HOW TO SELECT COURSES?
The key factor in selecting high school courses is ensuring you develop a well-rounded and balanced curriculum that strengthens your college admissions profile. This balance should consider students' ability to succeed and thrive in their chosen courses.
Ideally, every student should aim to take the most advanced classes available at their school, provided they can achieve strong grades—primarily A's with a few B's. However, it is essential to avoid overextending to the point where grades drop to C's or below.
A common dilemma is whether to opt for a more rigorous course and risk earning a B or to choose a less challenging course and secure an A. The answer depends on the individual student’s capacity, long-term goals, and the potential impact on their academic record. Generally, it is better to challenge oneself and earn a B in a demanding course than to settle for easier options—but only if the student can avoid the pitfall of a C. Admissions officers value students who demonstrate the ability to push themselves while maintaining academic excellence.
Let's talk about how to select courses in your high school that will improve your candidacy as a college applicant.
High School Course Selection!
AP COURSES
While students should aim to challenge themselves academically, it is important to remain consistent in your efforts. For instance, Advanced Placement (AP) courses require a balance of effort throughout the year, but more importantly a strong performance on the final AP test.
To truly reflect success, you will need both a good grade in the class and a high score on the AP test. The test is scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 3 being the passing grade. While a 3 is acceptable, a score of 4 or 5 is preferable. If a student does not pass the test (scoring below a 3), it is typically not reported to colleges. This means students should aim to take as many AP classes as they can handle effectively, ensuring they can achieve both strong grades and commendable test scores. The goal is to challenge students without compromising their overall academic success.