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Often, students and parents ask admissions officers what do they prefer to see on a transcript. “Is it better to show an A in honors classes over a B in AP classes or vice versa?” The answer is ‘it depends.’

It ‘depends’ on the type of school you’re considering. While most schools, as defined by USNWR of top 30, prefer that you take the most rigorous and challenging curriculum, the answer should be quite obvious; ‘excel and get A’s in all coursework.’

This recommendation is advised in the context of the competition. If you’re applying to schools that practice highly selective admissions, where the admit rate is less than 20%, presenting your consistent performance and demonstrated success for the past three years of high school would be ideal. Consider the fact that at these schools, many enrolled students will have an unweighted GPA of 4.0 and 1500+ on their SATs. Putting your best foot forward means not showing your vulnerability. In this case, having a “B in AP class” could hurt you.

While it is understood that colleges and universities will ‘evaluate you in the context of the opportunities available at your school,’ they won’t penalize you for not taking an AP class in which your high school does not offer. However, showing AP results of 4s or 5s on AP exams, without AP coursework reflected on your transcript can show initiative and determination. Not to mention that the scores may help admissions officers to overlook and chalk up your ‘B’ as an aberration or dismiss it under the guise of your teacher is a tough grader.

In sum, its best to not ask them the above question, as it may come off as you trying to justify the ‘B’. Don’t make excuses. Instead, it’s best to ask them how you can offset the minor setback. Doing so will show a more mature approach, to not dwell on the past but to build on it in ways that demonstrate a conviction for learning and continued growth and development.

Solomon Admissions Consulting is an international college admissions consulting company based in New York, which helps applicants apply to and be accepted by colleges, MBA and MD programs, and private schools.