Every year when our course registration is approaching, our personal academic and college counselors collect some interesting questions and queries. Read on to learn more about the top myths and rumors as we get ready to launch our course sign-ups.  

1. There are so many cool classes at Singapore American School, I want to take more than seven courses next semester.  I heard the counselors will let you do it if you meet with them.
Myth!
Ninth and tenth graders must be enrolled in seven courses each semester—no more and no less. Eleventh and twelfth graders will ordinarily be enrolled in between six or seven courses unless they need an extra study period. In this case, juniors and seniors may enroll in a minimum of six courses each semester. Remember, too, that high school is about more than academics. We want you to contribute to the community, participate in extracurriculars, engage in service, play sports, and find other meaningful interests.  

2. It is more important that I have a lot of honors-level and advanced studies courses (APs and ATs) on my transcript than good grades.
Myth!  
Students should pursue a curriculum that is appropriately rigorous––in other words, one in which the student can be challenged and can also be academically successful. This means that, when choosing high school courses, it is important to take a strong academic program––but it is even more important for students to take classes that they enjoy and in which they can earn strong grades.

3. I looked at the math pathways.  If I’m not in Algebra II/Trig by tenth grade at the latest, I will never be able to reach the higher-level math courses at SAS.
Myth!
We work hard to keep our math pathways open for every student no matter where they start. For instance, if a student starts in Algebra I and decides to take one math course per year in our typical sequence, if that student does well, they will still have access to honors-level and advanced studies math options in senior year. After ninth grade, there are opportunities to double up on math courses, too. Please see the handy math chart in the program planning guide, your current math teacher, or counselor to learn more about our math pathways.

4. I need to take an advanced studies (AP or AT) course in tenth grade so that I can understand what “rigor” means. 
Myth!
The years in grades nine and ten are very much about exploring a variety of courses in a 
variety of disciplines. In grades eleven and twelve, students often narrow in on their areas of most interest, perhaps with advanced studies courses. Remember that it is important for students to take classes that they enjoy and in which they can earn strong grades. Grades nine and ten are great opportunities to explore what students enjoy without taking a load that is perhaps too challenging.  

5. I heard that every SAS student must take an advanced studies (AP and AT) course.
Myth!
Students do not need to take any AP or AT courses to graduate from SAS. Our counselors will work with students and families to come up with an appropriately rigorous course of study that suits each student’s aspirations and postsecondary desires. 

6. I heard that I need to take seven AP courses.
Myth!
While there is a limit on the number of AP course credits (the equivalent to seven year-long credits) a student may earn at SAS, remember that the AP credit limit is just that: a limit and not a goal. The “right” number of advanced studies courses will vary from one student to another and from one subject to another (and in fact, a student can take zero advanced studies courses and graduate from SAS).  

7. I need to sign up for as many advanced studies (AP and AT) courses as I can to get into a good fit college. 
Myth!
Our advanced studies courses (AP and AT) are not required for admission into any US colleges. Colleges are looking to see that the student has enrolled in appropriately challenging courses throughout high school. Beyond rigor, many colleges and universities prefer to see students who have deeply studied topics that interest them rather than simply taking as many advanced courses as possible.
 
8. I need to take AP Economics as soon as possible because it’s going to be phased out.
Myth!
At this time, we have no plans to phase out any of the advanced studies courses that are in our 2020-21 program planning guide. Check out the advanced studies appendices in the guide to see our advanced studies opportunities for next year and into the future.  

9. I need to choose my courses as soon as possible because sign-ups are first come, first served.
Myth! 
Rest assured, we do not allocate courses on a first come, first served basis. In fact, we encourage our students to take time to review and reflect on their choices with their families and counselors. We build our master schedule after we have collected student choices. 

10.  Course registration is no big deal. I’ll pick my courses now but I can change them in August once I see my schedule.
Myth!
After our registration process closes, we build our master schedule based on the total number of sign-ups we have for each course. We schedule our new students in August. After they are scheduled, there often are not many, if any, seats left in a class. Additionally, we then prioritize changes where there is a course schedule problem (e.g. a student is missing a graduation requirement, a student has all of her advanced courses on one day, two frees are scheduled on the same day). The bottom line: spend the time now to thoughtfully consider the courses you intend to take next year and plan to stay in those courses. 

Bonus Question for Rising Seniors
As a senior, I can take a lot of rigorous courses in Semester 1 and then drop them in Semester 2 for an easier second semester course load. 
Myth!
Seniors must list the courses for the entire senior year when they apply to colleges.  Should a change in a second semester course be made, colleges must be notified of those changes. Should it appear that a student is choosing an easier load in the final semester, it can reduce the chances of admission. Seniors are advised to select their courses carefully for the entire school year and plan to remain in them. 

If you hear any other myths or rumors, please reach out to our personal academic counselors, college counselors, or high school administration team! We’re happy to help you find the answers you need to make thoughtful course choices.