What value do English honors classes add to my transcript?

Junior here trying to plan out classes! Does taking an English honors class add significant value to my transcript for competitive colleges, or is it pretty much the same as taking the regular class in terms of how colleges view it?

Honors classes do add value to your transcript, as they show colleges that you're willing to challenge yourself academically. An honors course is typically considered more rigorous than a regular class and thus can impact your Academic Index—a tool selective schools use during admissions to quantify your academic background as a whole.

Taking an honors class demonstrates not only your ability to handle more difficult coursework, but also your initiative in pursuing an advanced understanding of the subject matter. While the difference between an honors class and a regular class might not be as significant as, say, between a regular class and an AP or IB course, it still marks a step up in difficulty. Additionally, how the honors class is perceived will depend on your school's particular offerings, as at some schools, honors courses are the highest level offered, in which case they would be perceived similarly to an AP or IB courses.

For competitive colleges, taking challenging courses can make you stand out, particularly when you do well in them, as it shows you're ready for the extra rigor of college-level work. Just make sure you're balancing your course load and not overwhelming yourself—college admissions officers look for success in these classes, not just enrollment. For instance, getting a solid 'A' in a regular English class can be more impressive than struggling to earn a lower grade in the honors English course.

Best of luck with your course selection!