The early years of high school, when students are focused on basic requirements and prerequisites for advanced classes, can offer very little course flexibility. Options, if any, may be limited to one precious elective.
Seniors, however, may have space in their schedules for courses that they choose. While students should avoid the “easy A,” here are four strategies that can help keep college goals in mind while selecting classes for senior year.
[Find out how to choose the right high school courses.]
1. Improve your understanding of an intended career or prospective major: One of the simplest approaches to selecting senior year classes is to register for courses that will complement a student’s intended career or college major.
For example, additional math and science classes will benefit a biology major, especially if they prompt you to use core skills in a new way. A computer science course, for instance, may stretch your creative and problem-solving capacities.
Similarly, if you are considering a liberal arts major, seek out electives with a theme, such as a modern poets class. If your high school does not offer targeted electives, there may be dual-enrollment options available with local colleges, or your high school may have an independent study option. With the latter, you can work with a teacher to build a curriculum that will stretch your skills, while also demonstrating your interests and abilities.
In short, avoid basic survey classes. The goal is to prove that you are delving into your preferred fields as deeply as possible at your age.
[Learn how high school classes can offer college benefits.]
2. Find your academic passion by experimenting with courses: If you are not certain about your career or major, you can use senior year to sample classes outside of your traditional strengths.
Perhaps you are wavering about a science specialization. Taking a literature class may offer a new perspective on your choice. For the already literary, a math or science course could help you see your academic future in new ways.
Art classes, too, can add depth to your transcript while also providing a chance to explore new fields. If you discover that you love both biology and photography, you may find that a career in the burgeoning field of medical illustration is ideal.
The practical benefits of exploration extend beyond broadening your horizons. The courses that you take throughout your high school career can demonstrate to prospective colleges that you are a well-rounded student with an active and curious mind.
3. Challenge yourself via higher-level courses and learning opportunities: Senior year also provides you with the freedom to truly challenge yourself.
If your high school offers Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or dual-enrollment classes, and if you are not already enrolled in them, this is your chance to shine. This can be especially beneficial if you had difficulty early in your high school career and need to demonstrate academic improvement. Remember that admissions officers look favorably upon students who show significant improvement as they move through high school.
As an added bonus, AP, IB and dual enrollment can help you obtain college credit before you set foot on campus. This can save you significant time and money, and these courses can serve as practice for the more rigorous coursework you can expect in college.
Even if you are already taking challenging classes, you may find that these types of courses can add an extra degree of distinction to your transcript.
[Consider taking online college courses in high school.]
4. Pursue options with other advantages: There are a surprising range of special-interest scholarships available, and with a bit of investigative work, you may find options that are dependent on a specific background or interest.
This is likely a long shot, so do not plan to receive college funds as a result of taking specific high school classes. If, however, you discover that a scholarship dovetails with a course offered at your school, why not choose the option that could give you an edge? Of course, you should be sure that the class is also sufficiently rigorous enough to complement your transcript.
Language courses can also be useful beyond your transcript, and skill in another language can equip you for a more rewarding international internship or study abroad experience. Not all study abroad programs in college require fluency, but some do. Even if you never study abroad or complete an internship in another country, your language classes will still add desirable breadth to your transcript.
More from U.S. News
Manage Time Wisely on the ACT Writing Test
3 Individuals to Turn to for High School Mentorship
3 Last-Minute AP Prep Tips to Ace the Exam
Use College Goals to Choose High School Senior Year Courses originally appeared on usnews.com
