Is it better to get a “B” in an AP class or an “A” in an honors class? This question usually means it is time for course selection at the high school. Families and students always ask us if the rigor of the class is more important than the grade you receive. What is more important to colleges?

The answer is:  It depends.  When it comes to course selection, you need to create a full high school plan. The courses you take will determine the sequence of the following years. Are you meeting the academic prerequisites for future classes?  What does the rest of your academic program look like? Have you challenged yourself academically or can you push yourself a little bit more? Is it a function of disliking the subject area or, if you put in just a little more time, could you be successful in the class?

There are a lot of things to consider.  Here is our advice: Take courses that will reasonably challenge you academically; do as well as you can in those courses; and, finally, when the time comes, look for colleges that will value what you have achieved academically and look at the trajectory of your performance.

Colleges want to see how you use the curriculum available to you to stretch yourself academically. Take stock of where you are on your learning path, set your college sights reasonably and build a strong foundation through your coursework in high school that will propel you into a successful experience in college.

What will your course selections say to the admissions counselors reading your application?