I'm beginning to think about my schedule for next year, and I was wondering what classes are most popular among high schoolers?
High school curriculum can vastly vary based on individual schools and locations. However, some core classes are commonly pursued by high school students, given their relevance across a multitude of academic disciplines and their significance for college readiness.
1. English: High school students typically take English each year. This subject develops students' writing, reading, and critical thinking skills, preparing them for college and any career where communication is vital.
2. Math: Popular math courses can range from Geometry and Algebra to Precalculus, Calculus, and Statistics. Not only do these courses fulfill graduation requirements, but they also advanced courses can showcase a student's ability to handle academically rigorous work.
3. Science: Many students choose to take a combination of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics over their high school years. An additional popular science course is Environmental Science, given the increasing awareness and interest in climate change and environmental issues.
4. Social Studies: Courses like U.S. History, World History, Government/Civics, and Psychology are extremely popular among high schoolers.
5. Language: Foreign language classes such as Spanish, French, and Mandarin are quite popular. Some students also take Latin, which can be very beneficial for SAT vocab and understanding Romance languages.
6. AP Courses: Advanced Placement (AP) courses are well-liked by students planning to attend colleges and universities. They provide a college-level curriculum and, with passing scores on the AP exams, can potentially earn students college credit.
7. Electives: Courses around technology (like computer science), arts (like music, visual, film), or personal finance are popular electives that allow students to delve into specific interests or career aspirations.
Consider your academic strengths, interests, and plans when deciding what classes to take next year. Remember to also have a balanced schedule that allows time for doing well in your courses, participating in extracurricular activities, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
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