FAQs – Class of 2010
1. What classes should I take to be successful?
AMHS guarantees all students will be scheduled for all the classes necessary to be accepted to a four-year university.
2. When should I add electives to my schedule?
All AMHS students must carry at a minimum of six (6) classes each semester. It is mandatory that a student add electives if the assigned program does not fulfill this requirement. If one needs to add electives in Art and/or PE to make this number, it is necessary to give three course choices in the area so that the registrar has the opportunity to provide a preferred alternative if your first choice is not available.
3. When should I take my second required Art and Physical Development classes?
These should be taken any time after freshman year. Most seniors take classes in these areas.
4. If I am interested, how may Honors and/or Advanced Placement classes should I take? I don’t want to be too stressed.
Honors and Advanced Placement classes qualify the individual for acceptance to more selective universities, e.g. UCLA. If you are interested in a more selective university, you should take the advanced classes you qualify for in each academic department. Advanced classes should not take so much time and energy from a student that they impair the student’s health, sleep, normal social time, and involvement in other activities like sports, theater, or other campus activities. If you are experiencing difficulty with an advanced class or your course load, you should quickly make any appointment with your counselor.
5. Is it possible to be moved out of a scheduled Honors or Advanced Placement class if my grades are not as strong at the end of this semester?
Yes. Placement requires a qualifying grade for both semesters.
6. If I was not assigned a class for next year, such as Spanish, because my first semester grade did not qualify me, can I add it later if my grades improve the second semester?
That depends on the class. Talk to your teacher about this concern. It may be possible to add the requested class to your schedule if you have made significant improvement in your grade by the end of the school year. You will need permission of the department chair to add the class.
7. Can I change my schedule after I receive it over the summer? How do I do that?
It is possible, but options are limited. Email Mrs. Waterbury in the Registrar’s Office to make your request. Please note that the Registrar’s Office is closed in July and the Add/Drop period begins in August.
8. If I earn a “D” in a first semester class, how do I make- up this grade so I qualify a college’s admission requirements?
Colleges only recognize classes as completed if a grade is “C” or better is earned. Therefore, it is extremely important that you retake the semester of the class in which you received the “D” or “F”. This must be accomplished the summer before the next school year. Summer schools at AMHS, other local high schools, or at Community Colleges are available to fulfill this requirement. Consult the letter mailed to your parents from the Associate Principal regarding the specific course to take.
9. How do my parents approve of the schedule I’ve chosen?
Your parents will be able to view your list of classes in May. If they have concerns about course placement, they may contact the department chair who made the placement. The email addresses will be available with your course list. Student requests for Add/Drops as preferences are handled during the Add/Drop period at the beginning of August.
10. Can I discuss my proposed schedule with anyone to make sure it is the best for me given my future college goals and personal interests?
Sophomores are invited to meetings with counselors on Thursday, March 13th after school in Room 401 or Friday, March 14th during the lunch periods in the Monarch Room.
