5 answers
Edosa
Student
Cedar Hill, Texas
2
Questions
Asked
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Should I be worried about honors algebra 2 and honors Spanish 2?
I’m a freshman in highschool, and have been for almost a month and a half now. The opportunity to switch to all honors classes + AP human geography has been presented to me and I am confident about most of my classes except for honors Algebra 2 and honors Spanish 2. I am not struggling at all in these classes, and I have a high A (96+) in both of them. My counselor said it was the same curriculum but I am still so afraid! I fear that I would be biting off more than I can chew if I take ALL honors + an AP class. I’m in regular classes right now (regular Algebra 2, regular Spanish, regular English, etc…) and It’s all very easy for me. Despite it being the same curriculum, would everything be more intense? Are the teachers less lax in these classes? Would I be bombarded with work from the switch? I can make a decision by the end of this week (end of marking period 1) And I will likely choose honors. But what’s the point of taking classes that look good if I just struggle and fail them?
I have very good grades right now. Mostly ease in all my classes. Lowest grade is a 96 while my highest is a 100. Would that change if I go into harder classes? What am I putting myself into? What should I expect from taking these honors classes, and more specifically honors algebra 2 and honors Spanish 2.
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5 answers
Haydee M. Vega
1
Answer
Updated
Haydee M.’s Answer
Hello. I think you are a wonderful student. If you are good enough to be eligible for those honors classes, you should go for it. You can handle it. Feeling fear is normal; just don’t let it become bigger than you! You will do great. Go ahead!
Thank you for such a kind response. Your encouragement is greatly appreciated!
Edosa
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
436
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hello there!
It's fantastic to see you're giving this decision the thoughtful consideration it deserves, and it's even more impressive how well you're performing in your current classes! Judging from your description, it's clear you have the potential to tackle the rigors of honors classes and even an AP course. Your current high A's in Algebra 2 and Spanish 2 demonstrate a solid foundation, which should serve you well as you transition to more advanced levels.
While your counselor has noted that the curriculum remains the same, honors classes often move at a brisker pace, with a heightened focus on critical thinking and problem-solving, particularly in mathematics. Honors Spanish 2 may require more speaking, writing, and deeper immersion into the culture. Your teachers might expect a higher level of independence and engagement, but this is precisely what can foster your growth as a student.
You're definitely on the right track with your questions! Yes, the workload might increase, but considering you're finding your current classes manageable, you're likely to adapt without feeling swamped. Honors and AP courses are designed to stretch your abilities, and they certainly add a sparkle to your transcript, especially if you're targeting top-tier colleges.
If you're still feeling a bit unsure, you could dip your toes in the water by opting for honors in a few subjects first and gauge your comfort level. It's perfectly normal to feel a bit jittery about such a significant change, but based on your academic record and current experience, you seem more than prepared. You should expect challenges, but also be ready to conquer them—you've already shown you can thrive!
If you find it necessary, don't hesitate to seek further advice from your teachers and counselor before making your final decision. You're on a promising path, and we believe in your potential to excel even further!
It's fantastic to see you're giving this decision the thoughtful consideration it deserves, and it's even more impressive how well you're performing in your current classes! Judging from your description, it's clear you have the potential to tackle the rigors of honors classes and even an AP course. Your current high A's in Algebra 2 and Spanish 2 demonstrate a solid foundation, which should serve you well as you transition to more advanced levels.
While your counselor has noted that the curriculum remains the same, honors classes often move at a brisker pace, with a heightened focus on critical thinking and problem-solving, particularly in mathematics. Honors Spanish 2 may require more speaking, writing, and deeper immersion into the culture. Your teachers might expect a higher level of independence and engagement, but this is precisely what can foster your growth as a student.
You're definitely on the right track with your questions! Yes, the workload might increase, but considering you're finding your current classes manageable, you're likely to adapt without feeling swamped. Honors and AP courses are designed to stretch your abilities, and they certainly add a sparkle to your transcript, especially if you're targeting top-tier colleges.
If you're still feeling a bit unsure, you could dip your toes in the water by opting for honors in a few subjects first and gauge your comfort level. It's perfectly normal to feel a bit jittery about such a significant change, but based on your academic record and current experience, you seem more than prepared. You should expect challenges, but also be ready to conquer them—you've already shown you can thrive!
If you find it necessary, don't hesitate to seek further advice from your teachers and counselor before making your final decision. You're on a promising path, and we believe in your potential to excel even further!
Kevin P Hust, MBA
Risk Administration and Army Officer
62
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Kevin P’s Answer
I appreciated someone as gifted as you still being humble enough to doubt your true skill. Good for you.
