The school year is beginning or about to begin. How do you know if you are taking the “right” classes, the classes that will get you into college? Here are some questions to ask yourself before signing off on your new high school schedule.
Do your courses align with your goals?
If you have a particular career path in mind, make sure you take relevant courses. If you want to attend an engineering school, you are expected to take calculus, physics and chemistry. Want to study political science? Demonstrate your mastery of advanced history and economics courses. Colleges will notice if you declare yourself a psychology major but don’t take the two psychology courses offered by your high school.
Are you taking FIVE core courses?
No matter your career path, competitive colleges are looking for you to take five core courses each year of high school. That means a class in literature, history, mathematics, science, and foreign language each year. Unless there is a compelling reason for you to drop foreign language, don’t do it! Colleges like to see it and I promise you will be glad you speak/read/write in another language, even if you aren’t great at it. And not all science courses are created equal. Take a science class with a lab if you can manage it.
Can you maintain a comfortable work/life balance?
Yes, you want to take a rigorous course load, but you don’t want to burn yourself out or spend your high school years miserable. Protect your mental health by making sure your life is manageable. You don’t need to take the most difficult version of every course offered by your high school. Talk to your guidance counselor and older students who have taken your intended courses and make sure you are challenging yourself within reason.
Are you taking advantage of what your school offers?
Remember, colleges evaluate you within the context of your high school. Advocate for yourself by exploring your options for advanced courses, dual-enrollment courses, independent study and research opportunities, extra-curricular programs and any other special offerings your high school may provide. Participate at the highest level in the areas that mean the most to you.
