Strategies for Choosing Your High School Courses [Podcast Recap]

This article is a recap of an episode from our podcast: Course Selection: Strategies for Choosing Your High School Courses.

Are you a junior or senior? Are you stumped about choosing your classes for next year? You're in the right place!

In this article, we recap Peter Van Buskirk's top strategies for choosing high school courses to help you grow academically and improve your college applications.

Let’s dive right in! If you're an auditory learner, you can listen to the full podcast below.

Key Takeaways from this Article

1. Assess your current courses and your performance in them
2. Plan next year’s courses, keeping in mind logical progression
3. Stay committed to excelling in the courses you choose
4. Research colleges that align well with your academic background
5. Consider rigorous programs like AP or IB (if available) or alternative class options (like virtual courses or dual enrollment)

Why Course Selection Matters

When colleges review applications, they ask themselves, “Can this student handle the work here?” The best predictor is your performance in high school courses.

When an admissions officer receives your college application, the first thing they'll probably look at is your transcript. So, it’s crucial to choose courses that reflect your growth and willingness to challenge yourself.

Keep in mind...

1. Every year of high school counts; focus on the year you’re in
2. Continuously challenge yourself with more advanced courses
3. Colleges want to see progression in your academic rigor

Choosing High School Courses Wisely

When deciding which courses to take, consider the following:

1. Assess Your Abilities: Choose courses that align with your skills and preparation. If you’ve completed French II, take French III next
2. Commit to Your Choices: Once you've selected a course, dedicate yourself to succeeding, regardless of past grades
3. Target the Right Colleges: Look for institutions that will appreciate your academic journey

Questions to consider

Students often ask, “Should I take a course where I can easily get an A or challenge myself?” Peter's advice is to always choose the course that makes sense for you, given your abilities. Remember, surrendering to lower expectations won’t help in the selective college admission process.

Beyond Graduation Requirements

Once you’ve met your high school graduation requirements, you might think you can ease up. However, colleges want to see what you do when you don’t have to do anything. Keep pushing forward!

What if you exhaust the curriculum?

If you’ve completed all available courses in a subject, consider options like:

1. Taking dual enrollment courses at a local college
2. Enrolling in online classes to continue your studies

Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB)

Many high schools offer AP courses starting in the sophomore year. While it may be tempting to take as many AP classes as possible, a logical progression is crucial. For instance, if your school offers an IB program, consider sampling courses early to see if it fits your goals.

Final thoughts

Your academic record is the most important factor in college admissions. Focus on your current year and take courses that demonstrate your ability to grow. Remember, “The year you’re in is the most important.”

Also, keep in mind: colleges vary in selectivity, impacting how they view your academic rigor. More selective schools will scrutinize your performance even more closely. 

P.S. Get one step ahead by working on your college resume now.

Your Action Items

1. Review your current courses and assess your performance
2. Plan next year’s courses based on logical progression
3. Stay committed to excelling in your chosen courses
4. Research colleges that align with your academic background
5. Consider rigorous programs like AP or IB (if available) or alternative class options (like virtual courses or dual enrollment)

Choosing courses may seem minor, but it lays the groundwork for your future college applications. We wish you the best of luck!

Check out this article next: Finding a College That's a Good Fit for Your Academic Needs