and Steady wins the race". Do not be in a rush. Take the course load you are comfortable with keeping in mind other courses and other obligations (such as sports) you may have. If you over-burden yourself then you may get discouraged just in case you are not able to perform at the level you target yourself for.

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Simeon’s Answer

I'd say it depends on the payoff. If there are more advanced courses you're hoping to get into by finishing your difficult sciences all at one time, it will be worth it. But if the remaining year will just have easy and fluff classes, there's not really a point to making things more difficult for yourself. If you can handle the load, go for it! You might even discover one of the sciences is more to your taste than you originally thought.
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Estelle’s Answer

I suppose it depends on how intense the classes are. Generally, that sounds like too much. If you are a strong enough student that this will not cause too much stress and lower you grades then I think it's an OK idea. Good luck.
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