How to choose high school courses.

Rigor and reality, together

The best schedule is challenging and survivable. Colleges genuinely value students who take demanding courses — but only if they also do well and stay well. The goal isn’t the hardest possible schedule; it’s the most rigorous one your child can handle while keeping strong grades, sleep, and sanity.

Colleges want challenge plus success

An A in a regular class and a C in an AP send mixed signals; a B or A in an honors class your child can manage sends a strong one. Selective schools look for students who stretched themselves and succeeded. Pushing into a course that leads to a struggling grade usually helps no one — aim for the sweet spot of challenge you can rise to.

Follow interests where you can

Within the requirements, let your child lean toward what they’re curious about. A student who loves biology will work harder in AP Bio than in a course they picked only to impress admissions. Genuine interest fuels effort, better grades, and often the spark that shapes a major later.

Don’t over-schedule

It’s tempting to stack every honors and AP option, but a maxed-out schedule with no breathing room backfires — grades slip, stress climbs, and activities and sleep get squeezed out. Leave space for a life. A sustainable schedule your child can excel in beats an impressive one they can’t.

Cover the requirements first

Before optimizing for prestige, make sure the basics are handled: graduation requirements, the core subjects colleges expect (four years of English and usually math, plus science, history, and often a world language), and any prerequisites for classes your child wants later. Build the foundation, then add rigor and interests on top.

When to reach for AP or honors

An advanced class is a good bet when your child has a solid foundation in the subject, genuine interest, and room in their schedule to do it well. If any of those is missing — especially the foundation — consider building it first (a tutor can help), then step up. Rigor is only an advantage when it’s matched with success.

Common questions

How many AP or honors classes should my child take?

Enough to challenge them without breaking them. Colleges like to see rigor, but a wall of APs that tanks grades and well-being helps no one. A good rule: take the most demanding load your child can handle while still doing well and staying healthy.

Should my child retake a class they struggled in, or move on?

It depends on the subject and the gap. In cumulative subjects like math, shoring up a shaky foundation — sometimes by repeating or getting help — pays off for years. Talk to the counselor, and consider a tutor to close the gap either way.

Do electives matter for college?

Yes, in two ways: they show genuine interests, and they’re where many students find a passion. A thoughtful elective that reflects who your child is can strengthen an application more than another generic core class.