Class Schedule: Here is an example of a senior's schedule. Notice how this person's (actually it's mine -James) 5th period class room number determines which lunch he has: He has 2nd lunch, and thus goes to period 5 after period 4 for half the time, goes to lunch, and comes back to class. All first period classes in the mornings are one hour long; for studies, you may stay in the room or go to the library (going to the library is more fun). It's convenient to tape your schedule to your agenda book (alumni donated) the first week of school--just in case you forget any rooms.

...and APs? (You must be wondering about that) 3 is manageable senior year--take 4 only if you're seriously committed to academics. 2 or 3 for Junior year and Senior year are good bets--depending on the subject. But remember! You have to pay for those AP tests too.. 4 APs Senior Year equals 4*$85=$340 .. and not to mention the stress level in May.

If you take an AP class and want the AP credit (+0.5 more than honors, +1.0 more than regular, and 1.5 more than reach-back), you must pay the $85 or reduced AP test fee, and just take the test. A common misconception is that you must score a 3 or higher (out of 5) to receive AP credit at Boston Latin (if you paid attention and did some work, it's a guaranteed 3; not paying attention and not studying is a 2.. no one has gotten a 1 before, I don't think..)--but you just have to take the test--even if it's completely blank--your $85 will buy you AP credit. Remember, you don't have to report your scores, however, even scores of 3 (which seem average) state that you are ready for college curriculums. The College Board also gives out prizes for AP test takers such as... AP Scholar (3.0 Average on 3 or more APs), AP Honors Scholar (3.25+), State Scholar, National Scholar, etc.

Some universities (such as UMASS Amherst) add weight to Latin School's regular class GPAs (Grade Point Average); thus, regular classes are counted higher in GPA calculation at Amherst. Note that Amherst does add another 0.5+ for honors classes, and a whole point to AP courses.

Theorhetically, the highest GPA combination for Senior year would be: 4 APs (5.3 A+), and 2 honors (4.8 A+) .. and to get a 5.13 would be pretty impossible..!

With the Class of 2005--9th grade will count in the overall GPA calculation via transcript, which will be sent to colleges. Other classes will have Sophomore year's GPA, Junior Year, and the first two terms of Senior Year (sent separately, but very important grades) averaged into a collective GPA score. Nonetheless, colleges still look at your latter Senior year grades if they fall dramatically ("senioritis")--and may take away the bulk of your financial aide or decide to retract your acceptance.

Most people think Junior year's GPA is the most important aspect of all college endeavors. Not true: although it's more reflection than senior year, and the greatest chance to raise GPAs--with Senior year comes recommendations, college essays, awards, interviews, and so on so forth. Alleged success stories (from Class of 2003) include students with 2.0 GPAs with excellent essays or pure luck getting into Boston College, UMASS Amherst, and other great schools. We're not all grade-frenzied robots to colleges, you know?

There is much discussion about schedules, classes, grades, and colleges in the Online Forums.