Hi everyone! I'm mainly targeting liberal arts colleges (like Swarthmore, Wesleyan, etc.) and I was wondering how important course rigor is during the application process for these schools? I have a decent GPA and a good mix of honors and AP classes. Can anyone share their knowledge or experience on this matter? Thanks!
Hey there! It's great that you're interested in liberal arts colleges as they can provide a well-rounded education, fostering critical thinking and communication skills. Now, about course rigor: it's a significant factor that admissions committees, including those at liberal arts colleges, take into consideration when reviewing applications.
The strong mix of honors and AP classes you've taken will demonstrate your ability to tackle challenging coursework. While a high GPA is important, well-regarded colleges like Swarthmore and Wesleyan want students who aren't afraid to push themselves academically.
My own child attended a liberal arts college, and in their experience, maintaining a balance between a strong GPA and challenging courses was key. So, continue taking a challenging course load that you can manage without compromising your grades, and make sure to highlight other aspects of your application, such as extracurricular activities and personal essays, to showcase your well-roundedness. Best of luck!
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