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Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
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Is it better to take a challenging course and get a lower grade or take an easier course and get a higher grade?

Hey all! I'm a junior and I'm struggling to decide whether I should take a more challenging course with the risk of getting a lower grade, or take an easier course and likely get a higher grade. What do colleges prefer to see on my transcript? Thanks in advance!

a year ago

Hey there! I remember when my child faced a similar decision during their junior year. From our experience, it really depends on the specific college you're applying to and your academic goals. Some colleges appreciate seeing that you challenged yourself by taking rigorous courses, even if you earn slightly lower grades. On the other hand, some colleges might focus more on your overall GPA, so getting a higher grade in an easier course could be more beneficial. I would suggest researching the colleges you're interested in and their admission requirements to get an idea of their preferences. Additionally, consider how the challenging course might fit into your overall course load and whether you feel confident in your ability to manage the extra workload. If the challenging course is related to your potential major or career path, it might be worth taking it to show your dedication and passion. Ultimately, it's important to strike a balance between challenging yourself academically and maintaining a strong GPA. Best of luck!

a year ago

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