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 SAS, 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/or 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 while still maintaining their well-being and having healthy levels of stress. This means that, when choosing high school courses, it is important to take a strong academic program in areas––but it is even more important for students to take classes that they enjoy and in which they can perform well.

3. I looked at the math pathways. If I’m not in Algebra II/Trig or Integrated Math III w/ Precalculus by grade 10 at the latest, I will never be able to reach any of 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 Integrated Math 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. Please see the handy math chart in the program planning guide under Noteworthy in 2024-25 and under the Math Department sections, your current math teacher, or your counselor to learn more about our math pathways.

4. I need to take an advanced studies (AP or AT) course in grade 10 so that I can understand what “rigor” means and be prepared for college. 

Myth!

Grade 9 and Grade 10 years are very much about exploring a variety of courses in a variety of disciplines. In grades 11 and 12, 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 9 and 10 are great opportunities to explore what students enjoy without taking a heavy load that is perhaps too challenging. Colleges look at the full picture so waiting until grade 11 or 12 is always acceptable as a focus on balance throughout your four years in areas of interest is most important. 

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. Some SAS students will take multiple Advanced Studies courses, and others will take none at all — and all SAS students go on to attend colleges that fit their aspirations and needs. 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 less than that at SAS. Remember that the AP credit limit is just that: a limit and not a goal. Students need to determine, for themselves, their interests and the level of rigor that they can manage while still performing well.

7. I need to sign up for as many Advanced Studies (AP and AT) courses as I can to get into a great 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 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. 

9.  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 most classes. With the exception of new students, we only consider course corrections in August, such as a student who is missing a graduation requirement, a change that is needed to satisfy a college requirement or a level misplacement. 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. Also, depending on how PowerSchool builds your schedule, you may not have the option of dropping. For all of these reasons, seniors are advised to select their courses carefully for the entire school year and plan to remain in them. 

If you hear any other questions that may be based in myth or rumor, please reach out to our personal academic counselors, college counselors or high school leadership team!  We’re happy to help you find the answers you need to make thoughtful course choices.