I have always really struggled in math ever since I was a child. My math classes constantly bring my GPA down, as I have straight A+'s in everything else. This year I am having an especially hard time in honors Algebra II and currently have a B+ (please pray that I raise it to an A-!). Last year I took regular non-honors Geometry because my school did not offer an honors Geomeyry. My grade was significantly better as I got an A- first semester and an A second semester. I think the reason I did better in Geometry was due in part to the fact that it wasn’t an honors level class. Next year I will be taking Trig. Should I take honors Trig or regular? I know that it’s good to take rigorous classes but is hurting my GPA with a B or B+ really worth it? My ultimate dream college that I would go to for anything in the entire world is UChicago. In pretty sure UChicago prefers rigor over GPA, but I fear that a B on my transcript will severely damage my chances of getting in. Any advice?
Every time anyone asks that question the answer admissions officers give is that they prefer good grades in hard classes. For what is worth, I have heard the same thing about Chicago – that rigor is very important and that they might be willing to look at a lower GPA (within reason) if rigor is there.
UChicago doesn’t really have a minimum GPA even though they’re one of the most selective colleges in the country. They’ve accepted ACT scores as low as 21; you should be fine with a B 
Well I think if depends on your other classes. If the advanced trig will be your hardest class then go for it! But if you will have a slew of other time consuming courses then I’d settle for the easier course. I had the same dilemma this year with pre Calc (Honors is a killer but academic is a breeze) and because of my other hard courses I settled on academic and I’m so happy I did! With my schedule and ECs I know I couldn’t have handled another really hard course!