The Dean offers advice to a student who is considering dropping some classes during the spring semester of 12th grade. https://insights.collegeconfidential.com/can-i-drop-senior-classes
I totally agree with the Dean’s advice on this question. The student is in danger of messing up his Fall college plans.
To the student in question, understand that college is tough. You will work hard. Perhaps a good idea is to consider asking for a deferral once you’ve got your acceptances in hand. If you need a break, take a gap year and recharge. But find out first if your top choices post-acceptance will let you defer. Good luck.
A related question: is it OK for students to make minor modifications to schedule?
Specific example: student submitted apps with a “college course” listed for the spring session. This college course will not be on the HS transcript. In the college app It is listed under college X. After submitting the apps, student realized that he can take the same class at college Y for much lower fee. The fee diff is significant and student is planning to take the course at Y instead of stated X. Is it OK? or is it something to check with colleges. (note that this is for RD app - so there is no admission yet - if there is a need student has to talk to multiple colleges).
Always inform and check with the college before making any change to in-progress or planned courses. Colleges do not like surprises on final transcripts received during the summer.
The application portal may have a way of updating the application or communicating with the college on these matters.
Such minor changes are almost always fine, but you still contact the school before making the change.
@RichInPitt , dropping two classes isn’t a minor change, especially if one is an AP and the other an Honors. I doubt a college would mind if it was a non-academic elective such as wood shop, for example, but the student must okay it with the college first.
@hs2020dad That is extremely minor. Unless there is a significant difference in the syllabus (review the topics covered in both courses), the student will still be taking the same rigorous class.
Communication is key. I have a friend who dropped one of his AP classes in senior year and wrote a paragraph explaining why he dropped the class after receiving the decision.