<p>Next year, as a junior, I was originally planning to take all weighted core classes along with band, spanish 4, and college life skills (apparently a highly recommended class). In taking these classes (and expecting to receive all As), my GPA should be respectively high.
However, my school is now offering a two block, two semester, two year engineering class. I am very inclined to take this course and plan to major in engineering in college. Taking the engineering course means I can not take spanish (which I am very passionate about), college life skills, or have a study hall. That being said, I also have the option to not take AP US and take two 1-semester social studies classes (that I can fit into my junior and senior years, respectively). Thus, I would be able to take either spanish or college life skills. Because I have no interest in pursuing history, this is a viable option for me. The obvious disadvantage, though, would be my GPA going down (although hopefully not below a 4.0) and I would not fulfill my hopes of becoming saludictorian/valedictorian.
Taking the engineering course would also prevent me from taking honors/AP courses senior year.
At the end of the day, however, I wish to pursue engineering.
So, back to my question: is my GPA more important than taking classes that will help me in the future?
(More of a rhetorical question): What's the point of taking a bunch of meaningless weighted classes to get a high GPA instead of taking courses focused on one's future?
Please keep in mind I'm aiming for top-ranked colleges and universities.
Thanks for any feedback; much appreciated. </p>
<p>This sounds like a great question for your guidance counselor!</p>
<p>When you apply to college, your GC must fill out the Secondary School Report (SSR) that rates the rigor of your course load against all other college bound students at your school. Selective colleges are looking for students who take the most demanding course load at their high school and do well in those courses. Without knowing how your GC values the new engineering class against Spanish 4, AP US, and College Life Skills, it’s impossible to answer your question. Ask your GC!</p>
<p>For reference, see the top section – especially the top right hand section – of page 2 on the SSR: <a href=“http://www.ugadm.northwestern.edu/documents/UG_Admissions_SecondarySchoolReport.pdf”>http://www.ugadm.northwestern.edu/documents/UG_Admissions_SecondarySchoolReport.pdf</a></p>
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GPA and class rank are very important when applying to prestigious colleges. Check their Common Data Set to see how much weight each gets in admission.
This is really a different question. This presupposes that you gain nothing from classes which aren’t related to your intended major (which could change when you go to college). Most HS are based around building general knowledge and students don’t get into preprofessional subjects until college (if then). </p>