How do colleges evaluate high school rigor?

Hi! As a junior, I'm trying to understand how colleges evaluate the rigor of my high school curriculum. What factors do they consider, and how can I make sure I'm taking a challenging enough course load? Thanks!

Hi there! It's great that you're thinking about the rigor of your high school curriculum as you prepare for college applications. Colleges often look at several factors when evaluating the difficulty of your coursework. Some of these factors include the types of courses you've taken, such as Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes, as well as Honors courses. They also consider the number of these classes you've taken relative to what's available at your school. If your school offers a wide range of AP/IB classes and you've taken a good number of them, that will likely be viewed favorably by colleges. On the other hand, if your school has fewer advanced options but you've still pursued the most challenging courses available, that can also demonstrate a commitment to academic rigor. You might want to talk to your school counselor to get an idea of what kind of course load is considered challenging at your school. They can help you determine which classes to take and make sure you're on the right track. Remember, it's important to balance a challenging course load with your other commitments and interests. Best of luck with your college planning!