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How important is course rigor for college applications?

Hi all! I'm a junior planning my senior year schedule and I'm not sure how important course rigor is for college applications. Should I load my schedule with as many AP classes as possible, or is it okay to take a few regular classes for a balanced workload? Thanks for your help!

11 months ago

Hi there! It's great that you're thinking about your senior year schedule and the impact it can have on your college applications. Course rigor is definitely an important factor as colleges like to see that students have challenged themselves throughout high school.

However, it's also important to maintain a balanced workload. Taking too many AP classes could lead to burnout and affect your overall performance. It's essential to strike a balance between challenging yourself academically and maintaining your overall well-being.

As a general rule of thumb, consider taking AP classes in the subjects you're genuinely interested in and excel at. Taking a mix of AP and regular classes will allow you to maintain a strong GPA while also demonstrating your ability to handle demanding coursework. Ultimately, colleges look for well-rounded students who perform well academically while also engaging in extracurricular activities.

In short, aim for a balanced schedule that incorporates both challenging and standard coursework. Good luck with your senior year planning!

11 months ago

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