[JaeLae<3]

Hi, thanks for clicking on my thread! :]
First, before you read any further, I AM just in 8th grade, (Incoming freshman) and I feel really strange posting a topic like this in an area where everyone's talking about going to college. XD
Okay, so I'm going to attend Lowell High School (San Francisco, CA) next year for 9th grade, and I'm really stressed about classes.
If you don't already know, Lowell has a modular system and allows their students to make their own schedule.
And since this coming semester will be my first, they make my schedule for me.
There are 4 mandatory classes, and 2-3 that you choose for the first semester. (PE, World Language, Visual/Performing Arts)
Also, the seventh course is optional.
My sister graduated from Lowell three years ago, so I asked her for advice.
She said that seven classes is DEFINITELY A LOT and only certain people can pull it off,
So six courses would be recommended, especially for a freshman.
Right now, I'm debating whether to take seven classes or not, since I can't choose between a world language or orchestra for a 6th class.
But my sister also said that I was talented and a lot smarter than her, so I might be able to pull off seven classes.
Another thing is that she said that orchestra wouldn't really add that much stress on to me.
I mean, isn't it just playing and learning music? O_o WOULD there be homework other than practicing?
On the other hand, I have a friend that is also going to attend Lowell.
I've known her ever since preschool, and let's just call her....Momo. (XD, can't think of another name.)
Momo's sister is currently a senior at Lowell (she's going to graduate this year) and says that seven classes is WAY out of my league.
She says that you'll have to stay at school for an hour longer and your lunch would be cut too. (I'm not sure if the lunch part is true or not. ._.)
I asked if orchestra would actually affect me THAT much, and she replied with a blunt "yes".
Although Momo, or her sister, doesn't even take orchestra or anything like that, she says that she's pretty sure that they have to memorize things and perform in front of the class or something.
I'm not sure if that's BS or anything.
I'm currently in my middle school orchestra, and the only thing we do is learn and play music.
But then again, Lowell might focus more on different things.

So here's the first question: Is seven classes too much for a freshman? If yes, which should I drop? Language or Orchestra?

Okay, on to the second part of this. =_=
I'm having a difficulty decided what language to take. (Or to even take one this year or not!)
I reeeeeally wanna take Korean, but my mom wants me to take Chinese. (I'm Chinese)
I understand that's it's probably more useful for my future, but I've been around Chinese for my whole life.
She says that it'll be easy for me to get A's since I already know some Chinese,
But I think that it'll be boring so I wouldn't put much effort.
On the other hand, I would put a LOT of effort into something that I have interest in.
But that doesn't seem to convince my mom.
My sister says that popular language like Chinese, Spanish, and Japanese fill up quickly along with the small classes, such as Latin and German.
If I put Chinese first, and Korean second, then I can just hope that Chinese gets filled up quick! TT_TT

So here's the second question: Would you choose a language that you REALLY want to learn or a language that would benefit your future? Also, is there a way I could persuade my mom to let me take Korean? XD

I really hope some people who are currently in Lowell give me some tips, but everyone is welcome to give advice.
Thanks in advance!

EDIT:

I think I forgot to say this...
I've been taking Cantonese currently in middle school and also a couple years of Chinese school before that...
But that doesn't mean that I'm good at it.
My Chinese teacher is a real slacker.
Most of the time, we just have free play. LMAO.
That's why I think my Chinese is getting worse and worse by the year.
So if I were to take Chinese, I think I'll take Chinese 1.

[invisionFLOW]

First issue: Orchestra or Language

Since it's your Freshman year...it isn't REALLY important what you take, but you need to look ahead and see what you prospectively want to become and what will help you achieve such a goal.
If you don't already know, at LEAST 2 years [3 years recommended] of language is an requirement for a UC. I believe Cal States have such a requirement as well.
There's also a 1 year Fine Art requirement.
What do you think will benefit you more in the future? A language or orchestra?
I mean...if your goal is to play in a symphony for your job...then hey! go for orchestra, why the hell would you need to learn a language?
But what do YOU really want to learn more?

