How do colleges view online courses on applications?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior and I've taken a few online courses outside of my regular high school classes. How do colleges view these courses on applications? Will they help me stand out or be seen as less valuable? Any advice or personal experiences would be great. Thanks!

Hey there! My child went through the college application process just a couple of years ago, so I can share some insight from our experience. Colleges generally view online courses positively, as long as they are from reputable institutions or programs. Taking online courses shows initiative and a genuine interest in learning beyond the regular high school curriculum. It can definitely help you stand out, especially if the courses are in subjects you're passionate about or plan to pursue in college. That being said, it's important to maintain a strong academic performance in your core high school classes as well. Colleges still place a lot of weight on your GPA, standardized test scores, and the rigor of your high school curriculum. Online courses can be a great supplement to your application, but they shouldn't replace your primary focus on doing well in your regular classes. In summary, continue exploring your interests through online courses, but don't forget to maintain a strong foundation in your high school coursework as well. Good luck, and I hope this helps!