What does a rigorous high school courseload look like?

Hello! As I plan my remaining high school years and prepare for college applications, I'd like to know what a rigorous high school courseload looks like. What type of courses should I be taking to challenge myself in order to stand out to college admissions officers?

Hi there! It's great to see that you're being proactive in planning your high school courseload with an eye towards college applications. A rigorous high school courseload typically includes a mix of Advanced Placement (AP), Honors, International Baccalaureate (IB), or dual enrollment classes, depending on what your school offers.

It's important to challenge yourself in your core subject areas: English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Your goal should be to take the most challenging courses you can handle without sacrificing your mental health or spreading yourself too thin. Colleges like to see students who challenge themselves and perform well in these advanced courses.

You may also want to tailor your course selection to your academic and career interests. For example, if you're passionate about science or engineering, taking multiple advanced level science and math courses would demonstrate your dedication and commitment to that field.

However, remember not to compromise the quality of your grades and extracurricular involvement for the sake of taking a high number of hard classes. It's better to excel in a well-rounded and reasonably challenging courseload than to struggle through an excessive number of difficult courses. Good luck planning your high school years and remember to enjoy the learning experience!