<p>I'm just wondering what is really more impressive. I have known people who had easier schedules than me and who had more time for ECs and got into schools like Duke, Vanderbilt, Emory, etc. I'm in my junior year and I'm taking AP English, APUSH, AP Bio, and AP Calculus. I'm getting B's in Bio and Calc. I know there are definitely plenty of people on this forum with even harder schedules, but at my school most of the juniors take 1-3 APs and a lot of them will be pretty easy, like Stats, Psych, Human Geo, Enviro, etc. But still they get straight A's and its frustrating! </p>
<p>I have had to sleep until 4am sometimes because of my classes while still getting Bs. My school is difficult too, there is no grade inflation or leniency. Is it better to easier APs instead of all the difficult ones??</p>
<p>It really depends on what schools you’re looking to apply to next year. I have never taken an AP class. I’ve taken mostly honors but there are some CP’s in my schedule and I got accepted to my dream school (Emerson) as well as Lesley (with their highest merit scholarship). However, if you’re looking to apply to top schools then it might benefit you if you can take AP’s and handle them.</p>
<p>It does not matter what’s “impressive” What matters is what is best for YOU! If you can handle the tough AP’s then take them, if you can’t then don’t. I think you would be happier to take an easier course load, so do it. Yes, you always want to push yourself to do the best you can - but staying up to 4:00, and then getting B’s does not seem right to me.</p>
<p>There is a college out there that wants you for what you CAN do, so just do the best that you can, and find a school that fits YOUR profile. Don’t try to fit their profile! </p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>If you can’t handle the course load, talk with your Guidance Counselor and switch out.</p>
<p>Otherwise, refocus, try and set new strategies to deal with your workload, and speak with your teachers on how you can do better.</p>
<p>You have to take the most rigorous workload that YOUR school provides in order to have a shot at these colleges. If they don’t see you maximizing your opportunities, top schools won’t have much to admit you on.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>The bottom line is, colleges reject people for their own good as much as for the college’s own benefit. Some people are just not able to handle the tough courseload at many elite universities. </p>
<p>That said, do not overburden yourself with the hardest classes. Just take what you feel is most appropriate.</p>