How worried should I be? Answered
For context I am an upcoming sophomore and worried about my course rigor compared to my class. I'm not a 100% sure how competitive my school is compared to others, but I think it's very mid, definitely not something to write home about. It's on the larger end but lots of UC kids (at least 7-10 to Cal or LA every year) and 1 to the T5-10s every other year. Now my end goal would be a T15 and the circles I fall into are very academically inclined. So next year I was planning on taking 2 APs, Bio and World. This is what the top 10% of the class take but there are some (very very few) exceptions. I know a girl who was a sophomore this year and took 4 APs . Now someone I know who is also an upcoming sophomore is also taking 4 APs and by the end of high school it seems like she would end up taking around 15. I would have 11 ish. Is this a major concern and I should do everything possible to combat it? Or do I need to calm down, focus on myself, and my ECs?
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3 answers
Depending on your school's reputation (how challenging the courses are, feeder school, etc), your school as a whole will be evaluated. It seems like your school has a good reputation. Then, your academics will be compared to other students at your school. If your school offers class ranks, you should aim for ~7 in class rank. Take as many challenging courses as you can handle. If you show that upward trend of academic rigor, colleges will notice that.
But besides worrying about APs, you should focus more on THE extracurriculars that you enjoy the most because top colleges receive a lot of qualified applicants with perfect GPAs and high-class ranks. Also, having many extracurriculars does not make you stand out compared to other applicants, but having a good one does. Focus on a few and show passion.
As a rising sophomore , I would focus on maintaining a high GPA. And focus on four or five AP classes that fit your college major. If your school also offers college courses, I would suggest doing those. AP classes are important however, instead of doing every AP class possible, try picking out a couple that fit your interest and excel those. I would also focus on building extra curricular’s and community service. If you plan on doing medical or any job that requires experience, I would suggest working as an intern your desired field such as working in the hospital or veterinary clinic. Wish you the best of luck!
I've always found it helpful to keep in mind that colleges like to see their applicants gradually challenge themself! Like even if you don't take many rigorous courses in your first or second year of high school, but increasing the rigor in your upperclassmen years, you show to colleges that you're willing to challenge yourself and that you are capable of doing well under a challenge. As long as you continue to take rigorous courses in the future and explore your extracurriculars, you shouldn't need to worry too much.
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