Beneficial High School Classes?

I'm busy planning my schedule for senior year and was wondering, what classes are usually the most beneficial to take in high school?

This ultimately depends on what your interests are and what you plan to major in or study in college. That said, I'll provide some general guidance that could apply to most students.

1. Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) Classes: These are considered college-level classes and can earn you college credit if you score high enough on the exams. They also show colleges your ability to handle more rigorous coursework. AP and IB courses in subjects you're passionate about or considering as a major can be beneficial.

2. Core Subjects: Continue taking classes in the core subjects - English, Math, Science, History, and Foreign Language. Many colleges like seeing a high school transcript that showcases a broad education base.

3. Classes related to your prospective major: If you know what you plan to study in college, it can be beneficial to take high school classes in that same field. For example, if you're interested in a science major, taking AP Biology or Chemistry would be a good idea.

4. Electives that build useful skills: Classes like personal finance, computer programming, or public speaking can provide valuable life skills regardless of your future career path.

5. Classes that demonstrate your interests or "spike": Colleges like to see students who have a deep interest or skill in a specific area. Pursuing advanced or unique classes in your area of interest can play into your "spike".

Remember, it's not just about the number or difficulty of the classes you take. It's also about doing well in them and being able to balance your academic load with extracurricular activities and other commitments. Make sure you're choosing a schedule that challenges you but also allows you to maintain good grades and be involved outside of the classroom. And keep in mind that colleges not only look at grades and classes, but also at your extracurriculars, essays, and recommendation letters.