Second issue: Korean or Chinese

Once again, it's what YOU want to learn.
Learning any language is difficult, but it adds onto difficulty when it's a language you have no interest in.
But you need to take into consideration which one will be more beneficial.
That's the thing about classes, you need to look ahead as well as now, and weigh it out.

Lastly, the great thing about classes is, aside from the mandatory ones, is no one can tell you what electives to take besides yourself.

[j i w o n.]

some of my friends had 8 classes during freshman year.
i only had 6 but that's only b/c i was like completely... uninterested, uninformed in anything. and then afterwards i joined chorus and.. yeah.
i don't think taking orchestra and world would be that difficult
b/c first year of any language is USUALLY easier than you'd think.
and orchestra... it depends on which orchestra you're joining, but if you're joining a basic/freshmanlevel class then it shouldn't be much of a problem as well.
now if you were tot ake level 3 or 4 of a language AND philharmonic orchestra and you're a freshman.. you might want to reconsider. b/c at my school (not sure about yours), there's a lot of after school rehearsals that last from 7-9 pm and weekend rehearsals. i'm not sure about basic orchestra/band b ut from what i hear (from my friends in the basic classes) i don't think they do much :X

and since your sister did say you're smarter and thinks you can do it, i'm sure you can lol.

so honestly, to me, as a freshman, i think you can do it :X
i'm in spanish 4 (honors) and in adv chorus, and it doesn't really affectme THAT MUCH. it's the AP/other honors classes that kill me.
but then again i'm a junior (who's used to high school evnironment) and you're a freshman so... :X

but if you do plan on taking orchestra for all 4 years, it hink it's best to start early so that you can build up your skills and be on your way to the highest orchestra class offered at your school. and same with language.

[touche`]

For a incoming freshmen, I don't think you know how the system works...Yet. If you do so, then good. However, seven is a lot of classes (stress, there will be a lot of stress coming in your way) and I think you should try out six for now. Smart people don't fly through class, they put effort, like you said. In your case, since you're a freshmen and smart, I think you should only go for six classes, still. If your freshmen year was easy and you fly through with no problem then I suggest that you should go for seven classes.

Is seven classes too much for a freshman? If yes, which should I drop? Language or Orchestra?

Yes, I think seven classes is too much. I suggest that you should drop Orchestra (like playing instruments?) because it take A LOT of your time, trust me. I have a roommate and she's in band. It's taking a lot of her time and she don't have time to study at all. She studies at night time, from 12 AM until 3 AM (around there).

Would you choose a language that you REALLY want to learn or a language that would benefit your future? Also, is there a way I could persuade my mom to let me take Korean? XD

You know, I would have to agree with your mom for now. Yes, it does benefit your future and sometimes we think we know our culture really well when there are some things we don't know about it. I can argue that I've been Hmong all my life and I speak Hmong all the time but I still don't know much about my own culture. Although I do want to learn French (which I did for 3 years) I'm still not good at it. So, I guess you should take Chinese for now and you can still take Korean next year, or you can add Korean language to your schedule next year. Smart people can take two languages, eh?

[silentxtears]

Oh, congrats! Lol, I got rejected from Lowell 3 years ago..
anyway, I don't think you should start so big yet. Seven classes seems like a lot (and this is Lowell..), but IF you think you can handle it, go ahead and take seven classes. Just be prepared for what's coming to you..
If you were to drop language or orchestra... it's really your choice. Which would you enjoy taking the most?

If you were to choose a language... how good are you at Chinese? Are you sure it'll be that easy for you? Are you good at writing and reading Chinese? Are you good at speaking Mandarin and listening to it? It might actually get more interesting if you take Chinese.. but, you seem more interested in Korean. Take it if you are REALLY interested in it.

