<p>I know there is no simple answer, but could you guys explain how much weight the harder course load carries. </p>
<p>For example would it be better to have a 3.4 GPA with 10 AP's and 6 Honors or have a 3.7 with 2 AP's and 3 Honors? My school offers a bunch of AP classes and my school is extremely competitive, around 10% of our students have 10+ AP classes. I myself have taken 9 and have done generally well in all of them, I am just curious to see who the college would actually take, the kid with more AP's and lower grades or the higher grades and less AP's. I could have definitely had better grades had I not taken all these AP's and I am wondering if my decision was beneficial or not. Thanks</p>
<p>I think admissions really takes it into consideration, not all colleges are the same but they all look for a challenging courseload.</p>
<p>The key word is rigor. If they are offered, you must be part of the group that takes them. If they are not offered for whatever reason, it won't be held against you. For the most selective schools, you must have the most rigorous load.</p>
<p>My friend was accepted with a 1270 SAT and a 3.5 unweighted with zero AP's, I'm hoping my AP's and honors carry me through.</p>
<p>Where was your friend accepted?</p>
<p>Penn State- UP for Fall. I would do Summer or Fall and I applied Undecided, which should hopefully help.</p>
<p>I think large state universities have specific cut-offs for GPA and SAT/ACT scores before they start considering your application. They usually have their own weighing system. You are more likely to get in if you are in-state. Look at PSU in College Board profiles and see where you fit in their stats. All this AP stuff becomes more important when you are looking at schools that are considered most selective (not to be confused with hard to get into).</p>