Hello,
I’m a rising sophomore looking to apply to top-tier colleges. During freshman year, I took English I honors and Geometry honors and had a GPA of 3.9. For sophomore year, I’m planning to take English II honors, Algebra II honors, Chemistry honors, and History AP. Although I have been recommended by individual teachers to take honors courses, the school assistant director strongly suggests that I only take three rigorous courses out of the four that I can take. She believes that this will be the best beneficial in terms of my challenge needs, mental health, and GPA. However, it worries me that I’m not taking the most rigorous course that I can take compared to my friends who are taking all the honors and AP courses. I really need help on this issue.
Thanks
Ask your counselor this: If I take only 3 out of 4 honors courses, will you still mark my course load as ‘most rigorous’ on the secondary school report? Tell her that you are aiming for top-tier schools.
If no, then I would strongly recommend that you take the 4th course or talk with the counselor as course rigor is weighed heavily by top-tier colleges.
If yes, then it is ultimately up to you. If you think you can handle 4 honors courses, then take it. If you think you can’t with your circumstances, then don’t.
They figure only the “dedicated” students will fight such a ridiculous rule.
Taking too many hard courses can be hard to manage (I’ve gone through that) so your school assistant director is right on some points.
However, I suggest you ask peers who have taken the classes or view course material and find out how hard the classes really are. How much time will you have to study for them? Are you interested in the subject?
Everybody is different - some kids can handle it and some can’t. The only way you can find out if you can is to give it a shot. But be aware of cut-dates, so if you get into your schedule early - and realize it is too severe - you have an out.