My daughter is going to be a junior and really wants to go to SDSU. We have gotten mixed messages about the advantage of taking honors/AP/IB classes vs.non- honors classes. Does SDSU look at advanced classes? Would she be better off with a B in an honors/AP/IB class vs. an A in a non-honors class?
SDSU considers course rigor/GPA and test scores the most important aspects of an application. Since SDSU is one of the most competitive CSU’s, taking AP/IB/Honors classes would be a definite advantage and would be expected if these classes are offerred at your daughter’s HS. My younger son, currently starting 2nd year, took 10 AP’s and 2 Honors classes to give him the boost he needed in applying as a CS major. 4 semesters of AP/IB and UC approved Honors classes (8 honors points) are given to applicants when calculating their CSU GPA (10-11th grades)
https://secure.csumentor.edu/planning/high_school/gpa_calculator.asp
It is possible to gain an acceptance taking regular classes, but with the competitive nature of so many of the California schools, anything extra an applicant can do to improve their chances should be taken. Much will depend upon her intended major, but as a rule, she should strive for a rigorous schedule in comparison to her fellow classmates.
Another advantage to AP/IB classes is that SDSU is pretty generous with AP/IB credit. My son was able to opt out of 5 classes due to his AP scores and although he has only finished 2 semesters at SDSU, he is currently at Junior Status and could graduate in 3 1/2 years instead of 4.