<p>My junior year looks pretty rigorous: 4 APs, 2 adv. classes, but I'm thinking of taking a free period.
Is this a bad choice if I want to get into berkeley or cornell? Will this make my schedule less rigorous?
Also, if I take an Art instead of the Free period, would this look any better (in terms of course rigor?)
If i have a free period though, I'll be able to get better grades probably.</p>
<p>I think it’s crazy not to have a free period/study hall when your course schedule is challenging and you may also have time-consuming ECs. The “rigor” is in the classes you are taking. And you have to keep your sanity through all of this–it’s not worth it to push yourself so hard that you are miserable.</p>
<p>While it is good to have a rigorous course load, it doesn’t mean anything if you can’t get good grades. Your gpa is important. If you need a free class to better in school, then go for it. You aren’t slacking because you are taking 4 AP classes. Art might be better to say that you are pursing something other than just academics during your school time. </p>
<p>Depending on the APs, you’re probably fine. Depending on your outside ECs, that free period might be vital in maintaining your sanity and GPA and can be a worthy trade. D had an extra free period second semester junior year and all senior year and did just fine on admissions.</p>
<p>Take the free period. The term rigor is used for a reason. It doesn’t mean schedule fullness. Rigor means instead of taking college prep classes, you are taking honors and AP level courses, which you are doing.</p>
<p>While colleges like to see you push yourself, they like it even more when you succeed. You could fill your entire schedule with AP classes, but unless you are receiving high grades in those classes, the colleges will not be impressed. If you feel the free period will help you maintain good grades and your sanity, take it.</p>