GPA or Rigor – Which is More Important?
When applying to colleges, which is better – a higher GPA or harder classes (rigor)? What are colleges really looking for, and how do they decide who to admit?
Challenge Yourself!
Of course, having good grades AND rigor in your courses is the best goal. But, if the choice is between a challenging class (like AP or IB) and a class that you know you will ace – go for the challenging course! Taking a more rigorous course load is your chance to stretch your abilities and show the college (and yourself) what you are capable of. You should be preparing yourself for college-level work, not coasting by with the easiest courses.
Go Competitive
Use the following guidelines when choosing classes in high school to be competitive when applying to colleges. Be sure to check class requirements in different states. (For example, California public colleges require one year of Visual or Performing Arts.)
- Four years of English
- Four years of Mathematics
- Three to Four years of Natural Science (including a lab science like biology, chemistry, or physics)
- Three to Four of Social Science (US or world history, government, geography, etc.)
- Three to Four years of a Foreign Language
- Any number of years of electives, as they fit into your schedule including Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Athletics, etc.
Special classes that are not college prep, such as Student Council, Mock Trial, etc. can be counted as activities on your college applications.
Dual Enrollment
Taking college classes online, or at a local college or community college while in high school, is an additional way to add rigor to your high school courses. Colleges like to see you strive academically. Often one semester of a college school class equals one year of a high school class. Transferable college classes often count the same weight in a GPA calculation as an AP.
Take Action
Create a file on your computer to list your four year plan for classes in high school. Sort the file by subject matter, so you can track the number of years you are taking each subject. This information comes in handy when you are applying to colleges as a senior too!