Most of the questions you asked can easily be decided on your own What do YOU want? None of us can tell you that

[f0reveralways]

Is seven classes too much for a freshman? If yes, which should I drop? Language or Orchestra?
I don't really know much about Lowell but uh.. for me, freshman year was a BREEEEZE (i had 6 classes). so my vote would be 'no.' Seven classes is not too much for a freshman. i took 7 classes my sophomore year (zero period PE) and i did fine. if i could travel back in time, i would've taken 7 classes freshman year too. too bad i was clueless and addicted to gunbound in those days..

Would you choose a language that you REALLY want to learn or a language that would benefit your future? Also, is there a way I could persuade my mom to let me take Korean? XD
my advice to you: take Chinese. priorities first. interests later.

[MangoStar]

Um no. I took 7 classes as a freshman and I'm still alive.

[simpletea]

well lowell has mods or whatever so you might get some breaks even though you have 7 classes.
personally i think you should do both language and orchestra and continue with em.

also take korean! since you're chinese you can have your parents teach you. plus it does not look as great if youre chinese and taking a mandarin class. most of my friends at other high schools in SF wish they could take korean. take advantage of what lowell has to offer.

[Childlike Faith]

I don't know about Lowell, I had a friend who went there, but he never said anything about it.

In my opinion, in my experience, 7 courses during freshman year is not difficult. Especially when your easiest classes will be in your freshman year, it'll be the best time to take 7 courses. I have friends who took 7 periods and had orchestra and they've been taking 7 courses all throughout high school. Once you get used to it your freshman year, it'll be a lot easier for you, since you won't know what it's like to have only 6 courses anyways.

As for language, I'd pick one that's more beneficial. I've been taking French for 4 years, I love the language, but it really doesn't have any use. My school only offers Spanish and French and I definitely think Spanish would have benefited me a lot better.

[meringue]

I'm currently a senior at Lowell. My sister will also be going to Lowell this fall too!

As an incoming freshman, I think seven classes is a lot especially if you're not used to the workload. If you have 7 classes, you have 6 pieces of homework due the next day (I didn't include PE, lol). Most freshmen get out at 3:30 p.m. By the time you get home, assuming you don't have a club or sports, you have only 4 hours to complete your homework (if you go to bed at 10).

The key here is time management. If you can handle it, do it. If you're unsure, wait until you've adjusted to the hectic Lowell life. You can always take 7 classes in the spring semester of your freshman year.

Personally, I think you should take a language over orchestra. Learning a language will be more beneficial to you than playing an instrument in the future (unless you're planning to pursue a career in music).

Also, from what I hear from my friends who take Chinese, it's a lot harder. Since you say you already know Chinese, you might skip Chinese 1 and just go ahead to Chinese 5 honors. It all depends on your level.

I remember when I was picking languages, I had a choice between Spanish (beneficial) and Japanese (interest). I chose Spanish. Now that I'm a senior, I've regretted that decision SO MUCH. I didn't enjoy my Spanish class. I didn't have much of an interest in it. I say take Korean because if you enjoy the language, you'll have more interest in it and you'll be much more dedicated. (PS, we have a Korean Club and all we do is watch Korean dramas!)

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me! I give my sister lots of advice.

[Onichan~]

Hiya! I'm currently an 8th grader too & I'm taking 7 classes right now, next year I'm most likely going to take 8 classes so theres no way 7 is alot.
But really I think the situation for you is different then mines, because I go to a school thats grades 6-12 because it's a preforming arts school.
So I had to audition to stay there for high school & thankfully I got accepted so this is what my schedule looks like [not in order]

-Geometry.
-Physics.
-English.
-Orchestra (my arts major)
-Music Fundementals 1-2.
-Martial Arts (might change to dance)
-Spanish.
-High school avid.

