<p>I’ve been trying to look up GPA etc as I’m coming to America for high school sophomore this fall and I’m wondering what are some of the most challenging courses America offers?</p>
<p>I’m already going to do AP C Physics and AP AB and BC Calculus as well as some other mandatory subjects at my school. But I’m wondering what are some courses that are deemed to be above the level of a mere 4.0 and are good enough (i.e. intensive enough) to be scaled as higher subjects. </p>
<p>Like what subjects do adcoms recognize as amongst the hardest in USA?</p>
<p>It depends on the High School you attend – since not all schools offer the exact same curriculae, when “most rigorous” is discussed, it’s within the context of the HS you attend. Good luck.</p>
<p>Many high schools in the U.S. have “college counselors,” someone who specifically handles all the college admissions and such of the school. Because this one person is designated to handle all things college related, they develop relationships with colleges. Through these relationships, colleges are able to learn more about schools. Also, most schools send out “fact sheets,” which show the average GPA at the school, the courses offered, etc.</p>
<p>The context of the school is the most important determination, as has been said. And, yes, most schools send out “fact sheets” or “class profiles” to say what’s offered, the size of the grade, the GPA distribution, etc.</p>
<p>Most rigorous, therefore, is a question of context. For example, a student from a school with no AP math classes, provided that he or she took the highest level math classes offered, in theory, would not be looked down upon.</p>