AP courses can also help you get accepted into college. It's less about taking the easy classes and earning an A than it is about showing colleges that you're willing to take a challenging class, even if it lowers your grade point average.
If you hear a clunk when the suspension works over bumps, the probable cause is excessive clearance in a joint due to wear. It might be as simple as a loose strut gland nut, or something more subtle such as a shrunken, dried-out rubber bushing. Share.
Pinging is caused by pre-detonation, which can be cause by timing being advanced too far. But since modern cars' timing is controlled the computer, it's highly unlikely you have a timing issue. What's more probably is that the spark plugs are worn out and need to be replaced.