• Why College Coach
  • Our Experts
  • For Parents
  • Resources
  • About College Coach
Why College Coach
Our Experts
For Parents
Resources
About College Coach
  • Why College Coach
  • Our Experts
  • For Parents
  • Resources
  • About College Coach
The Insider: Your Expert Guide to College Admissions -
College Admissions Consulting

AP Classes vs. IB Programs vs. Honors Courses: Do Colleges Care?

classroom

During this time of year, my meetings with juniors often begin with questions about next year’s coursework.  Families worry both about how much their student can handle and how colleges will view their curricular choices during the college selection process.  Jimmy can take 4 APs, but his Eagle Scout project will take up so much time after school.  He also wants to take the philosophy and world religion electives.  What should he pick?  Sarah wants to get into the State Engineering College, so should she take a lighter course load outside of math and physics to boost her GPA?

Most families understand the numeric output of the GPA.  But what really matters to colleges is what those little numbers represent—how much a student challenges herself, and the success she earns through those challenges.  So yes, colleges do care whether students take AP, IB, and honors courses. 

Continue reading

March 22, 2013by Becky Leichtling

About Us

The Insider: College Admissions Advice from the Experts is where College Coach experts weigh in on the latest college admissions topics. We cover everything from application timelines and strategies to tips on financing your child's education.

Categories

  • Alexa
  • Applying for Financial Aid
  • Choosing the Right College
  • College Admissions Consulting
  • College Applications
  • College Coach Mentionables: News & Events
  • College Entrance Exams
  • College Essays
  • College Loan Advice
  • College Visits
  • Finding Scholarships
  • How to Pay for College
  • Meet an Admissions Counselor

Contact Us

Universal College Application Tips

Universal College Application Tips

Do PSAT Scores Count for College? | College Coach

Do PSAT Scores Count for College? | Coll

Comparing Colleges: Which School is Better? | College Coach Blog

Comparing Colleges: Which School is Bett

New Executive Order Means Change to FAFSA Process | College Coach Blog

New Executive Order Means Change to FAFS

What You Need to Know about the Coalition App | College Coach Blog

What You Need to Know about the Coalitio

Subscribe to Our Blog

Tags

ACT applying from abroad choosing a major choosing the right college college admissions advice college admissions consulting college admissions process college applications college lists college loans college visits common app common application common application help coronavirus covid-19 deciding on a college early action early decision educational consultant essay prompts essays FAFSA financial aid financial aid award getting in high school resume how to get into an ivy league school international students ivy league mba mba programs parenting paying for college SAT saving for college scholarships scholarship search standardized testing standardized tests summer activities summer planning transition to college tuition writing college essays

Latest Tweets

  • In this segment of #gettinginradio, #collegeadmissions expert Sally Ganga & college finance expert @ShanVasco answ… https://t.co/hBxlt62Igj

    3 days ago
  • How can you be guaranteed admission to the #UniversityofCalifornia system? Find out in our article on the… https://t.co/w2Y9IqnBl0

    4 days ago
  • With the imminent beginning of the new semester, a question on the minds of many new #collegestudents is, “What do… https://t.co/5iKwr6qEZN

    4 days ago

  • Login
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Trademark Policy
© 2020 Bright Horizons Family Solutions LLC