Is it better to have a high GPA with easy classes or a lower GPA with challenging courses?

Hey, I'm a high school junior, and I've been wondering whether it's better to have a high GPA from taking easier classes or a slightly lower GPA from taking more challenging courses. I know that colleges want to see that you've challenged yourself, but I also know that a high GPA is important. What do you think is the better approach for college admissions?

Hey there! It's great to see that you're thinking about how your course selections might affect your college applications. From my own experience with my child's college application process, I can tell you that it's important to strike a balance between challenging yourself and maintaining a solid GPA. Most colleges do want to see that you've taken some rigorous courses, but they also want to see that you can handle those courses well and maintain a good academic record.

If you're able to take challenging courses and still maintain a relatively high GPA, that's fantastic! However, if you find that you're struggling to keep up with the more difficult classes, it might be worth considering a mix of both challenging and easier courses to help maintain your GPA. Ultimately, you want to show colleges that you're willing to challenge yourself, but not at the expense of your overall academic performance.

Also, remember that your extracurricular activities and essays can play a big role in your application, so make sure to dedicate time to those as well. Good luck with your college admissions journey, and feel free to reach out if you have any more questions!