At my high school class rank is determined solely on your unweighted GPA. This creates an atmosphere where some will avoid taking some extremely rigorous AP classes in order to secure a 4.0 and thus valedictorian status. For me, I have challenged myself from the start. As we can only take AP classes Junior and Senior year, I will have taken 10 AP classes (all of them) throughout my last two years. One specific class, APUSH, is known as the most rigorous course offered. This is the course that challenges strong kids, teaches time management, and improves critical reading the most. Our APUSH class is taught in 3 semesters (pre-APUSH spring of sophomore year). As I tried to challenge myself taking this course (I am mainly a math and science student) I destroyed my class rank. Through this class I have received my only three B’s, and although I will be taking the most AP classes, my class rank is currently 20 out of 209 (Barley in top 10%) and I have a GPA of 3.93. In a weighted system if only AP’s were weighted at +1 (although I do not think it would matter if honors was also weighted) I would currently be at a class rank of 2 out of 209. This past year we have had 7 valedictorians with only 1 taking APUSH. How does everyone view this situation and it’s effects?
Although my high school started a weighted GPA class rank system this year, we’re still counting vals as anyone with a 4.0 till like the class of 2020 or something. This year we have 19 valedictorians out of a class of about 400. Most of them do take hard classes, but there’s always that one kid who doesn’t. Even though they might be valedictorians, their schedule is not as rigorous, and college admissions are able to see that.
I know it stings, but the unfairness goes both ways. I’m currently 9th in weighted GPA and I’ve taken more AP classes than the girl in 2nd, (both of us have UW 4.0) but because I’ve taken more classes total, which include unweighted electives, my W GPA is lower.
OP, your GC will have a chance to rate your curriculum "most rigorous, " if it is, and explain your strengths. Unless you’re a history major applying to tippy tops, the B’s are likely not a major issue. Not all hs even rank.
Colleges don’t just look at your GPA, they look at it in context of how tough your classes are.
So obviously a 4.0 in College Prep is not as good as 4.0 in mostly AP classes.
Just worry about doing your best and being in top 10%.
@bopper Yes, I am fortunate to be in the top 10%, however, I do have a friend who has taken many AP and honors courses and has gotten 1 B in honors modern world history then 3 more in Apush and thus is outside of top 10%. That is definitely unfortunate as I know a local university that has competitive scholarships where one of the requirements is top 10%.
If you are interested in that local university, contact the admissions/financial aid people and ask how they determine top 10%…mention that your HS ranks based on unweighted average and you have taken challenging courses.