Rigor of high school classes-How does Vanderbilt look at this?

<p>I'm a sophomore now, and I'm opting to take 3 AP classes-American, Physics B, and Italian, as well as an Honors English class next year, but I don't know if I'll be able to keep a high enough GPA for Vandy. Does Vanderbilt emphasize a good GPA or AP courses more in considering their admitted students? I know I should try to do well in the AP courses, but I don't know how well I'll do in Physics B.</p>

<p>My D was told to take the tougher curriculum, even if it i meant a slightly lower GPA. She was also told it was more important how you finished your HS career... She ended on a big upswing with 5 AP's her senior year (all A's and B's). She ended with a weighted 3.93/5.00. She is a rising junior at Vandy. Test scores were pretty average (31 ACT/ 1340 SAT) but what we were told made the difference is she was a stronger student her junior/senior year. I would go with that harder classes and do the best you can.</p>

<p>Thank you for your reply, pmrlcomm. It seems like I will be taking 3 APs next year, and in my senior year I will opt to take 3-4.</p>

<p>The correct answer is to take the most rigorous course load and have the highest possible grades! However, Vanderbilt is one of the few schools that really does holistically view applications and you'd almost definitely be better served by taking the toughest possible schedule regardless and at the very least aiming to score as high as possible.</p>

<p>For once palm and I seem to agree...</p>