Would it be better to take an easy class like P.E. instead of just having a free period?
Taking a free period would technically boost GPA a tiny amount, but do colleges think “oh this student decided to slack off their senior year” or something similar?
I only took 5 classes this year and I get out no later than 12:25 each day and I’m sure colleges do not mind as long as you are taking challenging courses with the classes you are taking (I’m taking 4 AP classes this year).
What time do you go to school?
It’s all about course rigor relative to your peers and your environment. That being said, taking one study hall seems perfectly normal.
8:30-11:45 Monday
7:25-12:25 Tuesday-Friday
You should take the courses you want to take and take classes you think you will benefit from taking.
I don’t think it is look down upon, but it also may depend on the context of your school and how your conselor will fill out your school report that they send to colleges. For example, if you have a free period, do you know if your counselor will still list your schedule as “most rigorous” offered at your school?
At my school, almost all upperclassmen have at least one free period off. It might be better to have a free period because it will give up more time to do work for your harder classes and you will end up getting a good GPA without the need of an extra class to boost your GPA.
Colleges don’t care if you take P.E or not.
Colleges will not care if you take PE or a free period - either way you’re not taking an academic course.
It depends on the rest of your schedule. If you only have 5 regular courses then obviously that’s a problem, but if you have 6 APs/honors plus the PE/free period then it’s all good.
Agree with those who said colleges don’t care. It depends on what you are doing with the rest of your time, not how you use one class period a week.
If you’re taking only five courses and a free period, yes top colleges care. In addition, taking a free period when classes are possible shows a lack of interest in learning (colleges are really into Students who like to learn).
Keep in mind that five academic classes at honors or AP level is what colleges expect every year.
The exception is if you’re taking 5 core classes including 4or 5 AP 's, then you would be ‘excused’ for choosing a free period.
And of course choosing early release to go to a job, an internship, or another learning situation, is perfectly OK.
Generally speaking, after your five core classes (English, math, social science, foreign language , science) your sixth choice is supposed to reflect personal interest, as does your seventh if such a period is offered. You’re not expected to skip lunch so an 8th class isn’t something that’d help unless your school has 9periods and offers many choices.
And yes showing curiosity about something even if the class is easy is OK, but not pe - current events, choir, shop, etc are all OK for that 7th class. Once you’ve made your six choices, you’re free to decide how to use your 7th period. A class in art is where you can show creativity is generally well-seen but you can do whatever .
As for leaving school at 12, this is only OK for juniors /seniors going to an internship, a dual enrollment class, or a steady job.
And obviously this only matter to students applying to top 100 universities and liberal arts colleges, flagships, honors colleges. If you’re aiming for a directional (East Central state u, for instance) the above doesn’t apply.
“If you’re taking only five courses and a free period, yes top colleges care. In addition, taking a free period when classes are possible shows a lack of interest in learning (colleges are really into Students who like to learn).”
Don’t agree. Taking fewer classes doesn’t indicate a lack of interest in learning. It’s what you are doing with your time that matters. Period. D took 5 classes senior year (and her 5th class was an advanced math course on-line) so she could attend her internship every afternoon. Her applications to HYPMS-type schools were well received. She graduated from Stanford (took 5 years to do it by the way because, once again, she was on her own time table - not a problem for grad school either.)
Assuming you are not taking fewer classes in order to slack off, you should be fine.
You had to read the whole paragraph, which included
I don’t think it’s a one size fits all answer. Things like hooks, types of classes, sat/act, scores and essays are all taken into consideration when accepting or rejecting a student. My D hasn’t had any issue with it and she took 1 junior year and 1 this year. It did not keep her from being accepted into Stanford and every other school she’s applied to thus far.
@theofrelord you have to be comfortable with your choices. If you have your heart set on the ivies only and won’t be happy with any other school you have to decide whether that is a chance you’re willing to take. My D felt Stanford was a super reach school for her and had no expectation of being accepted. She spent little time planning her hs classes based on what colleges she thought would or would not accept her.
Sorry I have no wrong/right answer for you.
I think it also depends on what you do with your extra time. After noon, every day… are you getting a job? Playing video games for the afternoon MAY be frowned upon (not judging). But, being productive would be seen as a well-balanced day. (IMO)
My DS has scheduled a Free-Period for senior year. But this will be in addition to 6 AP classes. He’ll be out at 1:45 every day and will use the extra hour in the Fall to work on applications, essays and any test prep left to do. He’ll also be getting a part-time job. Once January hits, a job may take up more of his free time so he can save some money for college.
Taking PE or not won’t make a difference in your college decisions.
At my son’s school they recommend a free period for seniors to allow time to write essays, applications, meet college representatives, and catch up on homework. That is one of seven periods.
I would take an interesting elective over a free period.