@lookingtoharvard: Instead of focusing on what Harvard wants – after all 94% of all applicants to Harvard are rejected, so the odds are stacked against you from the start – you should be focusing on:
- What schedule will allow me to receive the **MOST DEMANDING** rating from my guidance counselor on the **Secondary School Report (SSR)***?
- What schedule will allow me to graduate from my high school meeting all the necessary requirements for an honors diploma?
- What schedule will allow me to satisfy all the demands of both #1 and #2 but will still allow me to take the electives I want to take?
This is where a discussion with your guidance counselor is essential, as their rating on the SSR is what matters the most. My suggestion is to make an appointment with your guidance counselor and talk about your options.
*Secondary School Report (SSR): See top of page 2, especially the top right hand section of page 2 where your GC rates the rigor of your course load against all other college bound students from your high school: http://admissions.duke.edu/images/uploads/process/school_report.pdf.