How to Choose What High School Courses to Take

Co-authored by Jai Flicker

Last Updated: November 23, 2022 References

High school is an exciting and valuable time for discovering your interests, passions and aspirations. You may find yourself pulled in many different directions during this time, and it can be hard to decide what to focus on, especially when it comes to your class schedule. Considering your personal interests, career goals, and diploma requirements will help you make good decisions when choosing high school courses.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Meeting Requirements

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Take at least one English class. Most high schools require this, and even if they don't, any college you apply to will probably be looking for 2-4 years of English on your transcript.^{[1]
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Research source} It's also an important part of developing communication skills that will help you through college and your professional career.
2
Take the required science classes. You will usually be given a choice between subjects, such as biology and chemistry. Choose something that you're interested in and feel that you can do well in, and make sure the classes you choose count towards your credit requirements.
- Keep in mind that many science classes have several levels (Chemistry I, II, and III, for instance). Higher level classes always look better on a transcript, so if you have already taken the first level of a class and did well in it, it's usually a good idea to continue to the next level.^{[2]
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Meet your math requirements. Math can be a struggle for many students, so make sure you tackle your required math courses at a steady pace instead of putting them off and having to take several at once. On the other hand, if you do well in math, consider taking higher level courses – it will show your ability and initiative when you apply to colleges.
- Look ahead to courses that will be available to you in later years. If there's something you're interested in that has prerequisites (classes you have to take first in order to take that one), make sure you're scheduling those ahead of time.^{[3]
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Take at least one social studies course. Start with something broad such as world history or U.S. government, and from there you may choose to pursue more specific topics such as Ancient Greece or local politics.
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Take a foreign language. While some high schools don't require this, many colleges prefer it.^{[4]
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Research source} It can also be a great life skill that will enable you to interact with new and interesting people. Find out what language courses your high school offers and decide which interests you the most.
- Choose a language that may actually be useful to you in real life. If you've always dreamed of traveling to Germany, sign up for German classes. If your town has a large Spanish-speaking population, take a Spanish class.
- While it can be fun to learn several languages, it's better to stick with one and advance through the higher levels. You'll come away with a more impressive transcript, and you'll also have a more solid foundation for your linguistic skills.
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Make sure you are meeting your school's requirements for physical education and arts. Most high schools have minimal requirements in these categories, but this doesn't mean you should put them off. Make sure you fit them into your schedule or have a plan for when you will take them during your high school career.
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Get advice from your school staff. Don't be afraid to ask your teachers, guidance counselor, and other school staff for help in figuring out your requirements and coming up with a course plan that will work for you. They have helped many students do the same thing before, and will be able to offer advice on what works and what doesn't.
- If possible, talk to a teacher you've had classes with before who knows your academic style and personality. They may be able to offer you better guidance on which classes you will enjoy and be able to do well in.
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Ask older classmates and siblings for recommendations. Talking to someone who has already finished high school or is further along than you will give you an idea of what worked or didn't work for them. They may also have specific classes to recommend, either because they enjoyed them or because they found them to be valuable to their education.
- Be aware that every student is different, and take into account the personality and academic style of whoever is giving you advice. If your brother recommends trigonometry because it's “fun,” but you tend to struggle with math, ask someone else to recommend an easier math class.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Choosing Electives

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Choose something you're interested in. Electives are a great chance to learn more about a particular interest or hobby of yours. Have you always wanted to know more about ancient history? Do you like to write poetry in your spare time? Choose something you're passionate about, and you'll not only have a good time, but you'll be motivated to work hard doing something you enjoy.
- Colleges consider your choice of electives when evaluating your transcript. Choose electives that allow you to learn about something you may want to study in college or pursue a career in. You'll be better prepared, and colleges will see that you've shown an interest in the subject.
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Choose some subjects that are totally new to you. This is a good time to branch out and discover new things. Even if you don't know the difference between a Picasso and a Monet, try an art history class. You might find that you enjoy something you never thought you'd be interested in.
- While it's important to be adventurous, choose courses you think you can still get decent grades in. For instance, if you know that you're normally terrible at math, don't sign up for a math class that's not part of your requirements – or if you do, make sure it's an easy one.
3
Make sure your schedule is a balance of easy and difficult. If you are tackling several challenging requirements this semester, it may be a good idea to fill the rest of your schedule with classes that you expect will be fairly easy. On the other hand, if you mostly have easy requirements, consider trying something that will challenge you.
- Try to find classes that challenge you just the right amount. If a class is too easy, you'll be bored, but if it's too hard, you may feel frustrated and anxious.^{[5]
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- It's important not to overschedule yourself, even if none of the classes you're taking are overly challenging. It can be tempting to cram as many credits into one semester as possible, but even if you have excellent time-management skills, your grades (and sanity) will suffer if you stretch yourself too thin.
- Don't forget to take into account your extracurricular activities and anything else that might be going on in your life. Try to come up with a realistic idea of how much time you'll have. Consider dropping any activities or hobbies that you're not truly interested in anymore if it will give you time for the coursework you want.
- In the time of COVID-19, there's a good chance that you'll have to be self-motivated as you navigate a combination of in-school and distance learning. It's especially important that you create a balanced schedule that works for you.^{[6]
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Choose teachers you have a good relationship with. If this is your first year at your high school, you can ask older siblings or any classmates you know if they have any favorite teachers. If it's not your first year, look for interesting classes taught by teachers you like and have a good relationship with. You'll learn better with someone you engage well with.
- Many colleges look for comments or recommendations from teachers about a student's engagement when considering an application.^{[7]
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  Research source} Building good relationships with teachers can be a great way to improve your chances of positive recommendations.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Challenging Yourself

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Sign up for Advanced Placement, honors, or International Baccalaureate classes. Choose subjects you're interested in or feel you would do well in. Colleges are impressed by students who are clearly motivated to challenge themselves, so any AP, honors, or IB classes on your transcript will help your chances of admission.
- Most of the time, a B in an advanced class is better than an A in a regular class.^{[8]
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  Research source} However, if you don't think you can get at least a B, choose something less advanced and try to work your way towards a more difficult course.
- If you're not sure which level of a class you should take, start out with the more advanced option. It will be easier to move to a lower-level class later in the semester than to switch to a more advanced class where you will have to catch up.
2
Look into college extension or online classes. If your high school doesn't offer advanced classes that suit your interests or abilities, you may be able to find the classes you're looking for through a local college extension program or online school. You will be able to take the challenging courses you want, and it will show initiative and drive on your high school transcript.^{[9]
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- Talk to a teacher or counselor to get advice on where to look for college extension or online classes. They will be able to tell you whether the credits will transfer and count towards your high school's requirements.
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Plan on working the hardest in your junior year. Typically, these grades will be the most important on college transcripts. It's important to make sure you have a schedule that shows challenging and rigorous courses, but also to choose classes that you will be able to excel in.^{[10]
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- If you're in freshman or sophomore year, think ahead to what courses would be good choices for junior year. Make sure you're meeting prerequisites if necessary.
4
Don't give in to “senioritis.” Many students make the mistake of slacking off in their senior year, believing that their grades no longer matter. However, many colleges do request senior grades, and may even rescind admission if grades are very poor.^{[11]
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Research source} It's also important to keep up good study habits so that you will be ready when you begin college.
- Plan ahead when balancing school with your social life. Make a schedule for when you will work on your studies throughout the week, and don't plan anything else during those times.
- Keep a calendar where you can write important assignments and deadlines. Put it somewhere you'll see frequently. If you have several deadlines that overlap, plan ahead and tackle at least one of them ahead of schedule.^{[12]
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