Due to some scheduling conflicts, I'm thinking about taking a few high school classes online. Will colleges view these accredited online high school classes the same as in-person ones, or is there a stigma around them?
Colleges generally consider accredited online high school courses to be equally as rigorous and valid as in-person courses, especially when they can see that the accreditation is from a reputable source. In fact, in the wake of recent global events, more students are participating in online education, and colleges are becoming well-versed in recognizing the value of different modes of learning. It's important, however, to ensure that the online classes you take are challenging and that you do well in them, as colleges will look at the grades you earned in these courses just like any others. If the online classes allow you to take more advanced or specialized courses that wouldn't otherwise fit into your schedule, that's often viewed positively. Just remember to maintain a strong overall course rigor across your high school career. If these online classes are part of a dual enrollment program with a local college, that can also be a plus on your transcript. As long as your school counselor includes a note in your school profile or counselor letter addressing the scheduling conflicts and the reason for taking online courses, colleges will understand the context around your course choices.
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