Are schools removing honors classes, and how would that affect college admissions?

I’ve heard rumors that some schools are starting to phase out honors classes in favor of a more inclusive curriculum. Not sure how true this is, but if it is, what does that mean for us applying to colleges that are used to seeing honors courses on transcripts? Does anyone have more info on this? Kinda worried about how it’ll look if my school doesn't offer as many by the time I apply.

It's true that some schools are reevaluating their course offerings to promote equity and access for all students, which may include phasing out honors classes. But don't worry too much—colleges understand that applicants come from a vast array of educational backgrounds and adjust their expectations accordingly. Admissions officers evaluate your transcript within the context of what's available at your school. If honors courses are not offered, it will not count against you. Instead, they will look for other indicators of rigor and achievement in your coursework. For instance, if your school offers AP or IB classes instead, excelling in these can demonstrate your readiness for college-level work.

Moreover, your active engagement in whatever highest-level courses your school does offer (even if they're not labeled 'honors') will show admissions officers your dedication to academic excellence. It's also a good idea to pursue learning opportunities outside the classroom to further showcase your intellectual curiosity. This could be through online courses, summer programs, or self-directed learning projects. Colleges are interested in how you challenge yourself and engage with your education, regardless of the specific titles of your classes. So, keep striving for excellence in the courses available to you, and remember to highlight your academic pursuits outside of school on your applications. Rest assured, colleges will evaluate your application based on the opportunities you've had and what you've done with them.