If you are in 8th – 11th grades this is probably the season during which you are asked to pick (forecast) your classes for next year. It’s important to understand that the choices you make now will impact the choices you get later when it comes to applying to college. When a college evaluates your application the admissions officers read your school profile first. This document (which is provided by your school counselor) gives them context so they understand the educational philosophy of your school and what options are available to you. Admissions officers want to know the rigor of your coursework—did you pick a challenging schedule, or one that was easier and allowed you more free time for non-academic pursuits? Here are some tips as you think through your choices for next year.
Know the Requirements for High School Graduation and State Colleges Entry
In many states the high school graduation requirements match up with the state college entrance requirements, but that is not true everywhere. Check the high school diploma requirements against the college websites to be sure. For example, in Oregon you can pass a class and gradate with a “D” in a required class, however the colleges expect a C- or better to meet the entrance requirement.
Know the Requirements for More Selective Schools
If you are a high-achieving student and considering a more selective school, it is important to know that the entrance requirements might be more rigorous than your graduation requirements. For example, you might be able to get your diploma with two years of foreign language, but some of the colleges you are considering might require three years of the same foreign language. A requirement that often trips up Oregon students considering University of California schools is at-least-one-year-of-the-same-type-of-art. Some Oregon students don’t take any visual or performing arts classes in high school because they want to double up on science or two languages, but that can cause a scramble senior year if the student decides to apply to a UC campus. Many students like to use freshman year to try out assorted electives, so they might choose drama for a semester and paint/draw for a semester. While both are arts classes, that student would need either drama 1 and 2 or paint/draw 1 and 2 (or an alternate visual or performing art) to meet the “one-year-of-the-same-art” requirement.
Academic Rigor is Valued
Take the hardest classes you can handle without undue stress. No college expects you to do AP Everything, but selective schools do want to see you stretch your thinking capabilities and push yourself with tough coursework. In most cases, it is better to get a “B” in an advanced class than an “A” in less challenging class on the same subject; however it is not so great to get a “C”, so push yourself without overextending. Sleep is also critical to your health and attitude, so make sure your class choices/homework load allow you sufficient hours of sleep each night.
Go Deep in your Areas of Interest
If you are a math and science whiz you should max out those options at your school. The same advice holds true whether you are passionate about history or literature or languages—take the hardest classes offered in your specific areas of interest and inherent ability. Then pursue academic opportunities beyond what is offered by taking a class at a local college, trying a MOOC like EdX or Coursera, or doing mentored, independent research. I know scheduling constraints can be hard. Maybe you love physics and French and the advanced course for each is only offered once per day during the same period. These are tough choices to make, so get guidance from your parents and school or independent counselor.
Make Choices that Excite You
I do not believe that it is smart to make choices about how you spend your time and energy simply to impress a college. Pick classes that are exciting to you, and balance your academics with a few activities you really love. Genuine interest in a subject will lead to better performance, plus you will be a lot happier.
Turn in Your Forecasting Paperwork on Time
School counselors and administrators work really hard. Be respectful and appreciative of all they do for you. Fill out your forecasting sheet accurately, legibly, and be sure to get any needed parental signatures. If you want or need guidance, ask! A counselor would rather spend time with you now than spend time in the fall trying to rework your schedule.
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