Off Period Senior Year

Hi all! I am currently a junior at my high school and, due to an opening in my schedule, am seriously considering taking 8th period off next year. The colleges I am applying to next year are all highly competitive schools, so I am wondering if an off-period will lead to the school viewing me in a negative light. Is there anyone who did take an off-period their senior year who can give any advice on how or if this impacted their college acceptances? Thanks so much!

Might be a better look if you used that off period to take an after-school job.

Yes, I agree, and that is definitely something I’m considering, which is making me lean further towards taking the off-period. I’m just unsure if colleges will value an additional challenging academic course, or prefer to see me invest more time in activities/work outside of school…

That depends. What you do in this off period will count. But look at your target schools. Do you met and exceed their requirements?Would this off period help you go past a certain requirement that would aid in your acceptance?