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It’s not an easy decision. Do you take the easier class – the one you’re pretty sure you can ace, or do you take the tougher, advanced placement class, that might earn you a lower grade?

The advanced class would definitely look better on your transcript. But you want that high grade point average, for sure.

The answer isn’t any easier, unfortunately – because you want both. Students with the best college admissions applications have a mixture of advanced and honors courses along with high grade point averages. In fact, the average GPA of enrolling students at the University of Michigan is 3.85. I know it’s not easy. Getting those good grades takes not only hard work and planning, but strategy, as well.

You need to work with your college counselor – or whatever mentor you choose – to determine what kind of academic load you can handle, succeed in, and still participate in the extracurricular activities you’ve chosen. Everyone has areas they’re more interested in, where they feel they can excel or challenge themselves. And most people have areas where they know they have limitations.

It’s a matter of time management, of weighing the choices available and choosing wisely. And it’s also a matter of looking inside yourself and deciding – truthfully – how much effort you’re willing to exert. A tip for those just starting out? Don’t necessarily sign up for all the honors courses right away. Gauge your progress; pace yourself.

As for us? We’ll do our part by having territory counselors (admissions.umich.edu/contact-us) who’ll familiarize themselves with your schools so we know what course offerings are available to you. We know all schools aren’t created equal, and we look at students like you in the context of the school you attend, so we know what options are available to you. We know you can’t take honors classes that simply aren’t available to you.

And at the University of Michigan, of course, each admissions application receives a holistic review. That process means that we’re looking at your entire application – not just grades. Because on our campus, we want well-rounded students. Yes, we want students with strong academic backgrounds, but we also want students who are involved in activities they’re passionate about, who will become leaders and become involved in the world around them.

We want you to balance your life – take that tougher course, and still have time for a little fun.

Show us that you can.