hghschoolgirl

I am currently taking Honors Algebra II and I am a Junior. My other classes are 4 AP's, another honors, and one regular level. I am academically competitive.
Last year, I got one B in an honors science class and it brought down my weighted GPA to a 4.14. I still got A's in all of my other classes, 2 of which were AP's, and the rest honors.
This year, the situation is similar: I have a B in Algebra II, and A's in everything else. While the fact that more AP's count towards weighted GPA in junior year will bring it up, it's less likely that I'll get into the top 10%. I would probably only make top 20-30% but it depends on how the rest of my class does.
If I switch into a not-honors math class this year, I can get the easy A and boost my GPA to a place where I'll definitely make the top 10%.
But how would it look for college if I'm in two regular level classes junior year (math and science)? Will the academic ranking outweigh that? In addition, I won't see all the material on the SAT in a class that isn't honors.
What should I do? Should I try to switch out and go for the easy A and favorable academic ranking, or try to stick it out, do better and prepare well for the SAT?

ncmentor

Because one of the critical questions that will be asked about you in your GC required recommendation "Is the student taking the hardest curriculum available?" Some GC take some liberties with this but not likely if you drop from AP / Honors to regular classes.

I have often heard it expressed to/from Addcomm. Is it better to get an A in a regular class or a B in an honors class? The answer is always that it is better to get an A in the honors class. (Ya I hate that answer too). I would not advise you to drop down just to get a better UW GPA with the exception that if you need a certain UW GPA to qualify for a certain (usually state) scholarship.

If you already know your top choice school then look at how you will fit that schools profile and that may help you choose.

Many families (who can afford it) may choose to invest in a little tutoring at this point with the understanding that a higher GPA / SAT score often pays off handsomely in the long run.

fogfog

Being a jr and in alg 2 still puts you behind in the rigor of math--don't drop down a level just to push the GPA up--you need to work on that class...NCtutors advice is really sound.
Depending on your PSATs etc--perhaps your school has alot of grade inflation?

hghschoolgirl

Well, in terms of calculating GPA and such, an honors class definitely provides more cushions for your grades, but not as much to prevent a B/B+ from bringing it down.

Thanks for your advice, ncmentor and fogfog. I guess I'll try to stick out the class and do my best. Maybe staying in with a tutor is the best solution.