<p>Sure, the student who gets an A+, perhaps from an easier teacher, will get a higher unweighted GPA in the short run – but it’s not usually possible to take a “most rigorous” class schedule AND avoid getting sandbagged by a tough teacher somewhere over the course of 3-3.5 years; eventually, scheduling conflicts leave you with no other choice. So, the race is not yet over!</p>
<p>Does your school award bonus points for honors and AP classes? If so, go for the extra points! My son doesn’t have all straight A’s, but he’s ranked #1 (determined by one’s weighted GPA) by a wide margin because he stuck his neck out and skipped a number of required prerequisites (with special permission) for more advanced and tougher classes.</p>