Here is how I look at this, you will regret never trying but you will not regret giving it your all and unfortunately it not working out. That would be worst case scenario anyway.
What you should do is list out all of the positive aspects of saying yes AND then crushing it. Make that list and then smile as you accomplish and overcome these obstacles.
Next, I assume you plan on going to college. The struggle you face today is to make tomorrow easier. This is the practice before the big game. Get good at the game now, during practice, so when the game comes around, college, you can smile your way to graduation.
It will be harder, it will be a challenge, the teachers won’t be as lax. But do you really want that? Would you be satisfied? Or will you be wondering if you could have done it? I think we both know the answer to that.
Trust your skill, trust those that believe in you, trust the process.
Take this leap of faith, win or lose, you’ll learn something about yourself.
It is always better to say I tried and failed than saying I never even tried. Although you won’t fail! You got this!
Here is how I look at this, you will regret never trying but you will not regret giving it your all and unfortunately it not working out. That would be worst case scenario anyway.
What you should do is list out all of the positive aspects of saying yes AND then crushing it. Make that list and then smile as you accomplish and overcome these obstacles.
Next, I assume you plan on going to college. The struggle you face today is to make tomorrow easier. This is the practice before the big game. Get good at the game now, during practice, so when the game comes around, college, you can smile your way to graduation.
It will be harder, it will be a challenge, the teachers won’t be as lax. But do you really want that? Would you be satisfied? Or will you be wondering if you could have done it? I think we both know the answer to that.
Trust your skill, trust those that believe in you, trust the process.
Take this leap of faith, win or lose, you’ll learn something about yourself.
It is always better to say I tried and failed than saying I never even tried. Although you won’t fail! You got this!
George Zou, M.S.
Academic Advisor
2
Answers
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
George’s Answer
Elevating to Honors Classes
Grasping the Change
Honors classes, while covering similar topics as regular courses, often diverge in terms of speed and depth. Here's what you can typically expect from these classes:
Greater Self-Study: These classes encourage you to take the lead in your learning, usually requiring more work outside of the classroom.
Enhanced Cognitive Abilities: You'll be pushed to dissect, combine, and appraise information on a more profound level.
Demanding Tasks: Brace yourself for more intricate projects, essays, and problem-solving exercises.
Evaluating Your Strengths and Ambitions
Scholastic Performance: Your present grades show you're competent, but it's crucial to assess your genuine comprehension of the subject matter.
Learning Approach: Do you flourish in more demanding settings? Are you at ease handling a more substantial workload?
Future Goals: Do honors classes align with your university or career aspirations? Unless your aim is an Ivy League school or a top 25 School, there's minimal benefit in proving to the Admission Counselor that you can tackle the most challenging curriculum at your high school. Grades are important for UT-Austin and top 100 schools on the US New Ranking report, but they don't fully represent your background. Top 25 Colleges admit students based on your family's ability to pay full tuition without financial aid, your ethnicity, your grades, your character as reflected in recommendation letters, your test scores, etc.
Particular Considerations for Honors Algebra 2 and Honors Spanish 2
Algebra 2: Anticipate a quicker pace, tougher problems, and possibly more theoretical concepts.
Spanish 2: You’ll probably encounter more intricate grammar, advanced vocabulary, and extensive cultural studies.
Keys to Success
Time Management: Mastering efficient time management to balance homework, extracurricular activities, and personal life is crucial.
Seek Assistance Promptly: If you find yourself struggling, reach out to your teacher or classmates as early as possible.
Stay Organized: Maintain a record of your notes, assignments, and resources to stay ahead of your workload.
Create a Study Group: Teaming up with peers can boost understanding and provide support.
Making the Choice
Deciding to move up to honors classes is an individual decision. If you trust in your capabilities and are driven to embrace the challenge, it can be an incredibly rewarding journey. However, it's vital to weigh the potential advantages against the heightened demands.
Grasping the Change
Honors classes, while covering similar topics as regular courses, often diverge in terms of speed and depth. Here's what you can typically expect from these classes:
Greater Self-Study: These classes encourage you to take the lead in your learning, usually requiring more work outside of the classroom.
Enhanced Cognitive Abilities: You'll be pushed to dissect, combine, and appraise information on a more profound level.
Demanding Tasks: Brace yourself for more intricate projects, essays, and problem-solving exercises.
Evaluating Your Strengths and Ambitions
Scholastic Performance: Your present grades show you're competent, but it's crucial to assess your genuine comprehension of the subject matter.
Learning Approach: Do you flourish in more demanding settings? Are you at ease handling a more substantial workload?