So really the only reason I'm most likely taking 8 classes is because of my arts major which is music.
So see we're both in orchestra ;D & I don't know about your school but mines really focuses on the arts so if I get anything lower then a B in Music funds & Orchestra I can't do extra activities, field trips & such.

but you should take music for your 7th class if you really want it (:

& Your so lucky your school has chinese, japanese & korean.
My school only has spanish & french; I originally wanted french but my brothers (who graduated) & parents told me to take spanish because it'll benefit me more.

So I ended up requesting spanish.
But thankfully for me it'll be easy because I have spanish speaking friends & both my brothers took it.

So for me my language class is the one that benefits me more.
But I think you should do the class you want because you're chinese so you can just have your family teach you[:

Hope I helped xDD

[Ladyy]

I'm a junior at Lowell and 7 classes is definately not alot.
If you're majoring in music, then it's better to drop your language because you only need 3 (consecutive) years for that anyway.

I suggest you take korean since you said you've been around chinese all your life.
And I'm thinking that you know the language pretty well already.
It's only beneficial if you take chinese if 1) you know nothing/barely anything of chinese 2) you want an easy A.
But chinese is not always an easy A. We have this one teacher, Ms. Pang, who I've heard is horrible.
I've never had her myself but all my friends/everybody else hate her.

[emceej]

omg. *high five*
im glad im not the only icoming freshman in this forum.

well im not from lowell but the school im going to, 7 classes is really not that much.
and i'm taking 7 classes now in middle school so it's no problem.

[simplicity_x]

Is seven classes too much for a freshman? If yes, which should I drop? Language or Orchestra?
Well...I don't really know since it's mandatory for all students in my area to take seven classes regularly. (except for seniors who get off periods)
But if I had to choose, it would be language.

Would you choose a language that you REALLY want to learn or a language that would benefit your future? Also, is there a way I could persuade my mom to let me take Korean? XD
Umm yeah...if you take a language you don't really have a passion for, don't take it. I'm taking spanish...when I originally intended to take French/German. Now...I don't even study for that class.
If you're not willing to learn it, don't bother taking it because it'll drop your GPA like mad.

[itsSO0JIN]

i thought seven classes is the norm?
you guys have an extra class where you don't have to do anything?--lucky!

& no, i don't think it's hard.

about korean and chinese. .

it is what you want to do and all, but if you do pick chinese, it's basically going to be a free class for you anyways (considering you already know a lot).
my spanish teacher in middle school was really hard. Once i got to high school, it was a breeeeze---- i do all my homework from my other classes in there and sleep. haha

[Justalilodreamer]

We're required to take 7 classes at my school. We only get 3 electives and the rest are mandatory classes. Its not hard because most of the teachers dont give out homework. If you're afraid that taking 7 classes might be too hard then start off with less classes. Later on if you think you can go for 7 then request for a schedule change .
We're also required to take two years of language in order to go to a 4 year college (i think this is for all schools). For me, im taking Mandarin 1 because i didn't want to take Spanish but spanish would be the most beneficial language. IMO chinese classes in highschool/middle schools are crap but im taking it because its easy for me (lol cause im chinese).
If you really want to take Korean, why not just take it? If your mom asks you why you're taking korean then just tell her that the chinese class is full.
I'd rather take a language im interested in taking because i'll stuck with it for 2 years

[i3izkit12]

Wow, umm i dont think that 7 classes is much at all... Especially in 9th grade when your classes are still really easy. If i were you i'd want to start racking up your credits. I had 8 classes every year starting freshman up till this year(I'm a senior) and it really didnt seem like much of a hassle(plus im only taking 4 classes this year which helps with senior stress too lol breakfast break during second, nap during 4th and go home early whooo!!!) Well thats just my opinion plus you want to keep busy don't you? Busy= out of trouble

You can always drop a class if it seems too difficult or gets out of control, at which point ill give you my home address and you can come over and punch me

Note: I was in 2 bands every year Pep band and Adv. Jazz band, and it was not that time consuming at all.... In college band you might spend alot of time with practice but after you get to a certain level its really not that bad... take the language thats going to benefit you the most, and remember that you might as well try and see what your made of.

