So that time of year has come, the time to pick the classes you will take next year and also which classes you will suffer in. Just kidding about the last part... Or am I?

If you are a freshman at Northview High School, I can help provide some insight on how to choose your classes for next year. When I was a freshman last year, I didn't have the choice to take AP Lang, but I would have wanted to take it despite my average writing skills. Also, one of the mistakes I made this year was taking AP World and Honors Chemistry together. I know a lot of people have said not to take them together, but I was just like you guys, thinking I could do it. AP World is a ton of work, and even though ninth grade AP Gov seems hard, it's nothing compared to the rigor of AP world. The same applies to Honors Chem. If you are struggling with Honors Bio, do not take H Chem. The simple combination of both those classes has caused many A students to fall to B or even C students. I have seen my peers and myself break down because of the combination of these two classes. I had a high A in bio but I had a B in H Chem, so if you are even the slightest bit unsure, do not take it.

My last piece of advice for you is, take what you are capable of. Don't just think to yourself, I have to overload on everything and show that I'm the best. I have received some of my lowest grades this year because I tried to take every hard course and I absolutely hated it. This is not a competition on rigor, it's a death sentence. Most nights are filled with cramming instead of actually learning the material beforehand. I advise you to focus on your strengths and try to hide your weaknesses. Sophomore year is more fun but harder. Learn how to actually study and focus instead of goofing off. Don't forget to enjoy this time too, it won't return.