My D17 recently made the schedule for her senior year, and it included one study hall (as usual). Every single year of hs she has had a single study hall, a free period. She has suddenly become worried that it was a huge mistake to not take that extra class every year, so I’m here to ask whether you think this will have a severe negative effect on her application.
Here is some context on her situation. She has taken a very rigorous schedule every year and always argued that she needed a study hall to maintain her sanity. She had 1 AP class in freshman and sophomore year which was the max allowed and is taking 5 AP classes this year with only one non-AP. In her school, every student is automatically scheduled for 1 study hall and must lobby to get it removed, so it is definitely the rule not the exception. Yet, she thinks the students who get into top schools never had study halls after freshman year.
Is this stupid to think about or did we make a mistake scheduling yearly study halls? My S is entering the school next year, so we might be able to do things better if necessary. Thanks!
My DD had a study hall senior year and it was fine. Got into 12 of 13 colleges. Since your DD is taking a rigorous schedule she should be fine. My DD did it for the same reason and the extra class would have just been an elective. Many students at my DD’s high school got into the “top schools” and they all had study halls. Since it is the rule at your DD’s school, just make sure her counselor addresses it in the school profile and in her letter.
My D has always had a rigorous schedule and had study hall for all but one year of HS. She got into a bunch of great schools. Colleges don’t penalize a kid for study hall. In fact, never having a study hall, but a schedule filled with academic classes might tell them she is a grade drone. Colleges don’t like grade drones.
My D has also always had a study hall in her schedule too. I think so long as the student is taking the recommended number of units of core courses at the most rigorous level that can be successfully handled, they should be fine - especially if it is the norm for your school. If you are concerned, go ahead and ask the guidance counselor if your D’s schedule will qualify for her to get the ‘most rigorous’ box checked on the GC’s recommendation?
Does she study in study hall or is it just preventing her from having to take another AP class? Maybe a low stress but interesting to her class would be good