<p>It sounds like you haven’t started classes yet and are assuming that you won’t be challenged when you do start classes in the future. You might be surprised about the degree of challenge you can find, even if it is a less selective college. General classes will likely be taught at a higher level and faster pace than your HS, without stopping each time someone in the class doesn’t understand. In many high schools, most students receive A’s, so it has come to mean A is for average. College classes tend to have more challenging problem sets and exam questions, leading to more harsh grading. In some less selective colleges, the average grade for the class is C+ or lower, and only a small portion of the class receives A’s. I once took a linear algebra class at SUNYA where the majority of the class received a failing grade. You also won’t be the only bright person in your classes who did very well in HS. Many excellent students choose to attend their local state school, even though they could have been accepted to ivy-type private colleges.</p>
<p>I’d suggest waiting to see how you find the courses, rather than assuming that it will be too easy for you to do well. If it does turn out to be too easy, then I’d suggest taking the highest level of courses when multiple levels are available (honors/accelerated) and emphasizing upper level courses, including ones frequently taken by graduate students, once you have completed the relevant prerequisites. The emphasis on more advanced courses will probably seem impressive, if applying to a graduate or professional program elsewhere.</p>