<p>As a junior, I just transferred to a new school in a different state b/c of my father's job. In old school, I got 4.0 GPA, but I only took honors science and math classes because the school didn't offer honor courses for other subjects. In new school, my schedule is full of honors and APs courses, and I am struggling. I think I will end up with 3 Bs (in math, AP USH and H English) in the first semester and straight As in the second semester because I REALLY SCREWED UP in the first term. At the end of the year, my GPA should be about 3.93. I forgot to mention that my new school has higher standards (7 point scale) than the old school (10 point scale). I am worried that Duke will not accept me. Is it better to take rigorous courses in tougher school and getting As and Bs or getting perfect grades in school with 1 AP course (It offers only AP course: USH to juniors)? If helpful, I am participating in Chess Club, Science Club, Psychology Association and Leadership.</p>
<p>Colleges want you to take advantage of the all opportunities offered to you, so it's good that you're taking lots of honors or ap courses. If you had stayed at your old school, you wouldn't have had a very rigorous schedule...you would have needed to find other academic opportunities, like taking classes at a community college, distance learning, etc. So, you are now in a better situation.
I wouldn't be worried about the Bs. Just make sure you show leadership and commitment to your ECs, do something useful with your summers, and get to know your teachers well so you have good recs.</p>