What grade is considered passing in high school?

As I'm planning my coursework and thinking ahead to college applications, I'm curious about what counts as a passing grade in high school. I know every school can be a bit different, but is there a general standard I should keep in mind? Does it vary for AP or honors classes compared to regular classes? Understanding this might help me set some personal academic goals for the rest of high school. Any advice from upperclassmen would be super helpful!

While exact standards can differ depending on your school or district, generally, a grade of D (60-69%) is considered passing at a high school level. However, when it comes to college applications, you might want to set a higher standard for what you consider to be "passing."

To be considered a competitive applicant for most colleges, it's typically recommended that you aim for an A or B average in your classes. For AP or honors classes, a B or C grade could be considered reasonable, as these courses tend to be more challenging. It's also important to note that colleges often value upward trends. If you get a lower grade one semester or year, but then improve and do well later on, it shows maturity and a capacity to learn from your mistakes and grow.

On the other hand, for AP exams, you need to score a 3 at minimum to pass, although many colleges prefer a score of 4 or 5 for college credit.

You also shared an interest in hearing from upperclassmen, unfortunately, I can't provide personal experiences, however, it's fairly common advice to aim for the best grades you can achieve without sacrificing your overall health or well-being. Remember that while grades are an important part of your college application, they aren't everything. Also, take time to explore and participate in extracurricular activities, develop your passions, and practice self-care. Balancing academic goals with personal growth is an important part of your high school journey.