How do colleges determine rigor?

<p>Do they look at the transcript or go completely by what the guidance counselor says? Because my GC says I have the 'Most Rigorous' schedule, when in fact I had a couple regular electives in my previous years. Senior year im currently taking 4 APs and 2 honors so obviously its most rigorous, but I wouldn't classify my first three years as the 'most', probably very. Will my GC rigor boost help me that much for the schools that claim rigor as most important to them? thanks</p>

<p>It depends on what other students in your school are taking. If your school only allows certain amount of AP/Honors classes per particular year, and no one else is taking a curriculum harder, then your schedule is most rigorous even with electives. Essentially colleges look at the transcript, your GC statement and the distribution of courses of other students in your school.</p>

<p>a lot of people substitute in another AP instead of an elective</p>