<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>They generally don’t care much about your weighted GPA because all high schools weight differently. Unweighted GPA is more important…if you’re getting mostly As in close to the most challenging courses possible, you’re probably fine. A lot of schools do care about class rank, though, so don’t let it get too low. </p>
<p>You can look at different colleges’ Common Data Sets to see what they look at for admissions. </p>
<p>As long as you’re in the top 5% (or even 10%) of your class, it shouldn’t matter all too much. Your interests and ECs matter much more than being in the 98th percentile rather than the 96th ~ </p>
<p>Don’t over analyze it. Just challenge yourself, take what you love doing, and strive for the best grades possible. Ivy leagues and “prestigious” schools are pretty overrated in my opinion…at least for a lot majors. Also…don’t feel bad about a B or two. I’m sure not every student at every top university has a 4.0. Relax, enjoy high school, and work hard. Everything will work out fine. </p>