High school summer classes for credits - worth it or not?

Hey everyone, I’m thinking about taking some high school classes over the summer to get ahead on credits. Has anyone done this, and do you think it helped with your college applications or just gave you a more relaxed senior year schedule? Also, how are those classes viewed by admissions officers?

Hi there! It's great that you're looking ahead and considering how to best manage your academic workload. In my experience, summer classes can be a smart move for several reasons. For starters, they can indeed lighten your regular year's course load, giving you more time to focus on challenging classes during the school year, or to dive deeper into your extracurricular activities. Also, having those extra credits can sometimes offer greater flexibility in your senior year, possibly allowing you to take classes that interest you more or even dual-enroll at a local community college or university. In terms of college applications, admissions officers generally view summer classes positively as they demonstrate your initiative to go beyond the standard curriculum and manage your time effectively. However, keep in mind that they will be much more focused on the rigor and grades of your classes during the regular school year, along with your involvement in extracurricular activities. If taking summer classes aligns with your academic goals and won't overload you, I'd say they can certainly be worth it. Just be sure you're not sacrificing the quality of your involvement in other areas that are important to you and to college admissions officers. Best of luck with your decision!