UNDERSTANDING HONOR & AP COURSE LEVELS

Here’s a breakdown of the types of advanced coursework colleges recognize:

Honor Courses:

• Offered in many schools as advanced versions of core classes

• Good introduction to academic challenge

• Weighted in GPA at many high schools

• Shows initiative and higher-level thinking

AP (Advanced Placement)

• College-level courses with a standardized exam at the end

• Widely recognized by U.S. colleges

• High AP exam scores (3–5) can earn college credit or advanced placement

• Best for students who can handle independent reading, writing, and fast pacing

MORE ABOUT COURSE LEVELS

IB (International Baccalaureate)

• A globally recognized, rigorous program with internal assessments, projects, and exams

• Includes Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) courses

• Full IB Diploma is highly respected—requires a mix of subjects, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), an extended essay, and CAS hours

• Shows deep critical thinking, writing, and interdisciplinary analysis

AICE (Cambridge/ A-Level)

• A rigorous international program recognized by many universities

• Offers exams through the Cambridge Assessment system

• Strong emphasis on subject mastery, research, and in-depth exam performance

• Like IB, students can pursue a full AICE diploma or individual AICE courses

Dual Enrollment

• College courses taken through a local college while still in high school

• Can earn actual college credit and boost rigor

• Must be chosen carefully to ensure credit transfer and to manage workload

• Requires maturity, time management, and a strong GPA to succeed

BUILDING 4-YEAR ACADEMIC PLANS

Creating a 4-year course plan helps you:

• Ensure you meet all graduation and college entrance requirements

• Strategically increase your academic rigor over time

• Align your course choices with your interests and potential college major

• Avoid schedule conflicts or last-minute course gaps in senior year

• Leave room for electives, extracurricular involvement, or career exploration (e.g., health sciences, business, arts)

It is important to remember that...

Pushing yourself is great, but not at the expense of your mental or physical health. It is better to do well in a balanced schedule than to overload and burn out. Colleges care about your overall performance and engagement, not just how many APs or IBs are on your transcript.

A common question students have is:

Should I take a harder class and maybe get a B, or take an easier one and get an A?

The answer depends on your abilities, your goals, and how the class will affect your transcript. In most cases, it’s better to challenge yourself and earn a B in a tougher course than to take the easy route. But be careful—if the harder class might lead to a C or lower, it could hurt more than help.

Colleges like to see that you are willing to push yourself, as long as you can still do well!

Final Tips for Course Selection:

• Take 5 core academic subjects every year, if possible and even consider substituting electives for other core academic subjects to double-up or sometimes even triple-up in one or two core areas

• Aim to increase rigor gradually, don’t overdo it too early

• Choose higher-level courses in areas you are strong in or passionate about

• If unsure, talk to your counselor and revisit your long-term goals

• Keep your 4-year plan accessible and adjust it yearly as needed