Future Goals: Do honors classes align with your university or career aspirations? Unless your aim is an Ivy League school or a top 25 School, there's minimal benefit in proving to the Admission Counselor that you can tackle the most challenging curriculum at your high school. Grades are important for UT-Austin and top 100 schools on the US New Ranking report, but they don't fully represent your background. Top 25 Colleges admit students based on your family's ability to pay full tuition without financial aid, your ethnicity, your grades, your character as reflected in recommendation letters, your test scores, etc.
Particular Considerations for Honors Algebra 2 and Honors Spanish 2
Algebra 2: Anticipate a quicker pace, tougher problems, and possibly more theoretical concepts.
Spanish 2: You’ll probably encounter more intricate grammar, advanced vocabulary, and extensive cultural studies.
Keys to Success
Time Management: Mastering efficient time management to balance homework, extracurricular activities, and personal life is crucial.
Seek Assistance Promptly: If you find yourself struggling, reach out to your teacher or classmates as early as possible.
Stay Organized: Maintain a record of your notes, assignments, and resources to stay ahead of your workload.
Create a Study Group: Teaming up with peers can boost understanding and provide support.
Making the Choice
Deciding to move up to honors classes is an individual decision. If you trust in your capabilities and are driven to embrace the challenge, it can be an incredibly rewarding journey. However, it's vital to weigh the potential advantages against the heightened demands.
Hello. Thank you for this response, I’m doing to take all parts into consideration when deciding to move into these classes.
Edosa
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1750
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Edosa !
This is a great question and I am glad you've come here for different perspectives ! You are true to yourself and express your concerns very well ! You also seem to have clear insight ! And congratulations on your consistent high grades ! That is wonderful !
You already have your answer. You stated that you are wondering if taking all the advanced classes will be stressful, a lot of work and that it may affect your grades if you are not able to keep your GPA high as you have been keeping it. Well, this concern should not be ignored. You are correct in being cautious as you know if suddenly you start to obtain different grades you will be very down and disappointed about it. I advise that you go with your innate instinct and just take all regular classes. It will indeed be less stressful on you, less on your mind, less struggle, help you keep your already great GPA consistent, and you can enjoy your activities and events like one should while they are in high school.
Well, since I have been around observing students for many years, I can tell you - people of all all academic backgrounds are able to go to college. Some people haven't been in high school for ten or twenty years and get into college. Some people have GEDs and get into college. People with bad grades in high school can go to college. Having AP or honor classes is not the only thing that colleges look at and all colleges consider different aspects of an application when they accept students. Don't underestimate your feelings or concerns. You can try taking all regular classes now this year and then next year, only if you want and feel it would be doable, take one AP class in which you know is one of your good subjects. Just something to consider.
You should take a class because you want to learn and understand the subject, not because it is in a certain category with a certain label. Yes, AP and honor classes look good, true, but since you have concerns about it, I would say you'd do fine to take all regular classes, be involved in extracurriculars or volunteer work and enjoy high school. Those years only come once in a lifetime !
I wish you well and hope that this is a perspective to consider as you proceed with your own choice !
This is a great question and I am glad you've come here for different perspectives ! You are true to yourself and express your concerns very well ! You also seem to have clear insight ! And congratulations on your consistent high grades ! That is wonderful !
You already have your answer. You stated that you are wondering if taking all the advanced classes will be stressful, a lot of work and that it may affect your grades if you are not able to keep your GPA high as you have been keeping it. Well, this concern should not be ignored. You are correct in being cautious as you know if suddenly you start to obtain different grades you will be very down and disappointed about it. I advise that you go with your innate instinct and just take all regular classes. It will indeed be less stressful on you, less on your mind, less struggle, help you keep your already great GPA consistent, and you can enjoy your activities and events like one should while they are in high school.
Well, since I have been around observing students for many years, I can tell you - people of all all academic backgrounds are able to go to college. Some people haven't been in high school for ten or twenty years and get into college. Some people have GEDs and get into college. People with bad grades in high school can go to college. Having AP or honor classes is not the only thing that colleges look at and all colleges consider different aspects of an application when they accept students. Don't underestimate your feelings or concerns. You can try taking all regular classes now this year and then next year, only if you want and feel it would be doable, take one AP class in which you know is one of your good subjects. Just something to consider.
You should take a class because you want to learn and understand the subject, not because it is in a certain category with a certain label. Yes, AP and honor classes look good, true, but since you have concerns about it, I would say you'd do fine to take all regular classes, be involved in extracurriculars or volunteer work and enjoy high school. Those years only come once in a lifetime !
I wish you well and hope that this is a perspective to consider as you proceed with your own choice !