Course choice in selective-admission high schools

bopper
Wed, 11 Mar 2020 18:53:22 +0000

Talk to the GC…I am sure they have normal progressions for math, science, etc. They know what kids take and what schools they get into.
My DD went to a top 10 in the USA public magnet school and their School Profile said "All courses at HTHS are taught at the Honors level and grades are therefore not weighted or inflated. " There were limited APs but there were CC classes as well (as they were located on the campus of the CC).

Also keep in mind:

Stanford U says:
“We expect applicants to pursue a reasonably challenging curriculum, choosing courses from among the most demanding courses available at your school. We ask you to exercise good judgment and to consult with your counselor, teachers and parents as you construct a curriculum that is right for you. Our hope is that your curriculum will inspire you to develop your intellectual passions, not suffer from unnecessary stress. The students who thrive at Stanford are those who are genuinely excited about learning, not necessarily those who take every single AP or IB, Honors or Accelerated class just because it has that designation.”

“The College Board needs to say a similar thing about taking A.P. courses. We have data that taking up to five A.P. courses over the course of high school helps students complete college on time. But there is no evidence that excessively cramming your schedule with A.P. classes advances you. Let us say to students, ‘If you would like to take more than 5 A.P. courses because you love the class, do so, but not to get into college.’