Key takeaways
- Honors courses are higher-level courses designed to challenge and engage advanced students.
- Taking honors classes can help your application stand out to colleges, as it shows that you are willing to push yourself and prepared for increased academic rigor.
- Weighing the pros of honors classes, like more engagement, boosted GPA, and stronger college applications, as well as the cons, including time demands and higher expectations, can help you make an informed decision that’s right for you.
Flickr user Penn State
In high school and even college, you may have the option to take honors courses. These classes are known to be more challenging than normal classes—but are they actually worth taking? And how will they affect your overall GPA? Below, we’ll break down what honors courses are, whether or not they’re weighted, their pros and cons, and how to decide if they’re the right fit for you.
What are honors courses?
Honors courses are higher-level classes that move faster and cover more material than standard classes. They are designed for students who have excelled in their previous classes and are ready for more of an academic challenge. Besides offering more challenging material, taking honors classes shows colleges that you’re motivated, capable, and willing to challenge yourself.
You may see honors courses listed under names such as:
- Honors classes
- Advanced courses
- Advanced Placement (AP) classes
- College or dual enrollment courses (offered through your high school)
How do you qualify for honors courses?
While being interested is a great first step to taking an honors class, the majority of schools and colleges have academic requirements. This often means earning and maintaining a certain GPA overall or in a specific subject. For example, your high school may require you to earn a minimum GPA in 10th-grade English before enrolling in an 11th-grade honors English course. This is to make sure you are prepared for the higher-level work that is to come. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, talk to your counselor or academic advisor as you plan out your schedule for the year.
Are honors courses weighted?
When a class is “weighted,” it means it counts more towards your GPA than a standard course. Schools do this to recognize that you have taken advanced classes and excelled. Earning a strong grade in an honors course may boost your GPA—sometimes even over a 4.0. While this does show up on your transcript, it’s not all about your GPA number. College admission officers like to see that you’ve challenged yourself by taking these courses.
The pros and cons of honors courses
Before enrolling in an honors class, there are benefits and drawbacks worth considering:
Pros of honors classes
- Boosted GPA: Earning a high grade in a course can increase your GPA.
- Smaller class sizes: Some honors classes tend to have fewer students, which can mean more one-on-one time and support from your teacher.
- Potential college credit: Some honors courses, like AP classes, can count towards college credit if you score well enough.
- More engaging coursework: The challenge and faster pace of an honors course may be more interesting and motivating for students who enjoy a challenge.
- Stand out on applications: Honors classes show college admissions departments that you’re willing to go the extra mile.
- Explore your interests: You can dive deeper into subjects you enjoy in a more advanced setting, possibly even helping you decide on your major in college.
- Gain transferable skills: You will build skills like time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
- Sense of accomplishment: Completing challenging coursework can be incredibly rewarding.
- Scholarship opportunities: You might qualify for additional scholarships!
Cons of honors classes
- Greater impact on GPA: If you happen to earn a low grade, it may impact your GPA more than a standard-level course.
- No guaranteed college credit: A low AP test score or college class grade can result in you getting little to no college credit for your efforts.
- Additional costs: Some honors classes may require you to purchase textbooks or other materials that can add up.
- Higher time commitment: These classes can be time-demanding, and you may have less time for your other courses or activities outside of class.
Tips for succeeding in your honors courses
Choosing the right honors class and knowing how to prepare for it can make all the difference. Here are a few tips to help you succeed:
- Pick one that interests you: When there is personal interest in the subject, it can make it more motivating to study. Plus, enjoyment often leads to stronger performance.
- Be realistic about your schedule: Honors classes often require more time and effort. If your schedule is already busy with classes, activities, sports, and work, you’ll want to make sure you are realistic about how much time you have to add on honors classes.
- Align it with your future goals: If you choose a subject that relates to your future major or career goals, it can make the challenging work feel worthwhile.
- Talk to teachers before enrolling: Ask your teachers about the workload and pacing of the class. They can help you decide whether the course is a good fit to help you make informed decisions.
Are there honors classes in college?
Yes! Many colleges, universities, and community colleges offer honors classes for their students, usually known as “honors college.” This isn’t a separate college, but rather refers to a program. Honors college programs typically feature more engaging but rigorous coursework, smaller class sizes, and a smaller faculty-to-student ratio. Some even come with benefits such as special housing, priority class scheduling, and exclusive scholarships.
Should you sign up for honors classes?
Whether or not you sign up for honors classes (as long as you qualify) is entirely up to you! Most guidance counselors will understand your capabilities and advise you on the right path for your education. However, if you’re on the fence, ask yourself the following:
- Do the pros outweigh the cons? If so, it might be worthwhile.
- Are your classes starting to feel too easy, even though you’re earning high grades? This could mean they’re not engaging enough, and you may need something a bit more challenging in your schedule.
- Are you already struggling in advanced classes? If you’re finding that advanced material feels overwhelming, it may benefit your overall grade to explore other options that aren’t honors classes.
- Are you planning on applying to competitive colleges? These schools are looking for students who are different, capable, and mature. Advanced classes can help set you apart from the rest.
Honors courses are meant to challenge you—not overwhelm you. Taking honors courses in both high school and college can provide a wealth of benefits for you. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding on these courses to see if they are the right fit for you. Remember, the right choice is the one that helps you grow and succeed!
Are you taking honors classes and curious about how your weighted GPA can affect your college admission chances? Our College Match tool allows you to input your GPA, among other information, to see how you stack up against other students!
