What does the most demanding high school schedule look like?

Hey guys, I'm mapping out my course load for next year and I'm wondering what the most difficult high school schedule looks like. How do these super-tough schedules balance rigorous courses, extracurriculars, and still have time for college applications?

A highly demanding high school schedule usually involves a combination of taking the most challenging courses that your school offers, being deeply involved in a number of extracurricular activities, and managing your time efficiently.

In terms of coursework, high-performance students often aim to take a good number of AP classes (or IB classes if applicable) over high school to demonstrate a strong college prep track record. However, keep in mind that adequate preparation and ability to perform well in these classes are essential. Quality is much more important than quantity here, so it's better to do well in a reasonably challenging courseload than stretching too thin and getting mediocre grades in a super rigorous one.

Concerning extracurricular activities, colleges typically prefer students who demonstrate deep involvement and leadership in a specific field(s), also known as having a "spike." Therefore, rather than participating in a plethora of clubs or activities, consider focusing on a few that genuinely interest you and where you can attain leadership roles over time. Remember, Tier 1 and 2 extracurriculars look outstanding on an application, exhibiting significant achievement or leadership at the regional, national, or international level.

Lastly, no matter how jam-packed your schedule may be, efficient time management is crucial. This means properly balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, SAT/ACT preparation, and the college application process meanwhile maintaining your mental health and wellbeing. This involves setting a formal study schedule, learning to prioritize tasks, breaking down large tasks into manageable parts, and ensuring time for rest and leisure.

For example, a demanding high school schedule may look something like this:

Coursework: Honors English, AP Calculus BC, AP US History, AP Chemistry, AP Spanish, and an elective within your career or academic interest.

Extracurriculars: Captain of the math team, President of Key Club, internship at a local tech startup, and volunteer at the local hospital.

Rest is also very important. It's easy to think that you must be doing something productive every moment of the day, but you are human, and you need breaks. Plus, colleges don't want you to burn out before you even get there!

Remember, the most "difficult" schedule will differ between students, depending on their interests, talents, and long-term goals. Not everyone’s path looks identical, and that's perfectly okay! It's important to challenge yourself but not to the point where you're overwhelmed, as maintaining a solid GPA and mental health is vital.