What are the most popular elective courses in high school?

Hey everyone, so I'm going into my junior year and recently, we had to pick out our electives for the next semester. This made me wonder, what are generally the most popular elective courses that high school students are taking these days? I'm just curious to know how my choices compare to the norm. Also, did any of you find any particular elective particularly beneficial for college apps or just generally engaging?

Different high schools offer a variety of electives, so the most popular electives can vary quite a bit. However, some electives consistently prove popular across many high schools due to their engaging material or practical applications.

Courses in the arts - including visual arts, drama, and music - are perennial favorites. Many students enjoy expressing their creativity or honing their performing skills in this environment. Language classes beyond the typical Spanish or French, such as Japanese or Latin, are also quite trendy as they offer engagement in diverse cultures and linguistics.

Electives that provide vocational or practical skills like culinary arts, automotive repair, or computer programming are also quite popular. These classes not only provide a break from the traditional academic schedule but also help students acquire skills that can be helpful in their adult lives.

Advanced Placement (AP) electives such as AP Psychology or AP Computer Science Principles have also gained popularity. They provide an opportunity for students to explore potential majors, earn college credits, and demonstrate strong academic rigor to colleges.

With regards to electives being beneficial for college applications, colleges often appreciate students who pursue their interests or potential career paths in-depth. For instance, if you're interested in studying engineering in college, taking elective courses in physics, calculus, or computer programming may reflect positively on your application.

Also, electives can be an excellent way to create a 'spike' in your application—if you can excel in a particular area, it can strengthen your application tremendously. For example, being an outstanding contributor to the school's newspaper, excelling in Drama Club, or being the lead in school plays, can certainly enhance your application.

In terms of personal enjoyment, engaging electives will usually depend on your personal interests. If you love writing, a creative writing class might spark your interest. If you're into tech, a course in coding or web design could be fascinating.

So while it’s helpful to consider the popularity or strategic value of elective, ultimately you should choose based on your interests and what you think you will enjoy the most.