I’ve taken the toughest courses that i can, but i ended up with a 3.38 GPA. So is it better to have say a 3.8 GPA, but a less demanding curriculum? I hope i didn’t blow my chances to get into a good college.
<p>Well, this is like a distorted version of the "Is it better to take a regular class and get an A in it, or take an AP class and settle for a B?" You know what most admissions officers say: "Take an AP class and get an A". But, it's better to take a tough courseload...but 3.38??? Whoa...do your school weigh AP/Honors classes? and even if, I think you should have a high GPA.</p>
<p>For top schools you have to have both.</p>
<p>what about mid-range schools like UC -irvine, georgia tech, Purdue etc?</p>
<p>ive been to lots of college information sessions, and they say a tough work load with lots of APs and decent grades is better than a 4.0 with no honors classes</p>
<p>works for me</p>
<p>It has to be a balance of both ideas. For the most part, an A or B can be achieved in ANY class if enough time and effort is put into it, IMO. Would it look better to get a C/D in an AP class or an A in an honors? I think the A in honors... a D shows a lack of interest/dedication in MOST cases(I know someone will come on here and tell me about this teacher that gave so much homework and this individual did it all and studied all the time and still failed....) BUT, if you have an A in an honors constantly it'll look like you didn't challenge yourself so I think that it is definitely a balance. If you're getting B's and some A's in AP classes and your GPA isn't so great (but a 3.4 isn't so bad!) I think that colleges will understand that you are trying harder than the kids who have straight A's in normal or honors classes.</p>
<p>Good luck and really, don't worry so much about it. I dropped my first AP class because of conflicts with the teacher(long story, not going to get into) and if I would have stayed in the class I would be #1 in the class right now because of the slight difference in GPA that the AP class gives(my school weights). BUT, at the time it was the right decision for me and I kept my dignity which was, like I said, at the time, more important than the grade/rank.</p>
<p>You'll do fine...</p>
<p>i'm so lazy though...</p>
<p>then you won't survive in a tough college either...</p>