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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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?

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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