[CitrusFlower]

7 isn't alot, I have 7 classes right now and I'm in the 8 grade. My biggest worry is what college I want to go to and if I'll be able to keep good grades and stuff

[Chooniex]

HOLLLLAAA! How excited are you to be attending Lowell next year? For me, I was super psyched! You're pretty much attending a school of exellence

So to answer your question, 7 classes is a lot for incoming freshmen. If anything, you're actually guranteed 6 because of the budget cuts. But really, 7 classes is something to handle but it really depends on how you are with time management and homework efficiency and your plans on being involved in school. Transitioning from middle school to HS, especially Lowell, can be tough. You actually need to study and do work haha.

Let's see, mandatory classes are math (accel, geo or alg?), english, biology, modern world. Most definitely take PE to get it out of your way because you need 2 years to graduate. Here's a question that'll help you decide on whether to take a language or orchestra...
Do you want to have 4 years of language (you're required 3 for UCs) or 4 years of music (you only need 2 consecutive semesters)?
If you want 4 years of language, you should start now. Music can be done whenever.
I for one love both and decided to take 4 years of both ahaha (I've been in adv choir for 3 years btw and I'm a junior and next year I'm taking AP Spanish as my 4th year of language).

2nd part of your question: Do you want a useful language or fun language?
Chinese is more useful but it is more difficult. Korean is more fun but it's not as useful. Everyone says that you should take a language that you'll actually WANT to learn but really, hs is about preparing for the future. You should take a language that'll benefit you. Your mom is correct when she says Mandarin is more useful because China's economy is BOOOOMING and really, you don't wanna regret not learning considering your Chinese teacher now is a slacker and you feel that you're already forgetting the Chinese. And everyone says it'll be easy because they are Chinese, but it is mandarin not cantonese so it'll still be difficult. Depending on what level you're in, you can always skip some classes. Remember that you should always challenge yourself. I mean, learning a language isnt easy anyways but Chinese is one of the harder languages.

Here are two things you can you do: Sign up for 7, experience it for a week and if you feel its too hectic, drop something. Or you can sign up for 6, experience it for a week and if you feel you can handle something else, add something (like orchestra because it's usually available).

My name is Christal btw. I'm your SBC Secretary so you'll see me around school haha. Hope this helps!

Oohh here were my classes for the past 3 years at Lowell:
Freshmen 1st: geo1.6, modern world1, english2, pe1, spanish1, int. choir
Freshmen 2nd: alg2 (I never went to geo class ... lazy year), modern world2, english1, pe2, spanish2, adv choir, bio2 (because SFUSD screwed up)
Sophomore 1st: geo1, 10th english, pe3, spanish3, adv. choir, bio1, physics1
Sophomore 2nd: geo2, writing for publication, aerobics (for pe4), spanish4, adv. choir, physics2, drivers/college&career (which are mandatory -__- but you can take during summer school for some price)
Junior 1st: adv. alg1, ap ush1, comedy&satire (english), chem1h, spanish5, adv. choir, ap psych (didnt get to take it because I picked last D:)
Junior 2nd: adv. alg2, ap ush2, expository writing, chem2, spanish6, adv. choir, health ed.

And my plans for next year:
Senior 1st: pre-calc1, ap statistics1, ap econ micro, ap spanish, ap english, adv. choir, leadership (for student govt)
Senior 2nd: pre-calc2, ap stats2, ap econ macro, ap spanish, ap english, leadership, american democracy, maybe choir


Yea my senior year is not gonna be a breeze =P

PS. You should really start to be involved in school activities like sports (volleyball 12 peat champs! holla), key club (holla!), and other clubs that you're interested in. There's so many, its kinda ridiculous. Definitely keep a heads up for such things so you can build up you transcript credit.