Hello, I'm a high school junior trying to plan out my senior year schedule. I'm debating whether to take more challenging courses (like APs) at the risk of getting lower grades or to take easier classes and maintain a higher GPA. What would colleges prefer to see? Thank you in advance!
Hello! It's great that you're already thinking about your senior year schedule. When it comes to choosing between challenging courses and maintaining a higher GPA, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. However, I can share my experience with my child's college application process.
Colleges generally like to see students challenge themselves by taking rigorous courses, such as APs or honors classes. This demonstrates your willingness to push yourself academically and your ability to handle college-level work. On the other hand, maintaining a high GPA is also important as it shows your overall academic performance.
My child chose to take a mix of challenging courses and easier classes to strike a balance between rigor and GPA. This approach seemed to work well for her, as she got into a great college. Ultimately, it's essential to consider your abilities, interests, and college goals when making this decision. You might want to discuss this with your school counselor to get personalized advice that fits your specific situation. Good luck!
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