Course Rigor 12/5/24

When admissions officers receive your application, the first thing they will typically review is your transcript.

According to data from the Common App, the rigor of your high school courses is one of the most critical aspects of your application. When I calculate a student’s acceptance rate range for colleges, I always add rigor to my numbers. Course rigor is found by counting honors, AP, and/or IB classes and is compared to the amount of these classes offered at your school.

However, not all students can or should handle the additional demands of honors or advanced-level classes. It’s important not to push a student who could potentially struggle.

That said, it’s mostly suggested that a B in an AP class is better than an A in a standard or honors level class. 

If you and your child feel confident in their ability to handle the additional rigor, please consider adding them to their schedule as early as possible. Honors classes are found throughout the 4 years, but the APs are sometimes started a bit later, and will be found through senior year.

Another point about rigor is that colleges do expect that rigor is maintained for senior year. Although it will be tempting to take the foot off the pedal after an exhausting junior year, please continue to progress at your current rate or better, if you think you can handle tougher classes. 

Please discuss with your school counselor, independent counselor, and teachers about your class placement, ideally at the beginning of 9th grade scheduling. These conversations will help to make a difference in your transcript and give you the opportunity to adjust to the demands of these classes, in order to be best prepared to meet your college goals.