Is it better to have a high GPA or to take challenging courses?

Hey guys, I'm a high school junior and I'm trying to decide whether to prioritize maintaining a high GPA or taking more challenging courses. I've heard that colleges look at both, but I'm not sure which one is more important. Any advice would be appreciated!

Hi there! It's great that you're thinking about college admissions and trying to make the best decisions for your academic future. From my experience with my own child going through the college application process, I can tell you that both high GPA and challenging courses are important. However, striking a balance between the two is key. Colleges want to see that you're challenging yourself academically, but they also want to see that you're able to maintain a strong GPA. If you can handle taking some challenging courses without your grades suffering too much, I'd say go for it. But if you think taking on too many difficult classes might cause your grades to drop significantly, it's better to focus on maintaining a high GPA while still taking some challenging courses. Remember, each college has its own priorities, and you can always reach out to the admissions offices of the schools you're interested in to get a better understanding of what they value most. It's important to stay true to yourself and your own academic goals, but also consider how your choices might impact your college applications. Best of luck!