<p>I will have taken 7 out of a possible 21 weighted classes at my high school and one college course by the time I graduate from high school. My UW GPA is 3.9 and W GPA is 4.4. Is that considered "rigorous" in the context of my school to USC?</p>
<p>Classes and GPA aren’t everything in the USC admissions process. The school looks at a student’s total “package.”</p>
<p>So, even if you took every AP class and had a high GPA, you could be denied admission for having no outside involvement or interests. Similarly, I know that admissions would rather see pointed and dedicated participation in both an applicants academic and EC work.</p>
<p>For instance, if a student took every single AP offered at their school (math, science, etc) and was in math/science clubs – but then is applying as a creative writing major, that will look odd to admissions. It would make them question the applicant’s intentions and dedication.</p>
<p>Conversely, if a student is applying as a creative writing major and took the literature/language APs, art history, etc and was on the newspaper and yearbook staff, ran the school’s lit mag, wrote for assemblies, etc – that’s going to look a bit more strong to admissions.</p>
<p>I’m not saying having multiple interests is bad, but just make sure the classes you’re taking and your application reflect an ongoing interest in something related to what you plan on majoring in. The less you can make admissions question your application, the better.</p>
<p>How rigorous is rigorous? Most colleges (I think USC does this) have a form which needs to be completed by your high school’s college counseling office. There is often a multiple choice question like “How rigorous was this student’s course-load: Basic, Somewhat Rigorous, Very Rigorous, Mind-Numbing?” So you might want to ask your guidance counselor how they view your track record. </p>
<p>High schools typically include a school profile which details the options and averages for their particular school. For example, while your school has 21 Honors and AP classes it may be physically impossible to take more than 14 of those classes. Without knowing all the details I’d say your schedule is somewhere in the “somewhat” to “very” rigorous range. But as ZeldaF points out, that needs to be viewed in the context of your overall application and profile.</p>
<p>I should also add that a student could have a rigorous schedule even if they are only in 2 or 3 AP classes a school year if they are on a varsity sports team, hold a high/leadership position in a student organization, participate in band or drama, etc. Those additional things counselors and USC would recognize as particularly demanding elements of a HS schedule.</p>
<p>Example: If you’re the secretary of the comic book club that meets once a month, that’s hardly an EC to be noted as “rigorous.” But, if you’re the VP of student government, that’s definitely something that would impact what kind of classes you are able to fit into your schedule.</p>
<p>Also, depending upon how well you know your counselor (and s/he knows you), outside of school activities may play a role in how “rigorous” your schedule is. For instance, my counselor knew about everything I was doing in addition to being president of two really active clubs, and I’m sure she took that into account when considering the rigor of my schedule.</p>
<p>Just to add onto OPs question, would self-studying APs while adhering to the IB program on your school schedule count as academically rigorous?</p>
<p>Make sure your counselor is aware of the situation, and also explain how you’re studying and how much time it takes per week, etc.</p>
<p>Sorry for the delayed reply - thanks for your response!</p>