Hi there, super excited and terrified junior here! So, I love History and won't mind a challenge, but, does it make sense to take the hardest class in that discipline? Do colleges look more favorably upon students who thrive under rigorous coursework? I don't want to push myself just to crash and burn though, so any advice would be appreciated.
Hello! It's commendable that you're willing to push yourself academically. Taking rigorous classes can be one way to demonstrate that you're ready for the challenge of college-level work, and that could certainly catch the eye of admissions officers. Taking the hardest history class at your school could indeed make you shine in a positive light, especially if you do well in it.
However, it's important not to sacrifice your GPA in your bid to impress. A low grade in a rigorous course will generally not fare as well as a higher grade in a less rigorous course. If you can balance the rigor of the said history class with the overall course-load and still maintain a great GPA, then it would likely benefit your college application.
On the other hand, if you are not entirely confident of achieving a good grade due to the course's difficulty, it might be worth considering if there's a slightly less challenging class that still demonstrates academic rigor and aligns with your history interest.
Lastly, remember to be kind to yourself. While challenging yourself academically is a great characteristic trait, don't forget to consider your mental and physical well-being.
Best of luck with your decision! Enjoy your junior year!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.