<p>Hi, I'm a sophomore, and am questioning my courses for next year. Planning AP Chem, Eng. and Hist, Physics H, Bio II H, 2nd languare iV H. Some kids aren't taking as hard a class load, trying for the better GPA. So, what's better...higher GPA, or more AP's?? What do the colleges really want? Also, my rank would be lower if my gpa is lower, even with the harder classes, right?</p>
<p>It all depends, are you naturally smart or willing to work hard and take a risk, or do you want to play it safe? Assuming that all the classes you listed are AP courses, you’d better get at A’s on at least 5 of them, or else your class rank will drop. If you know for certain that you can’t achieve that, then go for the GPA. It’s better to have straight A’s than a bunch of B’s in AP courses. That’s what colleges look for. They look to see that you can challenge yourself, but that doesn’t mean take the maximum AP courses and not receive the best grade possible. It all depends on who you are. If you can get past your sophomore year with literally NO studying at all, then go for more. </p>
<p>Take me for example. I know from experience. I’m also a sophomore - I’m planning on taking AP Calc BC, Chem, Bio, and English. I don’t take as many as some of my grade does; but I’m very sure I ccan get A’s in all of them. I’ve already read through my AP Bio textbook; I’ve read all the AP English novels; I’m going to study AP Calc and Chem at Pitt over the summer.
That’s me. Then there’s my cousin, who is an absolute genius. He took 8-9 AP courses by the end of his junior year, got all A’s, all perfects except one on his SAT subject and AP exams. He’s able to handle all of that since he’s already good. Oh, by the way, he’s going to Stanford.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your suggestions. Yes, I meant AP Chem, AP Eng, AP History; then Phyics H, Bio II H, Span 4 H. The thing is other kids are taking easier stuff, so their gpa will likely be higher. So your saying, take something easier, and get all A’s easier? </p>
<p>Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>The best possible scenario colleges want to see is kids’ getting top grades in AP classes. You won’t even be giving yourself a chance to do that if you don’t take the APs. If you believe in yourself, go for it, and work harder than you ever have before. Put in that extra effort to challenge yourself, and it will pay of.</p>