Is it better to take advanced courses in highschool and get a below average GPA or is it better to take easy courses and get a really good GPA if I wanted to get into a top 10 university?
For “a top 10 university” you’ll need to take advanced courses and get a really good GPA, @ahmedisgr8 .
My advice is to find a balance. A high GPA does look good, and plays a role in admissions, colleges want to see that you’ve challenged yourself by looking at the classes you’ve taken. I would think that a B in a AP or honors level course holds more value than an A in a regular course. My advice is to start with maybe one or two advanced courses for one year, work hard in them, and see how you do. If you can handle the work and think you’re ready for more, then take more of them the next year.
Don’t worry about the grade you may get in the class before you even sign up for it. Focus on what you may gain from that class (personally, I’ve learned much more in difficult classes than in the easy ones where I didn’t have to work as hard) and take advantage of creating your best possible education.
Optimally…
You’ll need A’s in honors and AP classes (a combination of both, culminating in 3-4 AP 's each of junior and senior year.)
4 units each of English, Social science /history, science. Science should include all three from bio, chemistry, physics.
Plus math through pre-calculus or calculus, and foreign language through level 4 or AP.
Create a balanced schedule. Always take the more advanced class if you think you can get a B but do not overload, especially not at the expense of sleep. Make sure you get eight hours each night or you’ll harm your growth, body, and brain.