How Admissions Decisions Are Made: Your Questions and Answers Columbia SC

College Admission Q & A

Are B’s in honors or Advanced Placement classes better than A’s in less demanding ones?
B’s in first-string classes are more impressive than A’s in easier ones. Even an occasional C won’t rule out a career at highly selective college, but tip-top applicants often have all or mostly A’s in tip-top classes. (We’re not trying to ruin your day, we just want you to know what your son or daughter may be up against.) Yet, while the most competitive colleges prefer the most competitive courses, there is room for fluctuation, and a second-level class in one or two weaker areas may work better for your child.

To compute class ranks, most high schools now use a weighted system where extra points are allotted for higher level classes, so the B+ student in honors courses is likely to be ranked above the straight-A student in the second tier. Colleges, too, are careful to note those high schools that do not use weighted ranks and take this into consideration when evaluating and comparing candidates. So, if your child attends such a school (and it’s a good idea to ask), s/he won’t be penalized for taking a tough load.

Admission professionals know that many high schools don’t have Advanced Placement or IB programs and that some don’t even have advanced or accelerated classes. Your child will be evaluated in light of what opportunities were available.

Don’t admission officers from highly selective colleges prefer private school applicants?
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Author: Amy Ambler

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