which is better: class rank or course load

T26E4
Mon, 23 Apr 2007 12:47:26 +0000

Those “top” kids who pad their GPA at the expense of a truly challenging academic load are usually easily spotted by the adcoms of the selective schools – and they are noted negatively for that. I almost always recommend challenging yourself (if you like a challenge, that is) regardless of grade outcome. You’re there to learn – not game college admissions. Most likely, you’ll probably be rewarded accordingly. I never paid too much attn to my GPA. I took every hard class because I wanted to learn. I mostly got As but there were a few Bs here and there. I didn’t care and my transcript showed that I maxed out my school’s very rigorous offerings. I ended up being accepted at all my schools, eventually attending an HYPS.

When I speak at recruiting/college fairs, I advise the same to my audiences.

For the student’s who don’t want that extra measure of challenge, that’s OK too. I’m sure many great academic options await them too. However, the most competitive schools are looking for the appllicants who are willing to put forth that extra effort.

What’s better? Both for you as a person who wants to learn and for colleges that are seeking those types – go for the challenging courses.