SENIOR TIMELINE FOR ACADEMIC WORK

COURSES AND GRADES
Don’t even think about slacking off during your senior year! Colleges pay close attention to students’ course selections and grades, including their last semester. If you decide to apply Early, some colleges will even ask to see your first quarter grades. Many college-bound students take a number of AP/IB courses senior year. This is a tremendous workload for most students, especially when they are also filling out college applications. Think about and plan carefully just how much you can take on 1st semester senior year. And…always participate in and do as well as you can in every class.

END OF SENIOR YEAR REMINDER: Don’t forget to take the Subject Test for any AP courses in which you may have been enrolled.

FAQ #1: Is it better to take a regular class and get an A, or an advanced class and get a B?

ANSWER: In general, it is better to take an advanced course and get a B than to take a regular course and get an A because the advanced or Honors course is an indication to colleges that you are challenging yourself, something admissions officers want to see.

Over and over college admissions people tell students to “take the strongest possible course-load.” Many answer the above question by saying that students should take advanced classes and get A’s, but that answer is confusing to say the least. The real answer is an individual one, and many different elements should go into the decision-making. What kind of colleges are you applying to – most competitive, competitive, or not very competitive – and what do they expect? In what kinds of athletics and/or activities are you involved and how much do they demand? Do you have a learning difference or other disability that might affect how much you can take on or how well you will do? Do what makes sense for you.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have to take everything, be everything and get four hours sleep every night. That’s not healthy for anyone. Sometimes taking one less advanced class, or enrolling in a regular class that you’ve been dying to take is the best choice, especially if this decision results in overall better grades, makes life more enjoyable, and diminishes stress. However, if you thrive on taking challenging, difficult courses, then, of course, go for the advanced.