Should I take all (or almost all) regular classes instead? Need at least a 3.5!

[DoILikeCats]

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@compmom

I think you are looking at things backwards. Stop trying to make decisions based on certain colleges. High school education has another purpose besides getting into college: learning (and personal development). It is not just a vehicle for transcript and GPA. Grades are not the goal but a byproduct. Sorry to sound stuffy but I think you are setting yourself up for a painful reckoning.</p>

<p>Take classes that interest you at a level you can do with some mastery, and, of course, cover requirements to graduate. Don’t even think about college while you decide on your courses. Go by what you want and can do well. (Ditto with what you do outside of school. Be yourself. Don’t think resume all the time.)</p>

<p>Then, when the time comes, decide on what colleges to apply to based on what you have done and your record, but for now try to stop thinking so much about GPA and scores and focus on the work itself.</p>

<p>To take the pressure off, just know that community college is a great option that offers opportunities to many talented kids. I have kids at Ivies and at community college and am very pleased with the latter.</p>

<p>Relax and enjoy high school if you can! It just isn’t necessary or healthy to think in the ways you are thinking right now, in my opinion anyway

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<p>Honestly, thank you so much for this! I really needed someone to say this. I’m tired of worrying so much about grades. I usually don’t and my life’s more fun as a result (I always have little projects I’m working on, books I’m reading, shows I’m watching, etc.) but now, everything’s so boring since I’m worrying so much and not doing much of that sort of stuff. I’m usually fine with a few Cs here and there. I don’t even know why I’m taking English Honors. I hate English with a fiery passion and dislike writing (even though I love to read, I hate Shakespeare, etc.). It actually might be better for me to take Algebra 2 Honors (I love Algebra much more than English) instead of English III Honors (I can still drop it right now). I’ll take regular English III next year.</p>

<p>I’m going to do that! I’m actually fine with community college too (I have a local Valencia near me and it’s a really great community college). I’d be fine transferring to another college after a year or two. </p>