Today, we’ll be discussing your school GPA! Here are essential considerations you must keep in mind when selecting courses.

If asked what the single most crucial factor for U.S. college admissions is, everyone would unanimously say, "maintaining and managing a strong GPA." A critical component of maintaining a good GPA is the course selection for the upcoming semester. Today, we’ll answer questions related to this topic:

• Should you move up to Honors or AP classes next semester?
• If appealing to the school allows you to enroll in higher-level classes (AP or Honors), is it worthwhile to appeal?
• If your intended major is STEM, should you still take AP History or AP Language classes? Conversely, if your intended major is non-STEM, is it necessary to take AP Calculus or AP Science courses?
• If enrolling in AP Seminar or a school Research Program restricts you from taking other AP classes, what should you do?

We will provide answers to all these questions.

The data above is from a NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling) survey of admissions officers on what they consider essential. Although the data from 2014 is older, the key factors considered significant have not changed:

Admissions officers emphasize the following:

• Grades in College Prep Courses
• Grades in All Courses
• Strength of Curriculum

In essence, excelling in challenging courses is critical.

The latest 2023 NACAC data continues to show nearly identical results, reaffirming these three factors:

• Grades in College Prep Courses
• Grades in All Courses
• Strength of Curriculum

Since this data is from 2023, the importance of ACT/SAT scores appears lower, but you should be aware that their significance is rising again for 2024/25.

Although student engagement, recommendation letters, and extracurricular activities (ECs) matter, the most crucial element remains earning good grades in challenging school courses.

The following is from a College Board report emphasizing the significance of AP participation:

Importance of AP Courses:

• Students who take AP classes have higher admission rates to four-year universities.
• Students taking AP courses in humanities achieve better grades.
• Taking AP classes increases the likelihood of performing well in subsequent AP classes.
• These students generally achieve higher college grades.

In the graphs:

• Light blue circles represent students who took AP classes.
• Dark blue circles represent students who scored 3 or higher.

Increasing numbers of students are taking AP exams, and more than 60% are achieving scores of 3 or higher, raising the bar for top-tier applicants. Ultimately, it’s critical to enroll in challenging classes and perform well in exams.

The above graph illustrates AP score distribution by ethnicity:

• Yellow represents scores of 3
• Green represents scores of 4 
• Gray represents scores of 5

Asian students notably have a high percentage of 4s and 5s. The reality is that Asian students generally occupy a larger proportion of high scores compared to other ethnic groups.

Despite the abolition of affirmative action, don’t assume colleges ignore ethnicity! Colleges continue maintaining certain ethnic percentages. Even after repeal, ethnic ratios persist. Therefore, Asian students should aim for AP scores of 4 or 5.

Universities such as Harvard, MIT, and Stanford prefer students with a "Well-Rounded Education." They prefer students who study broadly and deeply rather than exclusively focusing on STEM or non-STEM subjects. Even if you aim for STEM, enrolling in non-STEM courses is beneficial. Academically challenging courses prepare students to maintain strong performance in college, thus selecting rigorous courses across a variety of disciplines is ideal.

Princeton University specifically emphasizes: "Challenge yourself with the most rigorous courses possible."

 

The above image pertains to policies in Maryland, indicating that even if teachers don't recommend you for advanced courses, students may appeal to schools. Since colleges assess applicants’ academic competitiveness, meeting their expectations during high school is essential. The policy underscores the possibility of students moving up to higher-level courses through personal determination.

When appealing for higher-level classes in high school, three outcomes are possible:

• Simply pass—allowed enrollment in higher-level classes.
• Test—required to pass an exam to move up.
• Parental waiver—parents agree not to hold the school accountable for the student’s choice.

I repeatedly emphasize that taking higher-level courses is advisable whenever possible.

According to the Edtrust report, access to advanced coursework positively affects student performance and daily habits, including working harder, increased school engagement, fewer absences, and higher graduation rates.

Ultimately, enrolling in advanced courses offers multiple advantages. UC acknowledges the number and performance in advanced courses:

• Performance in UC-approved Honors and AP courses
• Outstanding achievement in one or more academic subjects
• Excellent work in special academic projects

Capstone programs and IB Diplomas within schools are also considered significant factors.

Thus far, I've provided third-party evidence. Now I'll directly address the initial questions:

Should you move up to Honors or AP classes next semester?

Assuming you can maintain B+ or higher, definitely move up!

Is appealing worthwhile to enroll in higher-level classes (AP or Honors)?

Yes, appealing to enroll in higher-level classes is worthwhile. If it results in C or D grades, it might be better not to, but usually, students who move up strive to improve attendance and study harder. Therefore, I strongly recommend moving to higher-level classes whenever possible.

If your intended major is STEM, should you still take AP History or AP Language? If your intended major is non-STEM, is AP Calculus or AP Science necessary?

Absolutely. Universities prefer broad academic exploration. A main EC is essential, but blending STEM and non-STEM subjects, even unrelated to your major, is significant.

If enrolling in AP Seminar or a Research Program restricts other AP classes, what should you do?

If possible, join the selected program. Engaging in selective programs within high school significantly enhances your outstanding performance in that particular area, making it valuable. Even if it reduces the number of AP courses you can take, participating in these selective programs is beneficial.

The column in the image above emphasizes not to overburden yourself with AP courses but to maintain a wide range of knowledge and EC involvement. The reality is that many students already possess numerous AP courses. Regardless of your excellent ECs, lacking a competitive number of AP courses can reduce your competitiveness. That’s the reality.

Highly competitive schools prefer highly competitive courses combined with ECs.

Please keep these fundamental guidelines in mind.

Today, we addressed a topic many students and parents wonder about—selecting courses for the next semester. Stick to the basics and choose courses that will support a successful GPA! Thank you.