<p>I plan to apply to some top/elite schools but have a pretty low GPA for their standards : a 3.6-3.7. However, I have been taking the most rigorous course load possible for a student at my school. How much does that factor into an admission decision? Had I taken easy classes and gotten a 4.0 would that have been better? I'm just curious.</p>
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Had I taken easy classes and gotten a 4.0 would that have been better?
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<p>No, elite schools are looking for students who are willing to challenge themselves so getting a transcript full of easy A's is not going to help your cause.</p>
<p>The rigor is more important</p>
<p>I love this advice that I once heard on some television show. Forgot which. Here it is: It is better to get a hard C than to get an easy A. </p>
<p>In my opinion it is never bad to earn a hard A.</p>
<p>At Stanford's admission presentation a similar questions was asked. Is it better to get a B in an honors class or an A in a regular class. The Stanford rep answered, it is better to get an A in an honors class.</p>